The New Model for Supporting Disabled People is about people having more choice, control and flexibility over they supports they receive and the lives they lead. This includes how they use their funding and the disability supports they buy with it. Under the New Model people can be allocated an amount of funding and make decisions about how to use it.
The Ministry of Health has purchasing guidelines which outline how people can use their funding. These include:
- Money needs to be spent on disability supports ( things that a disabled person needs because they have a disability).
- Disability supports contribute to an outcome in the person’s plan for a good life.
- The disability supports are within the scope of relevant Ministry of Health policies and responsibilities.
Needs Assesment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisations, Enhanced Individualised Funding (EIF) hosts, and Choice in Community Living providers can assist in interpreting these guidelines. The Ministry will also provide support if needed though a Purchasing Guidelines panel that includes disabled people and family members.