Further information about the NDIS

The NDIS is being progressively rolled out in Queensland between 2016 and 2019. People will move to the NDIS at different times depending on which local government area they live in.

General information about the NDIS in Queensland, including information sessions and events around the state, and an interactive roll-out map, can be found on the Queensland Government website at: http://www.qld.gov.au/disability/adults/ndis/.

Further information can also be found on the NDIS website at: http://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/our-sites/qld#info

A fact sheet for NDIS participants can be accessed at:

www.ndis.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/QLD-Participant-Pack-Final.pdf

An Easy English fact sheet

with Frequently Asked

Questions is available at:

http://www.ndis.gov.au/

sites/default/files/Updated

EE FAQs QLD 12052016.pdf

The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) is a statewide service that provides eligible Queenslanders with subsidised access to medical aids and equipment. The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will impact how some people access these supports in the future.

Who is impacted?

The NDIS only applies to people with disability, aged under 65 years of age, who:

• have a significant and

permanent disability that affects their ability to participate in the community and employment,

• require care and

support, or could benefit from early intervention requirements,

• meet Australian

residency requirements, and

• live in one of the

nominated Local Government Authorities (LGAs).

Queenslanders who do not meet the above eligibility criteria are not affected by the rollout of the NDIS and and can continue to access services and subsidies coordinated by MASS.

How does the NDIS work?

The NDIS gives participants choice and control over their disability supports, including being able to choose who provides

supports and how they are delivered and managed.

Funding is provided for reasonable and necessary supports, such as assistive technology (AT), that allow participants to engage in everyday activities and link with their community.

Can NDIS participants access MASS services?

MASS is registered as a service provider with the NDIS and can therefore provide a range of assistive technologies for NDIS participants.

As a service provider, MASS offers certainty and reliability for consumers with well-established systems and supplier relationships, and assistive technology products that meet Australian and/or International Standards requirements (some low risk items are excluded).

MASS is also able to assist with any required repairs and maintenance.

To discuss how MASS can assist in providing the supports approved in NDIS participant plans, email: MASS-NDIS@health.qld.gov.au

MASS AND THE NATIONAL DISABILITY

INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS)

July 2016

MASS Ac�on “The National

Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a

new way of providing supports

for people with disability to live in the community and

take part in everyday life. For

eligible participants, this

will mean changes to the way they currently access supports from

schemes such as the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme

(MASS)”

Inside this issue:

Directors Desk 4

MASS education

spotlight 5

SSS representing

in Cairns 5

MASS/CAEATI &

Power Assist

Devices

6

MASS compliments

7

NDIS Queensland

rollout 2

Page 2 July 2016

Queensland NDIS Rollout 1st July 2016

From 1 July 2016 the NDIS will become available for remaining children and young people (0-17 years) in Townsville and Charters Towers. 1st October 2016

From 1 October 2016 all remaining eligible people in Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, west to Mount Isa, and up to the gulf will be able to access the scheme. This covers the local government areas of:

1st July 2017

The NDIS will become available in Ipswich, Lockyer, Scenic Rim and Somerset from 1 July 2017.

1st October 2017

The NDIS will become available in Bundaberg from 1 October 2017.

1st January 2018

The NDIS will become available in Rockhampton, Gladstone and west to the borders from 1 January 2018. This covers the local government areas of:

♦ Townsville

♦ Charters Towers

♦ Palm Island

♦ Boulia

♦ Burdekin

♦ Burke

♦ Carpentaria

♦ Cloncurry

♦ Doomadgee

♦ Flinders

♦ Hinchinbrook

♦ McKinlay

♦ Mornington

♦ Mount Isa

♦ Richmond

1st November 2016

The NDIS will become available in Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays from 1 November 2016.

1st January 2017

The NDIS will become available in Toowoomba and west to the borders from 1 January 2017. This covers the local

♦ Balonne

♦ Bulloo

♦ Goondiwindi

♦ Maranoa

♦ Murweh

♦ Paroo

♦ Quilpie

♦ Southern Downs

♦ Toowoomba

♦ Western Downs

♦ Banana Shire

♦ Barcaldine

♦ Barcoo

♦ Blackall Tambo

♦ Central Highlands

♦ Diamantina

♦ Gladstone

♦ Livingstone

♦ Longreach

♦ Rockhampton

♦ Winton

♦ Woorabinda

Page 3 July 2016

Fraser Coast, North Burnett, South Burnett and Cherbourg. This covers the local government areas of: Areas of South East Queensland. This covers the local government areas of:

Areas of South East Queensland:

Queensland NDIS Rollout

1 July 2018

The NDIS rollout commences across multiple locations with the greatest number of potential participants from this date

The NDIS will become available in:

Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Tablelands, Croydon, Etheridge, Cape York and Torres Strait. This covers the local government areas of:

♦ Aurukun

♦ Cairns

♦ Cassowary Coast

♦ Cook

♦ Croydon

♦ Douglas

♦ Etheridge

♦ Hope Vale

♦ Kowanyama

♦ Lockhart River

♦ Mapoon

♦ Mareeba

♦ Napranum

♦ Northern Peninsula Area

♦ Pormpuraaw

♦ Tablelands

♦ Torres

♦ Torres Strait Island

♦ Weipa

♦ Wujal Wujal

♦ Yarrabah

♦ Cherboug

♦ Fraser Coast

♦ North Burnett ♦ South Burnett

♦ Brisbane City

♦ Gympie

♦ Gold Coast

♦ Logan City

♦ Noosa

♦ Redland City

♦ Sunshine Coast

1st January 2019

The NDIS will become available in Moreton Bay including Strathpine and Caboolture from 1 January 2019.

Contact the NDIS on

1800 800 110

Page 4 July 2016

From the Directors Desk

John Vasil

Director, Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme

Welcome to the July 2016 edition of MASS Action.

We have entered into an exciting and history making period for people with

disabilities, families, carers and organisations assisting them with the rollout

commencement on 1 July 2016 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland and

across Australia.

As with all schemes of this magnitude there will be some “teething” problems but in the long run they

will be forgotten. The benefits will not only flow through to NDIS participants but the broader

community through greater participation, job creation, innovation and all people given opportunities to

achieve their potential.

I believe it goes without saying that we are all obligated to ensure a smooth transition for the NDIS in

Queensland as this is not an issue about organisational change but individuals need for this change to

give them some control of their future.

We will all be adjusting to this change and to help our clients, MASS will be sending letters to those that

may be eligible for NDIS to make them aware of it coming to their area. We will be sending the letter

prior to the rollout date and provide a summary of the MASS services they have received so they can

use the information to help them in developing their NDIS plan.

We have set up a new webpage https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/ndis/default.asp with information

on MASS and NDIS. Please have a look at this webpage as we have tried to provide information and

links that we hope you find useful. Also included in this MASS Action is a summary of the rollout dates

for Queensland so please keep a copy for your reference and be prepared when it comes to your area.

Some of you may be wondering how the web based applications are progressing, considering where we

were previously with this development. Unfortunately, it has been delayed as IT have initiated a tender

process and we are awaiting that outcome. Consequently, we can’t give an indication of when this will

be completed as it is not in our control. However, we have not given up and are ready to continue the

development as soon as possible.

I would like to encourage you to regularly visit the MASS website including the Community Aids,

Equipment and Assistive Technologies Initiative (CAEATI) and Vehicle Options Subsidy Scheme (VOSS)

webpages as there is a lot of change coming due to the transition to NDIS and we will try to keep you

updated.

I would like to reassure all our clients and those 65 years and over who are not eligible for NDIS, you

are not forgotten, you will remain eligible for all MASS services in accordance with current service area

Guidelines. We would all now be aware that the NDIS is available to all people with disabilities aged

under 65 years.

Thank you for the valuable work you do. I’ll leave you with a quote ….until next time.

"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working

hard for something we love is called passion." Simon Sinek

Page 5 July 2016

MASS Educa�on Spotlight

The MASS Education Calendar is packed full of exciting and informative webinars over the next few

months:

For more information on MASS education, visit the website at:

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/education/default.asp

29 August - Bathing and showering in sitting or lying: * Overview of bathing and shower equipment subsidised through MASS: bath transfer benches,

swivel bath seats, bath lifts/hoists, mobile shower commodes and shower trolleys

* Options for postural support in mobile shower commodes

14 September - Making use of funding for MASS‐‐‐‐CAEATI applications: * Provides examples of how MASS and CAEATI funding is combined in applications

for manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs to enhance community access. *

Frame upgrade, seat elevate and other accessories which can be funded through

CAEATI will be discussed * How quotes and application forms should be

presented to MASS so your application is not delayed and MASS/CAEATI funding is used in the best

interests of the applicant.

24 & 27 October - Wheelchairs and Seating Workshop: A one day workshop covering the selection of simple through to complex wheelchairs and seating. Presentations and practicals involving

kinaesthetic learning will be used to develop knowledge of * Basic and non‐basic wheelchairs for active

through to more passive use * Power wheelchair driving characteristics and seating functions * Power

assist for manual wheelchairs* Backrests, headrests, lower limb and other posture supports.

25 & 28 October - Cushions and Mattress Workshop: A morning workshop covering the selection

of pressure redistribution cushions and mattresses. Presentations and practicals involving kinaesthetic

learning will be used to develop knowledge of * Prevention and management of pressure injury.

Cushion and mattress set up and adjustments * Troubleshooting when technical difficulties occur.

3 November - Applying for Continence Aids in Queensland: MASS applications: key questions to answer so your application is not delayed * Supply of continence aids with MASS as a registered

service provider for NDIS funded participants * Choosing continence aids from the MASS SOA list: trial,

selection, quantities subsidised and frequency of delivery

The Manager of the Spectacle Supply

Scheme & Specialised Services area, Scott

Dunn, was accompanied recently by the

areas Senior Client Service Officer, Tina

Smith at the North Queensland Vision

Conference in Cairns.

Leaving behind chilly Brisbane for the

warmer climate in the States north, the

pair took the opportunity to represent the

Spectacle Supply Scheme (SSS) to the

conference delegates, which included a

number of optometrists participating in the scheme.

Delegates were able to hear of some of the expected changes

coming to the SSS, notably the introduction of a panel

arrangement, where Essilor Australia and Rodenstock Australia

will supply spectacles to the scheme during the next contract.

It is with mixed emotions that MASS

announces the retirement of Heather

Miller, Principal Continence

Advisor. After joining MASS in

January 2002, Heather

demonstrated a commitment to

excellence. Her abundance of energy

has helped make our office a

pleasant place to work. Heather

challenged us to be the best we can

be and her sharp mind and wicked

sense of humour will be dearly

missed.

Also departing MASS was Kerry

Windsor, who manned the Mackay

office for many years. Following the

closure of Mackay, Kerry has moved

onto Breastscreen in the sunny

north, and will be sorely missed.

SPECTACLE SUPPLY SCHEME ATTENDS NORTH

QLD VISION CONFERENCE

Page 6 July 2016

MASS/CAEATI APPLICATIONS FOR POWER

ASSIST DEVICES

Power assist devices are designed to enhance power and manoeuvrability of manual

wheelchairs, improving a person’s ability to mobilise within the community. If

however a power assist device is combined with an inappropriate wheelchair, it may

result in harm and/or equipment damage. Therefore, in the interest of client safety

and to mitigate potential risks, MASS has requested statements from SOA suppliers,

identifying which power assist devices are endorsed by wheelchair manufacturers for

use with the suppliers’ ranges of wheelchairs.

MASS is currently in the process of creating a “Power Assist Matrix” spreadsheet,

outlining which power assist device / wheelchair combinations are endorsed. This

document will be uploaded to the MASS website once all supplier responses have

been received. The implications for MASS/CAEATI applications are as follows:

♦ MASS clients wishing to purchase an endorsed

wheelchair / power assist combination are

processed following normal CAEATI/MASS

processes.

♦ MASS clients wishing to purchase a non-endorsed

wheelchair / power assist combination are

required to sign a waiver, wherein they agree to

take over ownership of the wheelchair including

the ongoing costs of repairs and maintenance.

For further information, please refer to the “MASS

Power Assist Bulletin” on the MASS home page, or

contact MASS Equipment Services on (07) 3136 3524 or

email MASS-equipment@health.qld.au

The Queensland Corporate Games were

held again on 20 - 22 May 2016.

Hazel Waters and Tracey Pollock, from the

Continence Aids Service team participated

in the Ten Pin Bowling tournament. The

team came in second place this year – only

losing by the closest of margins of 7 pins.

This is the third year running representing

Queensland Health, coming first in 2014,

second in 2015 and second again in 2016.

They were joined by fellow Queensland

Health worker Roland Sunico and retired

Health worker Robert Harding. There were

over 40 teams of 4 competing from other

Queensland government sectors and

private companies.

CONTINENCE AND OXYGEN

SERVICES UPDATE

Changes to the MASS46 Adult Oxygen: Annual Re-Application form

Part B Clinical Assessment - The prescription

information has been removed as only Specialists are

authorised to change the prescription.

Changes to the MASS50 Continence Aids Application form

Part B Clinical Information - Continence Aids

Requested section now reads: MASS has a

no exchange policy. Incorrect prescriptions

will be directed back to the prescriber.

Handbook for Home Oxygen Therapy –

2016

Update version now available on the MASS

website at www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/

documents/oxygen-handbook.pdf

Prescriber Website www.health.qld.gov.au/mass

Consumer Website www.qld.gov.au/health/support/equipment/index.html

Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme 41 Southgate Avenue

Cannon Hill QLD 4170

PO Box 281 Cannon Hill QLD

Phone: 07 3136 3636 or 1300 443 570

Email: mass184@health.qld.gov.au

Fax

Equipment Services: 07 3136 3525

Continence Aids Services: 1300 446 172

Oxygen Services: 07 3136 3500 Spectacle Supply Scheme & Specialised

Services: 1300 362 276 Qld Artificial Limb Service: 07 3136 3650

Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) provides access to subsidy funding for the

provision of MASS endorsed aids and equipment to eligible Queensland residents with

permanent and stabilized conditions or disabilities. The range of MASS aids and

equipment is selected to assist people to live at home and avoid premature or

inappropriate residential care of hospitalization.

Aids and equipment are subsidy funded either on a permanent loan basis, private

ownership or through the purchase of consumables. MASS provides subsidy funding

assistance towards:

• communication aids

• mobility aids

• Cystic Fibrosis Program

• medical grade footwear

• spectacles

• daily living aids

• oxygen

• continence aids

• orthoses

• vehicle purchase and modifications

• artificial limbs

2 1/2 months ago I asked Vanessa to help out

with a young father who had MND. Without a

second thought, she gave us permission to use

a MASS power chair for this gentleman who

required urgent assistance.

All he wanted to do was look at his garden that

he had started which his friends were finishing

on his behalf, and throw a ball to his dog.

With the help of MASS and Bluecare, we helped.

Just thought you should know what a good job

you and your team are doing.

Peter Fleming

Managing Director, Austech Medical

I am writing to thank you and your team

(QALS) for approving a one off supply of water

proof legs.

saltwater damage. Thanks to you I can now

stand and shower without the fear of falling, a

wonderful feeling.

These special legs have changed my life for the

better, and I thank you and your team from the

bottom of my heart.

Kinds Regards

Kevin Gunthorpe

The reason for my email is to extend to yourself

and staff my grateful thanks for your courtesy

and understanding extended to me each time I

have been in touch with your office.

Each time my supply arrives, I always think I

should be saying thank you to someone, as

they are of course a great help to my daily

living.

This time I am saying it - Thank You Since I received the legs my life

has changed in many ways. I can

now go into swimming pools

without the worry of hurting my

stumps. I can now go fishing and

boating without the fear of

Your Sincerely

Jeanette Purvis