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Better Start for children with disability

Individualised funding under the Better Start program is transitioning to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and has ended as of 31 March 2021. Carers NSW delivers the Early Days Moving Forward workshops and the NDIS information workshops.

About the Better Start program

The Better Start program was an Australian government initiative, funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS). It supported children with disability and worked to improve access to early intervention services to better prepare them for the transition to school.

The Better Start Program supported families with transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Individualised funding under the Better Start program is transitioning to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and has ended as of 31 March 2021.

Children registered for Better Start should transition to the NDIS or may be eligible for Continuity of Support.

Early Days Moving Forward Workshops

The Early Days Moving Forward workshop has been developed for parents and guardians of children with disability aged 0 – 12 years who are seeking information on the ECEI and NDIS pathways, planning processes and tools.

The focus of the workshop is to enable parents and guardians to better support their child through these transition periods while learning more about the systems, therapies and supports available for their child as a participant in mainstream services, school, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. They are also designed to allow opportunities for families to discuss and share experiences, challenges and aspirations for the future with other families and provide practical information on family advocacy and inclusiveness. Early Days Moving Forward workshops are free to attend.

Guest speakers attend all workshops, these include:

  • ECEI partners (0-6 age group NDIS)
  • Local Area Coordinators (7+ age group NDIS)
  • Local Disability Advocacy Agency
  • NSW Department of Education

Translating and Interpreting services are available for all workshops.

Upcoming Moving Forward Workshops:

  • Gymea – 15 April 2021
  • Liverpool – 27 April 2021
  • Ryde – 6 May 2021
  • South Coast – 11 May 2021
  • Campbelltown – 25 May 2021
  • Grafton – 24 June 2021

If you would like to attend one of these events please register here: https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/aosfc/movingforward

 

NDIS Plan Information Sessions – phone or online

The NDIS plan Information sessions have been developed by Carers NSW for parents and guardians of children aged 0-12 with disability or developmental delay who are looking for support with:

  •  starting their child’s NDIS plan; or
  •  using their child’s existing NDIS plan more effectively. 

The information session topics include understanding your child’s NDIS plan, making changes to the plan, plan reviews, self-management tips, finding and choosing providers, and the importance of self-care.

The information sessions are 1.5 hrs and are available over the phone or as an online Zoom meeting.


2020-2021 Information Sessions

Scheduled session dates:

  • 25th March 2021: 12pm – 1.30pm
  • 9th April 2021: 10am – 12pm
  • 20th April 2021: 12pm – 1.30pm
  • 5th May 2021: 10am – 12pm
  • 20th May 2021: 12pm – 1.30pm
  • 4th June 2021: 10am – 12pm
  • 15th June 2021: 12pm – 1.30pm

Interpreting services are available for phone sessions.

If you would like further information on the Early Days Moving Forward Workshops or NDIS Information Sessions please call 02 9280 4744 to talk with a Better Start team member or Email: betterstart@carersnsw.org.au

If you would like to attend one of these events please register here: https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/aosfc/ndisinfo

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Carers NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, Elders past and present and all Aboriginal people.