The year is in full swing. To prepare for 2024, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) independent review Final Report titled “Working Together to Deliver the NDIS” was released. It included 26 recommendations with 139 actions to bring necessary changes to NDIS. The report hopes to have a unified system that supports all people with disability, not only NDIS participants. It also wants to ensure the sustainability of the NDIS in the future. All the NDIS recommended changes aim to benefit and give focus to people with disability so they can receive the support and services they need.
There are essential NDIS changes written in the Final Report. Although there was a suggested five-year transition plan, it is helpful for everyone to be prepared and well-informed about these NDIS updates. Here are 5 proposed NDIS changes highlighted in the Final Report.
5 Changes to NDIS Suggested in the Review
1. Availability of Foundational Supports
One of the NDIS changes recommended in the Final Report is the availability of foundational supports for all people with disability, whether or not they are qualified for the NDIS. Mainstream services must be more accessible and inclusive. Invest in foundational supports. There are two suggested types of foundational supports:
- General foundational supports with programmes and activities such as disability employment supports, self-advocacy, and peer support.
- Targeted foundational supports for people with disability below 65 years old who are not eligible for the NDIS. These include home and community supports and transition supports, among others. The provided supports must be ensured to meet the needs of the people.
As part of the NDIS changes it was proposed that foundational supports will replace the Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grants program.
2. Introduction of Navigators
The introduction of navigators is among the NDIS recommended changes that aim to help people with disability and their families navigate through a connected system of support for their needs. Navigators will act on behalf of people with disability. They will assist both the NDIS participants and those who are not eligible for the NDIS to locate and use all the necessary supports and services. It is suggested to have various kinds of navigators including specialist navigators who gives a higher level of support to NDIS participants with more complex requirements, and lead practitioners who will only work with children and families.
3. Additional Support for Early Childhood Intervention
Part of the suggested NDIS changes is to have more support for children who have emerging developmental concerns, disability and their families. Mainstream services and foundational supports must be more accessible to them. Early checks and screenings are important so developmental issues can be identified early in life and timely support can be provided. Early intervention can make a big difference and can help support and improve the outcomes for the children and their families.
4. Support for Psychosocial Disability and Mental Health
NDIS updates include a dedicated approach to help people who have concerns about psychosocial disability and mental health. The priority is on personal recovery. It is recommended to create a variety of supports to get all necessary help from both inside and outside the NDIS. Among the NDIS changes is to have specialised support given by navigators who have training and expertise in the field of psychosocial supports. They can help identify the right services to match the needs of an individual while working together to understand what previous treatments and supports have been tried before.
5. More Selections for Housing and Living Supports
People with disability have specific housing needs to help support their independence such as mobility features. There are concerns when it comes to housing as funding can be inconsistent and biased. There is no sufficient assistance to look at options that will work best for the individualised situation of people with disability. This is the reason why it is recommended to have fair and consistent funding for housing and living supports. Those with the same levels of need must receive similar funding. NDIS changes include a proper assessment of funding for housing and living supports. If implemented, there is now more flexibility to select a suitable living arrangement that fits the budget and requirements for people with disability.
ALSO READ: Guide to Finding the Right NDIS Support Coordinator For You
The Final Report has made recommendations that will bring significant changes to help improve the lives of people with disability and their families. If implemented, even people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS will benefit from the changes. These suggestions are designed to provide support in their specific needs at present and in the future. There is a five-year transition plan as NDIS changes will take time to implement. A unified and stronger support system for people with disability is essential to help build an inclusive and just society. Changes to NDIS are necessary so it can improve and be more sustainable. While waiting for these changes to happen, everyone including the NDIS providers should remain aware of the updates.
Living My Way has been a reliable NDIS provider since 1992. It offers disability support services like Support Coordination to assist people with disability who want to enjoy their lives more independently. Its team of qualified Support Coordinators can offer the quality services you need to help achieve your goals. Whether you want to monitor your NDIS funding, explore your housing options, or understand what is written in a service agreement, Living My Way is here to help you.
