On 13 September 2021 The Summer Foundation has launched the UpSkill Provider Directory, a searchable online directory of support coordinators and allied health professionals with the skills and experience to assist people with complex support needs to live well in the community.
The platform, made possible by funding partner Gandel Foundation, also provides eligible professionals with a way of showcasing their services to potential clients free of charge.
People with disability, families and others who assist them will be able to search the directory for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support coordinators and allied health professionals in their area.
Summer Foundation Head of Government Relations and Policy, Amelia Condi, said the UpSkill Provider Directory will enable NDIS participants with complex support needs to connect with a network of experienced support coordinators with the right skills to support participants to navigate the NDIS service system.
“Our focus for the UpSkill Provider Directory over the coming months is to build listings – it will continue to grow and evolve as more support coordinators and health professionals come on board,” Ms Condi said.
The directory is the newest tool in the Summer Foundation’s UpSkill program, which delivers training, capacity building and professional development to support coordinators and NDIS allied health professionals across the country. These professionals are integral in supporting people with complex support needs to achieve good outcomes and live well in the community.
Support coordinators and NDIS allied health professionals who have completed UpSkill training are eligible to create a profile on the directory. They are also eligible to join the UpSkill Community of Practice, a networking platform for members to troubleshoot barriers and inspire each other to think innovatively and share information, ideas and practices.
Gandel Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Vedran Drakulic OAM said: “From alternative housing demonstration projects to building workforce capability through UpSkill, the Summer Foundation has been at the forefront of innovative strategies to prevent younger people with disability from languishing in aged care.
“The UpSkill Provider Directory will offer vital online connections and supports so that every young person with disability can choose how they live, where they live and who they live with.”
To learn more about UpSkill and to access the UpSkill Provider Directory, refer to the Summer Foundation’s UpSkill program web page.
Media enquiries:
Susan Northway
Summer Foundation Communications Manager
M: 0438 734 419
