Six months ago, we could not have predicted the immense impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on our lives. We are all seeing the devastating effects overseas, while here in Queensland, and all around Australia, we have been extremely fortunate in comparison.
Myhorizon as an essential service has continued to operate during the COVID lock down period but did need to vary its service delivery with the closure of all group programs. These were quickly replaced with 1:1 support activities with many Participants taking up the opportunity to try a new type of service delivery.
Moving to 1:1 support provided safer activities for Participants, providing more choice and control. Participants experienced a greater range of activities and even with social distancing were still able to meet up occasionally with their friends.
Myhorizon as a team and as a service provider, has responded quickly to the spread of the virus and to the concerns of Participants who rely on us and trust us to deliver services in a safe manner. Over the last few months, we’ve made sure that infection control, and social distancing where possible have been prioritised and put in place across all service activities.
Before and during COVID, the NDIS has continued to change and evolve with far greater flexibility around how Participants use their plan funding than we have ever seen before. One of the big changes is that Participants can now use their Core Funds to access Support Coordination, which can be an invaluable service for Participants to get the most out of their Plan. We currently have a few remaining places to provide support coordination so make sure you contact our team to see how this can benefit you.
Other changes include the ability to use Core funds to pay for activity-based transport costs, which in the past has been a large financial burden for many. Participants can also ask for their Plan to be rolled over rather than going through a full review process. Hopefully with some of these changes we will see Plan utilisation increase so that Participants can get the full benefits of their Plan.
As COVID-19 continues to impact our community, I want to assure all our clients and Participants that the team here at Myhorizon always remain with you, for you.
Joe Gamblin
CEO
