plan management
Leaders
discuss NDIS
Billed as the biggest social reform
since Medicare, the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
was launched five years ago. A
panel discussion held in Melbourne
recently addressed questions from
the public about how Australia is
faring under the Scheme.
J
ointly presented by Scope and
“As a leader in the sector, Scope
the University of Melbourne, the seeks to create debate and discussion investment into disability research and
event brought together leading around some of the critical issues engagement to help achieve this.”
experts on disability to explore the facing people with disability in topic: ‘Choice and control under the Australia. We want to influence the and the audience using augmented
NDIS: Are we there yet?’. implementation of good public policy and alternative communication – using
and ensure that the voice of people methods other than speech – to share
was Professor Ron McCallum, a with a disability is always at the centre his perspectives as a person with lived
renowned legal expert from the of the conversation and that it is experience of disability.
University of Sydney who was the heard,” Dr Fitzgerald said.
Contributing to the discussion
first totally blind person to be
“The panel provided a platform to
Mr Tomlin engaged with the panel
He closed the discussion by
commenting on the importance of
awarded professorship in Australia. take these valuable discussions to the breaking down barriers around societal
Prof McCallum also chaired the UN public, connecting disability sector attitudes toward disability in Australia.
Convention of Rights for People with experts, problem-solvers and thinkers Disability for a number of years. with people in the community.
Joining Professor McCallum on
“Ultimately, our goal at Scope
“If there were more training and
awareness campaigns throughout
Australia, we could transform the
the panel was Scope Chief Executive is to improve the lives of people community’s attitudes toward people
Officer Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald, with disability, their families and with disabilities,” Mr Tomlin said.
University of Melbourne Professor carers. Scope’s partnership with “It only takes one person who
Keith McVilly, Foundation Director really listens. They will go home and
of the Melbourne Social Equity talk to their families and friends about
Institute Professor Bernadette it, and the conversation keeps on
McSherry and Scope disability going. I call it planting the seeds of
educator Brandon Tomlin. acceptance.”
Dr Fitzgerald said that the panel
The event was held at the
format provided the audience with
genuine, well-considered responses
to a diverse range of questions about
Australia’s NDIS journey so far.
42
the University of Melbourne is an
plan management
Melbourne Brain Centre and hosted
Panel members (above and top)
addressed questions on how
Australia is faring under the NDIS.
by social commentator Dr Susan
Carland.
www.scopeaust.org.au
linkonline.com.au