NDIA announces first WA ECEI partner
![Wanslea will help Western Australian children with developmental delay or disability to achieve better long-term outcomes. [Source: Shutterstock]](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/11-Jan-Partner.jpg?fm=pjpg)
The first National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner delivering Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) services to children in Western Australia (WA) has been announced.
Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher and Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services Sarah Henderson announced Wanslea Family Services as the State’s first ECEI partner early this week.
The services will be delivered thanks to a $25 million investment from the Government.
“Wanslea is a well-known and respected Western Australian organisation, founded more than 70 years ago, when they first began supporting WA families experiencing the hardships of World War II.
He says families and children are at the heart of Wanslea.
“Through their established connections with the community, Wanslea is expected to help Western Australian children with developmental delay or disability to achieve better long-term outcomes.”
Ms Henderson says ECEI partners are the first point of contact for families who believe their child is eligible for the NDIS.
“Early support gives each child the best chance of achieving their potential and providing quality services early in a child’s life reduces the possible need for longer-term intervention.”
The ECEI partner will help both children and families engage with the NDIS, understand the Scheme’s purpose and help families find the support they need.
Wanslea will deliver services in central South Metro, South Metro, South West, Great Southern, South East Metro and Inner Wheatbelt from next month.
The NDIA has also announced Mission Australia and APM as the Local Area Coordinator partners for the State.
Mission Australia will service the Central North Metro, South East Metro and North East Metro Service Areas, while APM will service the North Metro, Central South Metro, South Metro, South West, Great Southern and Inner Wheatbelt Services Areas.
Western Australia is the last State to join the NDIS with roll out of services commencing from July 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2020.
Over 4,500 people with disability living in Western Australia are currently benefitting from the NDIS, with an additional 4,500 participants with an approved plan.