Self Directed Funding Pilot

Launch of self-directed funding pilot: My Choice ACT

 

Under Future Directions: Towards Challenge 2014 the ACT Government has committed to piloting a self-directed funding arrangement with a number of people with existing Individual Support Package (ISP) or school leaver supports. Self-directed funding is a consumer controlled approach that enables people with disability and their families to have greater control and choice about the supports they receive. People with disability will be at the centre of decision-making; choosing the services or items they need and how, where and when they receive them.

 

Choice and control are central to the pilot and this is reflected in the name; My Choice. Disability ACT has engaged Anglicare and Community Connections in a partnership to work with interested people to support them to explore what is possible under this new approach. Anglicare and Community Connections bring unique expertise in this area including experience implementing an individualised funding model in New Zealand and over twenty years experience delivering innovative services with people with disability in the ACT.

 

Invitations to participate in My Choice are being distributed in April and a staged commencement of participants will follow. My Choice will accommodate up to 30 people with individualised funding. Anglicare and Community Connections will work directly with people with disability and their families to ensure they are confident that a self-directed funding approach is the right fit for the person, their goals and circumstances. Disability ACT will support individuals that participate in the pilot and their existing provider to ensure a smooth transition to the pilot.

 

The evaluation of the pilot will be guided by the pilot reference group compromised of key stakeholders, including people with a lived experience of disability, community organisations and government representatives. The findings from the evaluation will create a body of evidence that will be shared with the sector to build capacity and understanding of consumer controlled approaches in anticipation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Please find attached frequently asked questions on self-directed funding and the pilot.

 

For further information or if you wish to discuss any aspect of this letter please contact Bronwyn McNally on 6207 1063 or bronwyn.mcnally@act.gov.au. If you require the use of a TTY service please contact 02 6205 0888.