Children with a disability who need support can join the National Insurance Disability Scheme (NDIS) upon turning 7, and Social Futures, which delivers the NDIS in much of regional New South Wales, has come up with new ways to make the move as easy as possible.

Children under 7 can first access support through the NDIS Early Childhood Partner, then, if needed, make a transition to the NDIS Local Area Coordinators. Social Futures delivers NDIS local coordination through much of regional NSW.

Social Futures, an NDIS Partner in the Community, is a community-based organisation that works with the National Disability Insurance Agency to coordinate the scheme in the local area. For most NDIS participants in this region, Social Futures is their main point of contact for the NDIS.

Newly appointed Early Childhood Transition Manager Natalie Tynan welcomes families and shows them how the NDIS can support their child to grow and flourish.

“When it comes to children, early intervention and provision of services such as speech and occupational therapy can reduce the ongoing impact of the disability throughout the person’s life,” said Tynan.

Tynan has worked with children with disabilities for 17 years. She said that children under 7 are first delivered services and support through an NDIS Early Childhood Partner, then, if needed, make a transition to the NDIS.

“I want to reassure families that we will be working closely with them to make the transition process as smooth and informed as possible.”

Processes are put in place to make the families feel as welcome as possible. Families can request in-person or online meetings to get to know how NDIS can support them. They have control over how and when they receive NDIS support.

Written agreements and short interviews to really understand the parents’ needs and aspirations are all already part of the process. However, newly appointed Manager Tynan plans on introducing webinar information and a forum for parents with questions and concerns.

“I have seen the positive difference the NDIS makes to the lives of children and their families, and I am grateful to be able to be a part of the journey with them in this role at Social Futures.” said Tynan.