Because of this, technology has become an important tool for NDIS participants to stay in touch with their service providers.
Goulburn Options Support Services Manager Megan Hill said Zoom meetings had become a regular activity for a many of the Goulburn Options participants and the number of people using the private Facebook page had doubled.
“It has been challenging for some of our participants and families to adapt to this new way of connecting,” she said.
“People are having to learn new skills, and many are also lacking the necessary technological equipment.”
To help participants during the pandemic period, the NDIS has temporarily broadened a flexible approach to purchasing low cost assistive technology items. This allows participants to access low cost items like smart devices.
Ms Hill said participants could seek assistance from a support coordinator if they are unsure how to proceed with the purchase of necessary equipment.
“Everyone doesn’t normally have access to funding for support coordination, but due to the pandemic the NDIS is allowing participants to use some of their core support funding,” she said.
“This ensures participants get the support they need and successfully implement their plans in these unusual times.”
Goulburn Options provides support coordination and anyone wishing to access information about the service can contact Christie Gross on 0476 164 481.
Detailed information about the pandemic-related funding of assistive technology and core funded support coordination can be found at ndis.gov.au
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