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Disability services

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National Disability Insurance Scheme launched

10 July 2013

From 1 July 2013 Victoria’s Barwon area will host the Victorian launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

During the launch period over 5,000 clients will transition to the NDIS, with all existing clients and service providers in the Barwon area expected to transition by September 2014.

For information on how the NDIS might affect your organisation:

This page contains information for Not For Profit organisations that provide services to people with a disability.

Disability services and access

The Disability Act 2006 (Vic) regulates services and supports for people with a disability. The Act provides the framework to enable people with a disability to more actively participate in the community. The Act is guided by the principles of human rights and citizenship.

The Act regulates who can access disability services. To access disability services a person must have a disability as defined in the Act and be considered a priority for access to services.

  • see the Access to services page on the Department of Human Services (DHS) website for more information.

Not For Profits provide disability services through a number of different outputs which may include information, planning and capacity building, targeted services (i.e. aids and equipment), individual support, and residential accommodation support.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) website has a section for service providers who provide services and supports to Victorians with a disability.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cwth) commenced on 1 July 2013. Under the scheme, people with a disability will be able to choose their preferred providers of disability services (supports) under an individualised support plan.

To provide disability services under a support plan your organisation must be registered with the National Disability Insurance Agency. Your organisation can also register to manage funding for supports for an individual.

  • See the Providers section on the National Disability Insurance Scheme website for more information.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme will be rolled out in full across Victoria by 2019-20; Victorians with disabilities are expected to be able to start accessing the scheme from July 2016.

Protecting the rights of clients

The rights of people with disabilities are protected under the following laws:

  • the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2007
  • the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
  • the Victorian Disability Act 2006
  • the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

If your organisation is providing services to people in Victoria with a disability you must ensure that you act compatibly with human rights and ensure all your clients’ rights are protected.

Funding

Your organisation may be funded through multiple funding streams. Funding provided by the Victorian government may be managed through a service agreement between the relevant department and the organisation.

Funded Agency Channel

The Funded Agency Channel (FAC) website provides information for organisations funded through a service agreement by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Education and Training (DET).

Some of the information on the website can be viewed publicly. If your organisation is funded through a service agreement, you should also have access to the secure section of the FAC website called MyAgency. This will allow you to see:

  • your organisation's service agreement information for the current, future and previous financial years
  • access to payment schedules, invoices and the progress of variations to agreements
  • payment advice relating to the service agreement
  • organisation performance reports for funded activities
  • departmental policies, standards and guidelines, data collections and other reporting requirements
  • relevant legislation.

Visit the Funded Agency Channel website for further information.

Service Agreement Information Kit

The Service Agreement Information Kit for Funded Organisations provides organisations funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Department of Education and Training (DET) with online information about service agreements. It contains information about:

  • the standard service agreement terms and conditions
  • funding, payments and price indexation
  • specific Human Services, Health and Education policies
  • other relevant information for delivering services funded by DHHS and DET.

View the Service Agreement Information Kit for further information.

Department of Human Services Policy and Funding Plan

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Policy and Funding Plan provides information regarding DHS objectives, strategic intent and budget. It also provides descriptive information on service activities, performance measures, data collection requirements, service standards and guidelines.

The plan is produced every three years and updated annually. If you have a funding arrangement (service agreement) with DHS, you should use the plan in conjunction with your service agreement or statement of priorities.

If you have questions about responsibilities related to funding to your organisation has received:

  • check your agreement with the funding provider
  • contact the funding provider.

Further Information

  • Managing your organisation

    for information about managing your organisation, including meetings and other constitutional obligations.

  • Managing your finances

    for information about managing your organisation's finances, including financial records and reporting.

  • Managing people

    for information on managing staff, volunteers and contractors in your organisation, including workplace health and safety.

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