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A Eurobodalla disability service is seeking clarification on how Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis hopes TAFE can close the gap for children cut out of the NDIS.
Speaking in Moruya on August 25, Mrs Sudmalis said she was meeting with TAFE to discuss the plight of Eurobodalla families with small children. Now, therapy service Muddy Puddles is keen to know more detail.
Muddy Puddles CEO Cate McMath said she has approached Mrs Sudmalis’ office for clarification.
Mrs Sudmalis and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull answered queries on the National Disability Insurance Scheme rollout while visiting Yumaro disability service.
Parents in August told the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner that not one child aged under seven years had been granted an NDIS package.
Three services are certified to work with Eurobodalla families to apply for NDIS funding plans – but only one has a presence here and parents fear it lacks the capacity to meet the overwhelming need.
Muddy Puddles already provides early childhood therapy, but is not certified to work with families to apply for NDIS plans.
“Muddy Puddles is a registered NDIS provider and continues to support families with and without NDIS funding,” Ms McMath said.
“The organisation is not a nominated Early Childhood Early Intervention Transition Provider as we were not funded by the State Government.
“We are set up to provide early intervention services under a transdisciplinary model (best practice), but are limited in what we can provide to those families who do not have NDIS funding.”
Muddy Puddles said last week it was unaware of how TAFE might help.
“We are not aware of any such solution involving TAFE,” Ms McMath said.
“We are advocating strongly for families with children under seven who have not yet transitioned into the NDIS, but may be eligible for early intervention funding under the scheme.
“We will continue to work with Family and Community Services and the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) to ensure these children who require essential early intervention services are able to access the scheme.
“It would make sense if Muddy Puddles could somehow assist in supporting young children into the NDIS, if that is the suitable pathway, so they can be funded to use our services.”
