In recent times, Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, and WA Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson, visited Inklings — an early intervention program funded for $13.8 million by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This program, based on global research, focuses on supporting infants aged 6-18 months displaying early variations in their social and communication skills.
Inklings is a collaborative effort involving the NDIA, Telethon Kids, Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), and WA Country Health Service. Over a three-year period, it aims to engage 700 families from across Western Australia.
Early indications from the Inklings program suggest that timely intervention can produce positive outcomes for both infants and their families. Minister Shorten commended the partnership as a positive step for early intervention support for Australian children, emphasising the NDIA’s commitment to evidence-based support.
While acknowledging the ongoing availability of the NDIS for children with autism and others, Minister Shorten highlighted Inklings’ role in enabling parents and caregivers to engage early with professional guidance. This facilitates the acquisition of strategies to enhance their role as responsive communication partners for their infants.
Inklings aligns with recommendations from the NDIS Review, emphasising early support for children with emerging developmental concerns and the implementation of child development checks. Minister Shorten positioned this initiative as one among several innovations by the Australian Government, aimed at ensuring robust support for participants and individuals with disabilities.
This program, coupled with recent announcements regarding the Provider Registration Taskforce and measures against fraud, reflects the NDIS’s commitment to ensuring judicious spending on individuals with disabilities.
For further details on the Inklings Program, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website.
