This plan aims to put people with disabilities and their perspectives first in conversations about the future of the NDIS. It is meant to amplify the exceptional work already going on in the sector. With the NDIS turning ten next year, it seeks to be the start of a conversation about the future of the NDIS.
Several important themes have emerged in our conversations with NDIS participants. Trust in the NDIS needs to be restored by making vital changes to the Scheme. As part of this process, the NDIS must return to its original purpose, which includes providing community or “tier 2” supports. The experience of participants throughout the NDIS needs to be prioritised, meaningful choice and control must be provided for participants, and vulnerable participants need to get the support they deserve.
We’re very grateful to all the people who shared their story. Some people have had great experiences with the Scheme. Others have not. Many of the people who shared their story have been consulted time and time again about improvements to the NDIS without having their advice listened to, and are sick and tired of feeling unheard.
Along with other people with disabilities and their supporters across the country, Get Skilled Access and I are calling on the Australian Government to renew its contract with people with disability.
Dylan Alcott AO
“Local government is where a lot of good support comes from, but they don’t have much knowledge about what is available.”
“I couldn’t work without the NDIS, and that lets me support my son to go to university. He wouldn’t be there if the Scheme wasn’t helping me.”
“I don’t have to worry about my husband driving me places. I can do things I couldn’t do before. Because I am blind, navigating to new places was previously very difficult.”
“My first Local Area Coordinator helped a lot in getting funding for me. The next LAC I had was not engaged, did not care, and was happy to keep my plan as it was. The standard of quality between person to person is reliant on their passion for that they are doing.”
“I believe that the NDIS is there to support people who are living with any kind of disability, to be able to live just like anybody else. Just be normal. We’re just a person, take the disability out of it.”