Where Are We At Now?
The NDIS has been gradually rolled out across Australia, starting in 2016. As of early 2021, the NDIS is available in all states and territories. Over 400,000 Australians now have access to individualised funding and support through the NDIS.
Around 64% of NDIS participants have a plan in place. The remaining participants are still going through the planning process to determine their needs and funding.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission was established in 2018 to handle complaints, investigate incidents, and ensure high standards of service. Over 2,000 providers are now registered with the Commission.
Reviews and inquiries are ongoing to improve the NDIS. Changes aim to make the system easier to navigate, reduce waiting times, and enhance support coordination.
While good progress has been made, more work is still needed. Here are a few areas currently being addressed:
•Reduce wait times for accessing the NDIS and developing plans. The current delays can span 6-18 months in some areas.
•Streamline planning processes. Participants report the planning meetings can be challenging to navigate, especially for those with limited support networks.
•Enhance support coordination. Many participants struggle to find and coordinate various services to meet their needs. Additional funding for support coordination aims to address this gap.
•Improve market readiness. Some areas still lack a range of service providers, limiting choice and control for participants. Ongoing efforts aim to stimulate the provider market across Australia.
•Address unmet needs. Gaps remain in some types of supports like respite care, community participation, and accommodation. The NDIS is working to fund new solutions in these areas of need.
Overall, the rollout and implementation of the NDIS have been a massive undertaking. While delays and challenges remain, the NDIS has already made a life-changing difference for hundreds of thousands of Australians living with disability. Ongoing reviews and enhancements to the system strive to fulfill the promise of choice and control in the lives of all participants.
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