A Gold Coast business is proving it pays to be kind, after receiving $20,000 in funding to build their workforce and develop their capabilities to effectively operate in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Burleigh Heads-based Kynd, who provides an NDIS focused platform and mobile app that partners participants with support workers, will benefit from the Federal Government’s Boosting the Local Care Workforce program’s Transition Assistance Funding.
Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews MP, said the $5.6 million program is designed to increase job opportunities in the care workforce to meet the needs of NDIS participants and the ageing population.
“These funds will help local organisations, such as Kynd, to succeed within the market-driven NDIS model,” Minister Andrews said.
“This will ultimately empower people with disability right across our community through providing them more choice when it comes to support options,” she added.
Ms Andrews said Kynd, which only launched on the Gold Coast in August 2018, has proven there was a need for personalised matching solutions in the NDIS market.
“Within the first 12 months of operation, over 1500 NDIS Participants and Support Workers chose Kynd’s innovative mobile app to help manage their NDIS services”.
Kynd Founder, Michael Metcalfe, said the funding assists them in accelerating solutions for the consumer-driven model of the NDIS.
“This grant gives Kynd a boost of tools and extra capabilities to deliver first-class support for NDIS Participants and Support Workers,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“We have found that by empowering NDIS Participants with genuine choice and control in choosing Support Workers, they are more likely to maintain long-lasting, personalised and productive relationships with their support worker teams.
“This funding assists Kynd in keeping up with demand, meaning long-term benefits and positive social change for everyone using the platform, and that’s a great thing.”
Under the Boosting the Local Care Workforce program, providers can use the funding for tailored business advice, software upgrades and other one-on-one supports that will help them succeed in the consumer-driven model of the NDIS.
“An additional 90,000 full-time equivalent employees are required to meet the demand for NDIS services over the next five years, which is why the Morrison Government is investing in programs that support providers to transition and develop their workforces,” Minister Andrews said.
A further funding round for the Transition Assistance Funding program will open later this year. Providers are encouraged to visit the Boosting the Local Care Workforce website at blcw.dss.gov.au, to access business resources, including NDIS Demand Map and the NDIS readiness assessment tool.
