As 2024 is well under way with renewed hope for more social inclusion and active engagement of people with disability, it can be helpful to take a look at some meaningful and engaging NDIS activities and related events that shaped the community during the last year.
Looking back at NDIS 2023
- The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is an independent agency that was established to enhance the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. It works separately from the NDIA. In its 2023 report, the NDIS Commission stated that it had conducted reviews called Inquiries into Supported Accommodation, Platform Providers, and Support Coordination and plan management.
- Several events were held for people with disability last year. These included:
- Having a Say Conference 2023 (February 20 – 21 2023) – provided people with disability a chance to ‘have a say’ about essential issues that affect them.
- Adelaide Source Kids Disability Expo (February 25 – 26 2023) – the expo concentrated on children, youth, and young adults living with a disability.
- National Disability Summit (November 17 – 18 2023) – the summit connected human services organisations and government agencies with people with disability.
- Sydney Disability Expo (August 4 – 5 2023) – the expo brought together a wide range of products and services to help people live their best lives
- NDS Regional and Remote conference 2023 (14 March 2023) – the conference spotlighted an impressive synergy between various regions and helped to pool efforts to boost participant outcomes.
- The NDIS frequently updates pricing arrangements, so participants and providers must be aware of new information. In 2023, the latest pricing was announced on November 28, which included enhanced arrangements for some transport costs. The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits help to give NDIS participants and disability support providers an understanding about price controls for supports and services in the NDIS.
- December 3 was International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This was a United Nations day observed globally. Its goals included increasing public awareness and promoting the inclusion of people with disability. Each year has a different theme. Last year, it was ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the for, with and by persons with disabilities.’ There were 11 IDPwD ambassadors in Australia. In their collective video messages, the ambassadors were all united in calling out for an inclusive society and the equal treatment of everyone, including people with disability.
- There were 2 essential bills related to disability services. They were the Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023 and the Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. The first bill established the latest legislative structure for the funding and program regulations to assist people with disability, their families, and carers. It gave emphasis to the human rights of people with disability. Meanwhile, the second bill cancelled the Disability Services Act 1986 which is no longer in effect.
- One of the most significant things that happened to Australia’s disability community in 2023 was the NDIS Review. The final report titled “Working Together to Deliver the NDIS” contained 26 recommendations with 139 actions from the panel. According to the report, reforms to the system are needed to make the NDIS more sustainable and effective for people with disability The report proposed a more inclusive and accessible society in Australia. The government’s response to the suggested changes will come later this year.
- 2023 was also the year when the new PACE system was launched. Its rollout began on October 30 2023, and will be completed across Australia in early 2024. This upgraded system promises to provide a simpler and quicker delivery of services such as the billing process. PACE was created so participants and providers can interact more efficiently with the NDIS. Benefits of PACE include transparency, faster payments, adaptability, and streamlined processes. Watch the PACE informational YouTube video here.
- Royal commission was an investigation, independent of government into matters of great importance. : makes 222 recommendations on how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. It gave a voice to people with disability with thousands sharing their experiences over a 4 year period.
- 2023 was also a big year for Living My Way. We celebrated our 30th anniversary and launched our origin story book. Its pages tell the story of our founding Members who joined forces and fought for the right for each of us to live our own lives, in our own way. Contact us to learn more.
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