Free classes to boost disability workers ahead of NDIS shakeup
Larissa Williams says her job is driven by a single motivation: “If I’m not there, who is going to do it?”
Williams works as a teacher’s aide for disabled children, and spends her day in a classroom heading off tantrums at the pass, and assisting with the basics of life, toileting and eating. So children can learn.
“I just like being able to help,” she says.
If the National Disability Insurance Scheme is to complete its roll-out by 2018, NSW will need another 25,000 workers like Williams.
Concerned at a severe shortfall in staff, the Baird government will announce on Sunday it is dropping fees for TAFE courses that train people to work in disability and community services.
Under the $10 million program, courses which had cost up to $5000 for qualifications in Auslan, community services, disability and aged care, and youth work, will become free from next year.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald