TWO of Ararat’s disability day programs will continue until at least January 1, 2021.
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Wood N Crete and Manna Gums adult disability programs faced imminent closure following the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, as the programs did not fit the NDIS funding model.
The closure would have seen 23 clients and 14 staff let go.
But the programs will now undergo a 12 month review, which will look at re-branding the services to form a new Ararat Disability Community Hub to attract additional special NDIS funding.
In the meantime new participants will still be able to access the program based on their needs and relevant intake policies.
Health and Community Services Union spokesperson Joe Taylor said the NDIS funding model provides funding on an individual basis, whereas the two day programs fall under what he called a block funding model.
“For several months the department had put a stop on taking in new clients, put a stop on buying any product for both day services - they were not allowed to buy in new stock so it became clear that the objective was to shut the place down,” he said.
“What the workforce was arguing is that it's recognised as a really effective service which is very much valued by people with profound disabilities.
“It's important that we don't lose that service because it doesn't fit a particularly funding model.”
Mr Taylor said the programs are unique in the way they run.
Participants produce products and services for the community including housing stumps, split-system air conditioning blocks, meals on wheels delivery, fire prevention clean up and myriad other local services.
“The (workers) there say they can't keep their clients away, and the people with profound disabilities who are sick still really want to come and do their tasks,” Mr Taylor said.
“They get a real sense of worth from it.”
Mr Taylor gave special thanks to Labor candidate for Ripon Sarah De Santis, who he said advocated strongly on behalf of the programs.
Ms De Santis welcomed the news.
“I’m very pleased to see staff and clients at Wood n Crete and Manna Gums now have the surety and security they need …,” she said.