The NDIS review has participants and people with disability on edge. These are the areas it's most concerned about
1 year, 9 months ago

The NDIS review has participants and people with disability on edge. These are the areas it's most concerned about

ABC  

Over its first decade, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has improved hundreds of thousands of lives across Australia. Key points: A long-running review of the NDIS has handed down an interim report, identifying five key areas of concern The authors are calling for feedback from the Australian public, especially people with disability The review will make its final report in October But it's not all been smooth sailing: there have been complaints about bureaucracy, inequality, a lack of transparency around decision making and more for years. Email Specialist.Team@abc.net.au "This report identifies a number of challenges that we believe need to be addressed," review co-chair Bruce Bonyhady — one of the scheme's key architects — told ABC's RN Breakfast. "With so few supports outside the NDIS, it is not surprising that parents are fighting to get their children with developmental concerns, delays and disabilities into the NDIS," the report says. The report also says "there has been a focus on diagnosis rather than support needs" and that a reliance on therapy in clinical settings is preventing "children living ordinary and inclusive childhoods".

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History of this topic

This 20-month-old boy personifies the NDIS issue expected to dominate 2025
2 months ago

This 20-month-old boy personifies the NDIS issue expected to dominate 2025

ABC  

He's 20 months old and loves stories, music and climbing. ", 'these children don't need to be here in the NDIS, they need to be over in that wonderful world of foundational supports', but before anyone had even designed what they look like." "Foundational supports could be a wonderful system we just need the time to think about what it …

NDIS providers struggling to remain viable amid funding issues as people with disability lose access to support and employment
3 months, 3 weeks ago

NDIS providers struggling to remain viable amid funding issues as people with disability lose access to support and employment

ABC  

For the past seven years, Peter Thorn has thrived under his National Disability Insurance Scheme plan. Peter Thorn's NDIS plan was cut significantly due to an "error", his father John said. "It's a real challenging situation when a decision is made, but there's no transition," Hartley Lifecare chief executive Eric Thauvette said. "The assumptions the NDIS have in the cost …

Epilepsy fails NDIS funding criteria because it's not considered a disability, and these families are suffering
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Epilepsy fails NDIS funding criteria because it's not considered a disability, and these families are suffering

ABC  

Adeline Hanna is a playful little girl with a cheerful sense of humour. Jessamy Eccles has been battling to get NDIS funding for her daughter Adeline, who has epilepsy. Melanie Ridout says everything has changed for her family now that her son Leo, who has epilepsy and autism, has finally received NDIS funding. Funding delays cause problems Epilepsy Foundation general …

Bill Shorten responds to concerns around NDIS changes and defends handling of support list
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Bill Shorten responds to concerns around NDIS changes and defends handling of support list

ABC  

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten has rebuffed criticism that participants were given less than 48 hours' notice about crucial changes to items that can be funded by the scheme. Mr Shorten rejected that critique and said he had been talking about "straightening up the scheme" for the past two-and-a-half years. "We found that whilst the scheme is working …

From funding periods to a definition of 'NDIS support', here's what's changing in the scheme this week
6 months ago

From funding periods to a definition of 'NDIS support', here's what's changing in the scheme this week

ABC  

Major changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme have finally been confirmed, less than two days before taking effect. Other changes recommended by the NDIS review are still in the pipeline, including "foundational supports" — services for those outside the scheme, delivered through the likes of schools and health services. NDIA chair Kurt Fearnley acknowledges the legislation has caused "hurt" …

Major NDIS changes start rolling out in a few weeks — but many participants still feel in the dark
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Major NDIS changes start rolling out in a few weeks — but many participants still feel in the dark

ABC  

Bean bags and fidget tools are more than just toys for Felicity Hearnden's two autistic children. "What we need is for the agency to be really clear about what's happening, about what those changes mean for individuals and where can get support," Ms Kakoschke-Moore said. "That can include making sure we have information about changes made available in Easy English, …

The government has resolved a major NDIS deadlock, but there's far more water to flow under the bridge
7 months, 1 week ago

The government has resolved a major NDIS deadlock, but there's far more water to flow under the bridge

ABC  

Change can be difficult for anyone, of any age. The government might've found a way to get its political adversaries off its back, but it's unlikely the disability community will be as easy to convince. “We want to work whichever government of the day to make the best legislation we can to improve the NDIS — but this is not …

States and territories to back major NDIS reforms as Senate vote looms
7 months, 1 week ago

States and territories to back major NDIS reforms as Senate vote looms

ABC  

The states and territories have agreed to support the federal government's overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, putting an end to months of tension. "Critically, this agreement secures the support of the states and territories for the government's legislation and reform agenda, and will help ensure the scheme is here for the future," Mr Shorten said. The states and …

NDIS minister eases concerns that participants would have to pay for mandatory assessments
7 months, 1 week ago

NDIS minister eases concerns that participants would have to pay for mandatory assessments

ABC  

The Albanese government has moved to soothe concerns over its National Disability Insurance Scheme, following questions from senators over whether the proposed reforms would force participants and their families to double up on diagnosis costs. Labor senator Tim Ayres told the Senate last week the government had not yet determined how it would fund planned "needs assessments for NDIS participants, …

With a blueprint for change on the table, what will the government do with NDIS provider registration?
7 months, 3 weeks ago

With a blueprint for change on the table, what will the government do with NDIS provider registration?

ABC  

Nick Avery has always loved the slow pace of living in regional Western Australia. "When the NDIS review recommendation came out for mandatory provider registration, that was really quite a frightening period of time for people in regional WA — we just do not have the volume of registered providers available." Source: NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce Report Specific …

State premiers remain opposed to NDIS reforms that 'risk creating service gaps'
8 months, 1 week ago

State premiers remain opposed to NDIS reforms that 'risk creating service gaps'

ABC  

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has penned a letter on behalf of state premiers and chief ministers to oppose the federal government's planned reforms to save billions from the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The states had already expressed deep doubt over the reforms, which they claimed "risk creating service gaps for people with disability" if what the NDIS could offer …

Disability organisations 'on life support' say budget cuts will force them to wind back services
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Disability organisations 'on life support' say budget cuts will force them to wind back services

ABC  

In short: Disability groups say a drop in funding threatens their work. The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations says some of the groups it represents are on "life support" with their funding cut to $143,000 per organisation each year, which staff say is not enough to continue advocacy and education work. "Since coming to government we have doubled funding to …

Disability groups urge government to tread carefully with NDIS changes as minister gets in a tangle with the senators over Brazil trip
9 months ago

Disability groups urge government to tread carefully with NDIS changes as minister gets in a tangle with the senators over Brazil trip

ABC  

In short: Disability advocates are concerned the government's changes to the NDIS will put marginalised people at risk. Disability advocates and groups are urging the federal government to listen to criticisms of its legislation changing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and make further amendments to its "NDIS back on track" bill. Detour via Brazil NDIS Minister Bill Shorten lashed out …

Federal government firms up commitment to co-designing the NDIS with disability community
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Federal government firms up commitment to co-designing the NDIS with disability community

ABC  

In short: The government says it is committed to co-designing changes to the NDIS with the disability community. The federal government is committing to work further with the disability community to design changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. How criminals are rorting NDIS participants for drug trafficking Photo shows Man takes cash from ATM Criminals have been manipulating participants …

Why the states and territories are clashing with the federal government over the NDIS
10 months, 1 week ago

Why the states and territories are clashing with the federal government over the NDIS

ABC  

As two days of parliamentary hearings kick off into draft legislation paving the way for changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a governmental stoush has re-emerged. Among other things, it amends the NDIS Act to: provide clarity about what constitutes an "NDIS support"; that is, what services can be funded under an NDIS plan create a "new planning framework" …

From NDIS cost revisions to a new employment program, here's what's in the 2024 federal budget for disability
10 months, 2 weeks ago

From NDIS cost revisions to a new employment program, here's what's in the 2024 federal budget for disability

ABC  

Between significant revisions to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and new employment initiatives, disability was a key part of this year's federal budget. "The NDIS is an essential public service for people with disability and families, providing life changing and lifesaving supports every day," she says. It made 26 recommendations and detailed close to 140 "actions", including: Hinging access the …

As new legislation looms, here's the latest on the future of the NDIS
1 year ago

As new legislation looms, here's the latest on the future of the NDIS

ABC  

In short: The federal government has introduced legislation paving the way for sweeping NDIS reforms recommended by a review. The NDIS Act does not currently have one and the ABC understands a concrete definition could help prevent people from spending their plan budgets on things they aren't supposed to.. The NDIS Act does not currently have one and the ABC …

New NDIS taskforce to investigate providers overcharging disability participants
1 year ago

New NDIS taskforce to investigate providers overcharging disability participants

ABC  

In short: Providers suspected of overcharging NDIS participants will face a new consumer watchdog taskforce. Providers suspected of overcharging NDIS participants will face a new consumer watchdog taskforce. The federal government has launched a crack down on illegal overcharging, led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which will be able to investigate providers who impose an "NDIS 'wedding tax'" …

The NDIS review says 'the moment has come' for change. Here's what to expect
1 year, 3 months ago

The NDIS review says 'the moment has come' for change. Here's what to expect

ABC  

The latest review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has had many participants and their families on edge. The review's final report, made public on Thursday, has made 26 recommendations and detailed close to 140 "actions" it says need to happen to transform the NDIS over the next five years. "Governments have come to rely on the NDIS as the …

Senate inquiry hears from advocates pushing for sexual expression policy within the NDIS
1 year, 4 months ago

Senate inquiry hears from advocates pushing for sexual expression policy within the NDIS

ABC  

When a mixed martial arts accident five years ago left New South Wales south coast man Kyle Montgomery with an acquired disability, there was one part of his life he was determined to maintain. Disability groups said information, education and access to sex support and services had been missing for people living with disability, leading to the violation of basic …

Age discrimination complaints on NDIS age cap taken to the United Nations
1 year, 5 months ago

Age discrimination complaints on NDIS age cap taken to the United Nations

ABC  

When the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolled out 10 years ago, Peter Freckleton had hopes it would change his life for the better. Key points: A Victorian man with a lifelong disability is lodging a complaint with the UN over the NDIS age cap Those aged over 65 are locked out of the NDIS and must rely on other services …

NDIS recipients face homelessness after being told to move out of homes if they don't want to share
1 year, 5 months ago

NDIS recipients face homelessness after being told to move out of homes if they don't want to share

ABC  

People with disabilities are being forced to share homes or risk becoming homeless. "Providers should ensure any purchased supports align with a participant's approved NDIS plan," an NDIA spokesperson said. The three-bedroom home where Ms Tobin has been living has a maximum "per participant" price of $42,000 per year, but NDISP had been claiming her full $90,000 annual NDIS housing …

Four Corners investigation sparks disability advocates' calls for better NDIS regulation
1 year, 6 months ago

Four Corners investigation sparks disability advocates' calls for better NDIS regulation

ABC  

Quick Read: In short: Disability advocates have described practices used against intellectually disabled children at an NDIS-funded provider as "sickening" Disability advocates have described practices used against intellectually disabled children at an NDIS-funded provider as "sickening" What's next? There are calls to ramp up regulation to ensure similar methods are not being used by other disability service providers Disability advocates …

People with disabilities are being 'trafficked' for their NDIS funding, insiders say
1 year, 6 months ago

People with disabilities are being 'trafficked' for their NDIS funding, insiders say

ABC  

Nurse Linda Karafili remembers getting the call from her client. Nurses have also told Four Corners that several people have been "abducted" from these boarding houses in the middle of the night. Last year, Sydenham Grace, and another facility connected to the same owners, was forced to close by the Victorian regulator, due to "uninhabitable living conditions" and "bullying, intimidation …

Making disability count: The Hindu Editorial on why NFHS will yield more robust, data on the disability sector
1 year, 8 months ago

Making disability count: The Hindu Editorial on why NFHS will yield more robust, data on the disability sector

The Hindu  

The significance of data in influencing policy constructs and thereon, decisions, is non-contestable. The Ministry of Health and Family responded that questions about disability were already asked as part of the Sample Registration Survey 76th round, conducted between July and December 2018, and that any specific information can be tabulated from the raw data, which is also available in the …

How do we fix the NDIS? Share your story in our crowdsourced investigation
1 year, 9 months ago

How do we fix the NDIS? Share your story in our crowdsourced investigation

ABC  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with permanent and profound disability. People with disability have told us stories of overcharging and having to navigate excessive red tape to access support. Tell us about your NDIS experience We're launching an investigation and asking you — the participants, family, workers and providers — …

Rights groups demand questions on disability should remain in National Family Health Survey-6 form
1 year, 10 months ago

Rights groups demand questions on disability should remain in National Family Health Survey-6 form

The Hindu  

Amid fears that the National Family Health Survey, due to commence from July 2023, could be dropping questions on disability from its survey questionnaire, disability rights activists are demanding immediate correction and inclusion. Activists say that whilst NFHS-5 had questions related to disability and had collected data on disabilities, “information from reliable sources confirm that NFHS-6 has dropped questions on …

NDIS-funded disability services set for an overhaul as government seeks to slow forecast growth
1 year, 10 months ago

NDIS-funded disability services set for an overhaul as government seeks to slow forecast growth

ABC  

Eligibility for services funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme is set to be tightened in a bid to save more than $15 billion over the next four years alone. Key points: The government is banking $74.3 billion in savings from trimming the growth of the NDIS over the next decade NDIS Minister Bill Shorten says clamping down on unethical …

Disability advocates in shock over Labor announcement of NDIS 'growth target'
1 year, 11 months ago

Disability advocates in shock over Labor announcement of NDIS 'growth target'

ABC  

Disability advocates have reacted furiously to the government's move to rein in spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, after it unveiled a plan that could save the budget $50 billion over the next decade. Key points: It is unclear at the moment how the money will improve the efficiency of the NDIS A annual growth target of 8pc by …

NDIS 'reboot' will include more staff, cost crackdown, longer-term plans and shonky services purge, Shorten says
1 year, 11 months ago

NDIS 'reboot' will include more staff, cost crackdown, longer-term plans and shonky services purge, Shorten says

ABC  

Disability Services Minister Bill Shorten says the government's central agency for supporting Australians with a disability has "lost its way" and needs significant work to ensure it can survive into the future. Key points: The NDIS minister has promised a reboot of the government's key disability agency, which he says has gone off track Bill Shorten promised more staff, longer-term …

Helping migrants living with a disability now a large part of the Migrant Resource Centre's work
2 years ago

Helping migrants living with a disability now a large part of the Migrant Resource Centre's work

ABC  

Roshan Desumbuk-AY loves gardening and selling his produce to his local community. Key points: Launceston's Migrant Resource Centre North has expanded to include disability support services Nationally, the NDIA is developing a new plan to help more people from diverse backgrounds access the scheme The Disability Royal Commission last year heard many migrants had trouble navigating the scheme due to …

NDIS providers facing 'increasing amounts of losses', industry body warns as Anglicare Tasmania steps back
2 years, 2 months ago

NDIS providers facing 'increasing amounts of losses', industry body warns as Anglicare Tasmania steps back

ABC  

A peak industry body fears that National Disability Insurance Scheme service providers are facing increasingly bleak financial outlooks, with not-for-profit organisations appearing to be at greatest risk. Key points: Anglicare Tasmania's decision to exit NDIS services highlights the pressure on not-for-profits in the sector NDIS providers' financial viability has been increasingly at risk in recent years There are hopes a …

Dylan Alcott issues passionate defence of the NDIS at the disability royal commission
2 years, 3 months ago

Dylan Alcott issues passionate defence of the NDIS at the disability royal commission

ABC  

Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott has delivered an impassioned defence of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, declaring "it's not broken — it's bloody great". Key points: Dylan Alcott says he's tired of answering negative questions about the purpose of the NDIS He says the scheme is not about participants "driving nice cars" but so people with disability "can have …

Government brings forward planned NDIS review, urges bigger focus on disability scheme's benefits
2 years, 5 months ago

Government brings forward planned NDIS review, urges bigger focus on disability scheme's benefits

ABC  

A planned review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is being brought forward to this year, with the federal government promising to work alongside people with disability after a significant breakdown of trust in recent years. Key points: The government has fast-tracked its review of the NDIS It expects the scheme over will cost $8.8 billion more over the next …

Concern millions of Australians with disability not on the NDIS have been 'forgotten'
2 years, 10 months ago

Concern millions of Australians with disability not on the NDIS have been 'forgotten'

ABC  

Lisa Giles is "angry as hell" after being rejected twice for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. "No one is talking about the 85 per cent of people with disabilities who aren't on the NDIS and many of those people are struggling to get the services and supports they need to live ordinary lives," Professor Kavanagh said. The 'forgotten' Professor Kavanagh …

NDIS participants like Alicia stuck in hospitals waiting for homes as specialist housing sits vacant, advocacy groups say
2 years, 10 months ago

NDIS participants like Alicia stuck in hospitals waiting for homes as specialist housing sits vacant, advocacy groups say

ABC  

Alicia Appleby is 38 years old but she's been living in a geriatric ward in a Melbourne hospital for more than 260 days. Key points: Ms Appleby wants to live in her own home but is in a dispute with the NDIS over her plan More than 1,000 NDIS participants are estimated to be stuck in hospitals waiting for plans …

Scott Morrison's use of 'blessed' thrust NDIS back into spotlight, raising questions neither side is prepared to answer
2 years, 11 months ago

Scott Morrison's use of 'blessed' thrust NDIS back into spotlight, raising questions neither side is prepared to answer

ABC  

A political scuffle over the Prime Minister's clumsy use of the word "blessed" has thrust the National Disability Insurance Scheme back into the spotlight and triggered important questions about its sustainability. Mr Charlton — who worked as an economic advisor to Kevin Rudd — labelled the NDIS budget a "shambles" and traced the problem back to the scheme's design. Labor …

Labor to review the NDIS if elected, as advocates warn scheme is facing a 'critical moment'
2 years, 11 months ago

Labor to review the NDIS if elected, as advocates warn scheme is facing a 'critical moment'

ABC  

Life changed significantly for Penny Lalor after she had a stroke in 2020. Key points: Labor is pledging a sweeping review of the NDIS if it wins the election The Coalition says another review would add uncertainty into the scheme It comes amid concerns around reported cuts to plans and long-term sustainability The former disability worker, who lives in Sydney’s …

NT NDIS participants, disability service providers flag concerns about funding cuts
3 years, 6 months ago

NT NDIS participants, disability service providers flag concerns about funding cuts

ABC  

Catherine Fielke describes trying to get funding for her five-year-old son through the National Disability Insurance Scheme as "a constant battle". Key points: Mitchell Fielke's new NDIS plan has a third of the funding of the previous plan NT disability service providers have flagged concerns over plans being cut "significantly" without consultation The NDIA says it is committed to delivering …

National Disability Insurance Scheme 'too complex' for people from diverse backgrounds, agencies warn
3 years, 7 months ago

National Disability Insurance Scheme 'too complex' for people from diverse backgrounds, agencies warn

ABC  

After spending his first two years in Australia confined to his house, Myanmar refugee Kham Lian Mung has found freedom in more ways than one. Key points: Just 9.5 per cent of NDIS participants identify as culturally and linguistically diverse That is less than half the projected participation rate Disability support experts say the scheme is burdened by complexity When …

NDIS Minister says independent assessments model is 'dead', in win for disability advocates
3 years, 8 months ago

NDIS Minister says independent assessments model is 'dead', in win for disability advocates

ABC  

State and territory disability ministers have shot down controversial reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, in what advocates say is a huge win for the disability community. Key points: The federal government will not push forward with its plan to roll out independent assessments Disability advocates have campaigned against the changes for months Linda Reynolds says disability ministers will …

NDIS users call for overhaul of 'traumatic' process amid reviews
3 years, 9 months ago

NDIS users call for overhaul of 'traumatic' process amid reviews

ABC  

Toni Mitchell's 21-year-old son, Joshy, lives with Down syndrome, autism, hearing and vision impairments and organ failures, as well as early onset dementia. Key points: NDIS users want an overhaul of the scheme to include better training for staff and more flexible criteria The NDIA says funding packages have increased by an average of 12.5 per cent each year for …

NDIS provider accused of compromising safety of people with disability in quest for growth
3 years, 9 months ago

NDIS provider accused of compromising safety of people with disability in quest for growth

ABC  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has been a cash splash for big players in the sector, and few have benefited quite like the Australian Foundation for Disability – otherwise known as Afford. Key points: Founded in 1951 to help polio victims, Afford has grown rapidly in recent years, fuelled by NDIS funding Clients and their families have accused the organisation …

Why a fully funded NDIS is good for everyone
3 years, 10 months ago

Why a fully funded NDIS is good for everyone

ABC  

Data released as part of the Australia Talks National Survey shows most Australians, 82 per cent in fact, think we should spend as much as is necessary to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. And the hard truth is that the NDIS alone was never going to deliver a life of equal opportunities for people …

Australia's NDIS is 'under threat' with set to balloon to $26 BILLION a year
3 years, 10 months ago

Australia's NDIS is 'under threat' with set to balloon to $26 BILLION a year

Daily Mail  

Scott Morrison has warned the future of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is at stake unless ballooning costs are brought under control. The prime minister said the cost of the NDIS had blown out beyond initial maximum forecasts and was on track to surpass $26 billion next year and grow further beyond that. A forum to discuss the National Disability …

Former NDIS chairman slams changes to support scheme as 'robo-planning' and 'a disgrace'
3 years, 11 months ago

Former NDIS chairman slams changes to support scheme as 'robo-planning' and 'a disgrace'

ABC  

Former chairman of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bruce Bonyhady has labelled changes to the support scheme a "disgrace" that should be abandoned immediately before they cause more needless distress. Key points: The federal government wants to change the way people are assessed for the NDIS At a parliamentary inquiry, former NDIS chairman Bruce Bonyhady said the changes will "fundamentally …

Disability organisations rally against proposal to introduce independent assessments
4 years ago

Disability organisations rally against proposal to introduce independent assessments

ABC  

More than 20 disability organisations have called on the federal government to abandon a plan which they say will force people to explain their support needs to a stranger in less than three hours, or risk losing their NDIS funding. Key points: Disability organisations say a proposal to introduce independent assessments is about "box-ticking" and cost cutting NDIS funding plans …

People with disability fought long and hard for NDIS funding, now many fear it is about to change
4 years, 3 months ago

People with disability fought long and hard for NDIS funding, now many fear it is about to change

ABC  

Sue Grier has always worried about what might happen to her autistic son when she dies, but her concerns have grown due to proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. "For many, many years, William has had very little funding and the NDIS arrived and he's now been able to achieve some great things in his life," Ms Grier …

Disability advocates welcome NDIS reforms to increase number of scheme participants
4 years, 7 months ago

Disability advocates welcome NDIS reforms to increase number of scheme participants

ABC  

Advocates are welcoming substantial changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme which they believe will make the system quicker and easier to navigate. Key points: The new reforms follow an independent review of the NDIS last year Advocates say enacting the review's recommendations will make the scheme easier to access 100,000 new participants have signed up to the NDIS in …

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