Community support services for people with a disability have been dealt another blow as volunteers decline and donations dry up, a new report reveals.
The report prepared by Per Capita for National Disability Services focuses on the under resourced second tier of the social security scheme, designed to support people with a disability who are not eligible for individual support.
The so-called tier 2 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme was intended to provide a community-based support system, through mainstream services delivered by state and territory governments, community groups, organisations, not-for-profits and local government.
These services can range from occupational therapy to transport, information exchange or social activities.
But a lack of funding has led to an overdependence on donations and volunteering, leaving services in a precarious state in the aftermath of COVID restrictions and rising costs of living…
The report makes eight recommendations, which focus on increased funding and consistency of funding for services and volunteers.
