Working with National Programs to Empower Lives

Gavin Dunlop • Aug 28, 2023

Focused On Care, your local NDIS Service Provider in Toowoomba, is a trusted organisation that plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through its participation in several national schemes. These include the NDIS and NIISQ. You may or may not have heard of these organisations before, but what do they really do?


National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an initiative designed to provide support and services to people with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life and independence. This includes help with education and employment, access to NDIS supported accommodation and all sorts of other support services. The main function of the NDIS is to provide functions to people with disabilities so they can have greater independence, spend more time with family and friends and have a generally improved quality of life.


Launched in 2013, the NDIS aims to empower participants by offering individualised funding packages, tailored to their unique needs and goals. This person-centred approach enables access to a wide range of services such as assistive technology, therapy, and personal care. Participants are able to decide on the NDIS providers they prefer (such as Focused On Care for NDIS Toowoomba) meaning you aren't locked into one way of doing things. By promoting inclusion and equal opportunities, the National Disability Insurance Scheme significantly improves the lives of people with disabilities and their families.


National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ)

The National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) is a program established to provide comprehensive support and care for individuals who sustain catastrophic injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Launched in certain states in 2016, the NIISQ offers lifetime treatment, rehabilitation, and support services tailored to the specific needs of participants. By ensuring access to medical treatment, assistive technologies, and ongoing therapies, the scheme aims to maximise participants' independence and quality of life. The NIISQ disability services brings financial security, relieves the burden of expensive medical expenses, and provides peace of mind to participants and their families during challenging times.


There are several differences between the NIISQ and NDIS. A major one is that the NISSQ does not provide supported accommodation as the NDIS does. However, as a provider of both services Focused On Care is able to give you access to all the services these programs offer. 


Together, these disability services demonstrate the organisation's commitment to empowering and caring for individuals in need, fostering inclusion and support within the community. Focused On Care is proud to help better the lives of individuals with disabilities, providing them with the resources and assistance they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives. 


For further information on these programs, how you can access the aid provided or how you can get involved to help, contact us at Focused On Care here or call us on 1300 144 422. Focused On Care is the NIISQ and NDIS Toowoomba provider, so get in touch today.

25 Sep, 2023
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a form of supported accommodation specifically designed to cater to those with high level care needs. This supported accommodation is split into four types of design categories catering to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants: Improved Livability, Robust, Fully Accessible and High Physical Support. The categories of these homes are based on what improvements and disability supports will need to be built into the home to shape it to the individual's needs. Let’s go through the differences between each category. Improved Livability ‘ Improved Livability’ housing are homes built for people who primarily have intellectual, cognitive and sensory impairments. For example, someone with a visual impairment might need additions made to be able to navigate the space more easily, such as luminance contrasts and tactile pieces on the wall or within the door. Robust ' Robust’ housing is built to be resilient, designed to withstand behaviors of its occupant that could place either them or the people who support them at risk and keep them safe. They are also built to reduce the likelihood of reactive maintenance. Some of the building standards for this form of supported living accommodation include secure windows, doors and external areas, high impact wall lining, fittings and fixtures such as blinds and door handles, soundproofing, and laminated glass. This is to provide areas of sanctuary for other residents and staff. Fully Accessible ‘ Fully Accessible’ housing assimilates a high level of physical support for people with a significant functional impairment. This assistance includes features such as allowing wheelchair movement throughout the entire residence, and facilitating access to kitchen and laundry countertops, as well as all household appliances, from both a seated or standing stance. High Physical Support Category ‘ High Physical Support’ housing includes all the same additions as the Fully Accessible category, with a few additions. This includes structural provisions for ceiling hoists and clear opening width doors to all rooms. Additional disability services include high-tech assistive technology allowing the occupant to control the home's temperature, lights, doors and appliances (such as the TV) using voice commands or a tablet/phone app. Emergency power solutions are ensured to allow for a minimum two-hour power outage.
22 Jul, 2021
Churches of Christ and Focused on Care today signed a first-of-its-kind partnership agreement to use 32 rooms at the Churches of Christ Warwick Campus to create new homes for NDIS clients in the region.
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