The NDIS roll out is well underway in NEMA and Central Highlands, with the Loddon region next to follow in May 2017.  

There's been considerable effort by all in these areas to facilitate the changes needed, to ensure continuity of services for people with disability.

The Sector Engagement Team is busy supporting providers in all areas through the Readiness and Implementation Program, which is customised to meet the changing needs of the sector in each region. The team has also been meeting 1:1 with providers who will be phasing into the NDIS in the later months of 2017, to ensure we develop our supports to address their needs.

Tailored 1:1 guidance from our Sector Support Consultancy continues to be available to DHHS-funded services to address individual business needs. This may include a gap analysis for business readiness, developing action plans for transition, guidance in understanding NDIS operational processes, assistance with exploring change management or business viability under the NDIS.

We're also developing a series of practical guides to assist providers which will be available shortly for downloading. The topics currently under development include Service Agreements, Provider Travel and Understanding NDIS Plan Funding.

As well as joining the NDIA in a number of community events, in the next month, members of the team will be in the following areas:

• Loddon: 30 March, CEO andSenior Management Network meeting
• Loddon: 4 April, ReadinessSession #4
• Warrnambool: 4 April, ReadinessSession #1
• Horsham: 5 April, ReadinessSession #1
• Central Highlands: 6 April, Implementation Session #2
• Ovens Murray: 12 April, Readiness Session #1
• Inner Gippsland: 19 April, Readiness Session #1
• Eastern Melbourne: 3 May, Readiness Session #1

The Sector Engagement Team is appreciating the opportunities to talk all things NDIS with providers across the state, and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event or when engaging directly with provider organisations.