As part of the September Safeguarding Awareness Month activities, the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay hosted a Community Forum on 25 September on Promoting Safety for People Living with Disability.
The event, which took place at St Joseph’s Hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Killara, had a presentation by Miranda Bruyniks, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Complaints Commissioner. The presentation was followed by a panel question and answer session which included staff, clients and family members who had expertise and insight on the realities of living with disability.
Only a year since its establishment, the Commission is geared to ensure the provision of NDIS services to clients meet all of the new quality standards and act according to the Code of Conduct. Since the Commission’s inception, representatives have received more than a thousand complaints about quality of service for clients with disabilities. To ensure the services across Australia meet the new standards, the Commission is working over the next three years to review and evaluate all NDIS service providers. For those that fall short of providing safe, dignified and appropriate care, the Commission has broad powers to provide injunction, suspension or termination of registered providers. Sanctions against providers failing to meet the Code of Conduct apply to both registered and non-registered NDIS providers.
“This is the first time that there’s been a national approach to ensure services for people with disabilities are safe and all follow the same code of conduct,” explained Miranda.
Those with concerns about the safety and quality of services for persons with disabilities are invited to contact the Commission on 1800 035 544 or visit the website at www.ndiscommission.gov.au
The panel had an insightful discussion about the importance of those living with disability having inclusive communities. Inclusion creates safety for all.
