NASCA: Needs Assessment Service Co-Ordination Association
Supporting our members to provide high-quality services
The New Zealand Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination Association provides support to agencies who offer assessments, planning, funding and/or service coordination for people living with disabilities across Aotearoa.
The New Zealand Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination Association provides support to agencies who offer assessments, planning, funding and/or service coordination for people living with disabilities across Aotearoa.
What is NASCA?
The New Zealand Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination Association (NASCA) is the national body for organisations that provide assessments, planning, funding, and/or service coordination for people living with disabilities and mental health. NASCA is a not-for-profit incorporated society, governed by an Executive Committee, and with a vision to enable people to lead a good life.
What is a NASC?
NASC services are contracted by Whaikaha, Ministry for Disabled People and Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand to serve:
- children and adults with disabilities that occur under the age of 65
- people with mental health issues,
- older people needing age-related support
NASCs specialise and are contracted to provide one or more of these areas, so each region of New Zealand has several NASC services.
What can you expect from your NASC:
1.
To meet you wherever works best for you. This may be at home, via phone or video call, or somewhere you feel comfortable.
2.
To talk with the person to establish what their best life would look like and what challenges they are facing right now.
3.
To arrange the services that will help the person to address some of the challenges or barrier to living their best life
4.
To establish the funding available to engage those services.
NASC Services
Disability NASC Services
NASC agencies work with children and adults (entering the service under the age of 65) with permanent disabilities to help identify their needs and connect with disability support services.
Older Persons NASC Services
NASC agencies help older people to identify their needs and connect with support services.
Mental Health NASC Services
NASC agencies help people experiencing mental health challenges to identify their needs and connect with support services.
Planning your support
Your local NASC team will work with you to plan what supports and/or services are available to help support you to live the life you choose.
We can help you identify:
- what the life you choose would look like
- which services or supports might help you achieve the life you choose,
- which of the supports are available through providers, or the community, or within your own networks
Finding your support
Finding support can be hard – but a NASC will work with you to determine the help you need and where to find it. The NASC will talk you through what supports may be available to you and how to make the most of the services available or from within your own support networks. The NASCs will put you in contact with any services that you agree will help support you to live the life you choose.
Funding your support
Once you have developed your plan and the required support has been identified, your NASC will arrange these services. If the person wishes to employ their own staff rather than using a contracted provider your NASC can talk you through this process and discuss your budget allocation. Not all services are available through private employment arrangements, but your NASC will be able to talk to you about this.
Ensure your support is working for you
Your local NASC team will follow up at regular intervals to ensure you’re continuing to receive the most suitable support for your needs. If your needs change at any time, you can contact your local NASC team directly and ask for a review of your supports.
Find your local NASC
NASCs work in your local community with local supports and services, providing you with the help you need to create choice and control in your life.