News and commentary on the NDIS (69)

Q and A: Disability advocate's NDIS 'crash course' (video 2m 44s)
Actor and dancer Kiruna Stamell explained why the National Disability Insurance Scheme was important on ABC's Q and A program. on 5 June 2017

Your Support Worker Is … Disabled?

Sam Connor, Clickability, 16 May 2017

We were speeding through the NDIS conference and I had a coffee in my hand, despite being a manual wheelchair user. My friend was towing me with her electric wheelchair and on this occasion I’d gone to the trouble of bringing a short length of rope – it can get wearing hanging onto someone else’s wheelchair for a full three days. And able bodied people were watching and smiling and making cute comments, because, after all, it’s not a usual thing to see two disabled people supporting each other, is it?

It’s not usual for them, but it’s usual for us ...

The NDIS is making some changes
Disability Loop, 8 June 2017
NDIS Participants got a letter from David Bowen, the CEO of the NDIA on Tuesday. It was sent to Participants through the online portal, and it was also put up on the NDIS website.

The letter was very long, and used a lot of terms that might be hard for people to understand. We've summarised what we think it means in plain language ...

The document from the NDIA CEO:

Participants and providers work with the NDIS to improve processesDavid Bowen, CEO National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), 6 June 2017
The Board and Executive Management team of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) wish to provide information to the Scheme’s existing and potential participants, their families, carers and providers regarding major work that is underway to deliver a significantly upgraded quality of participant and provider experience in a way that remains consistent with maintaining the Scheme’s financial sustainability ...

New legislation to ensure quality of NDIS services

Christian Porter, Minister for Social Services, 31 May 2017

The Turnbull Government will today introduced legislation to establish the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said the proposed changes to the NDIS Act 2013 would create the Commission and give it powers to regulate NDIS providers, oversee quality and safety of their services and supports, investigate and determine complaints and uphold the rights of people with disability.

“This legislation delivers on the Turnbull Government’s commitment in the 2017 Budget to establish the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which will oversee protections for NDIS participants as the scheme is progressively rolled out across Australia,” Mr Porter said ...

NDIS Plans Should have a ‘Work-First Approach’

Rachel McFadden, ProBono News, 6 June 2017

The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, released Monday, show in 2015 there was a 3 per cent decrease in the number of people with a disability participating in the workforce compared to 2003.

... “We know from other data that the Disability Support Pension population is falling (it peaked in June 2012 and has since fallen by 55,000 people), but the employment rate appears not be rising, suggesting that people with disability are being diverted from one form of income support to another, rather than into work. This is not a good result for anyone,” (National Disability Services CEO Ken Baker) said ...

The Indigenous Uptake of the NDIS is Low And This Must Change
Fran Connelley, Probono News, 29 May 2017
Indigenous Australians are 1.7 times more likely to have a disability than those in the non-Indigenous population (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics) ...

'Mean-minded' NDIS disability scheme a disappointment: advocate

Miki Perkins, Sydney Morning Herald, 28 May 2017

... Exhausted parents tell him about adult children who have lost funding for their day program, transport or cookery classes. Or inexpert planners who draw up disability plans over the phone, and never meet the person whose life they shape.

So for the first time Mr Stone, head of the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID), has publicly slammed the "mean-minded" National Disability Insurance Scheme ...

The NDIS Has Teething Problems That Must Be Addressed

Rachel Siewert, Pro Bono Australia News, 24 May 2017

Given the National Disability Insurance Scheme has support across the political spectrum there is a reluctance to heavily criticise it despite a parliamentary inquiry which is revealing that the system is beset by major problems, writes WA Greens Senator Rachel Siewert ...

NDIS Planning Workbook
Association for Children with a Disability
ACD’s new NDIS Planning Workbook has been designed by parents of children with a disability, for parents of children with a disability – and is the first planning workbook to be developed with a specific focus on what families need and are asking for.

It’s been designed to help you prepare for your child’s planning meeting with the NDIS ...

Disability Loop eNews Issue #35, 08/06/2017

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• Previous posts about the NDIS

• Page of links to online sources of information about the NDIS

News and commentary on the NDIS (68)

NSW NDIS information events

• Links to events for all states are listed in the left side-bar on this page

NDIS Guides for Physicians and Paediatricians
Royal Australian College of Physicians

The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) across Australia will change the disability interface with existing sectors, including health. The RACP's NDIS Guides are a resource for physicians, paediatricians and other health professionals to access practical information that can help them navigate the scheme, and support their patients ...

Can the NDIS deliver?
Helen Dickinson, Pursuit, University of Melbourne, 23 May 2017

... Recently, Australia was ranked last in an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study of quality of life of people with disabilities, and with the significantly worse outcomes experienced by people with disabilities, the NDIS is a welcome reform. 

We recently embarked on a research project, funded by the University of Melbourne’s Social Equity Institute, to explore the degree to which the NDIS is achieving its aims and objectives from the perspective of people with disability using these services ...

National ILC Grant Success

Down Syndrome Australia, 23 May 2017

Down Syndrome Australia is pleased to announce that we were successful in the recent ILC National Grant round on behalf of the Down Syndrome Australia Federation. 

This grant will allow DSA to develop a national Toolkit to provide information to schools, employers, community organisations and others to build capacity in mainstream organisations. It will further compliment the Jurisdictional ILC Grant won previously, which included funding for resources that will be targeted more for people with Down syndrome and their families. 

We are thrilled for this new opportunity and look forward to working across the Down Syndrome Australia Federation to deliver these important projects over the next 12 months.

In addition, some of the national ILC grants awarded to other organisations, will also benefit people with intellectual disability quite broadly by helping to make mainstream services and communities generally more inclusive.

• Full list of national ILC grant winners and their projects.

Federal budget 2017: The people (mostly women) the NDIS forgot

Jenna Price, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 May 2017

... "The focus on the national disability insurance scheme is clearly important for those who receive funding through the scheme – but that's not everyone. And the mere mention of the NDIS makes everyone think that all issues around disability are sorted" ...

Labor using NDIS and Medicare levy 'to play politics', disability groups say

Gabrielle Chan, The Guardian, 15 May 2017

Disability groups have warned Labor it would be a shame to create a political fight over the Turnbull government’s plan to increase the Medicare levy to fully fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme ...

Is NDIS really as scary as people say it is?

Lochlan and Tanya Rogers, Every Australian Counts, 9 May 2017

... Why are people fighting the NDIS? It’s time to embrace the NDIS. 

Yes the process was always going to be hard, yes you still have to fight for what your child might need, but let’s keep it real. The process is challenging, it needs to be to enable the correct people to access the support. We need to make sure we are getting value for the money we receive. 

But most importantly we need to stop fighting the NDIS and stop scaring people away from the NDIS ...

What Does NDIS Pay For?

Cheryl McDonnell, InCharge, 3 January 2017

... The NDIS won’t pay for your groceries, but they will pay for a support person to take you shopping if that is a support that you need. 

Think of the things that any non-disabled person pays for themselves, these are the things that NDIS does not pay. Belonging to a club or sport, registration for these or uniform and basic equipment are all costs a non-disabled person pays for themselves ...

How will the NDIS change Australian cities?
Ilan Wiesel, Carolyn Whitzman, Christine Bigby and Brendan Gleeson, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, March 2017

People with disability represent a fifth of the Australian population (AIHW 2015), and this proportion is expected to increase with population ageing. With the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) being progressively rolled out across Australia, this is a particularly appropriate time for the Australian urban research agenda to engage with disability in more meaningful ways ...

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• Previous posts about the NDIS

• Page of links to online sources of information about the NDIS 

Feedback invited on NDIS Code of Conduct

From the Department of Social Services:

A new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguarding Framework (the Framework) has been developed to ensure that all NDIS participants can access high quality and safe supports. The Framework was developed in consultation across governments and with people with disability, carers and providers and is available on the Department of Social Services website.

One aspect of the new NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework is a new NDIS Code of Conduct.

A code of conduct is important to:

• empower people with disability in relation to their rights;
• outline expectations for providers and individual workers,
• shape the behaviour and culture of organisations; and
• provide a mechanism to enforce consequences if workers and providers do not meet expectations.

The final Code of Conduct will be enforceable by law and will include sanctions for breaches of the Code. The Code will come into effect once the NDIS is at full-scheme.

We welcome your ideas and feedback on the content of the Code of Conduct. We invite you to read the Discussion Paper, which is also available in an Easy English version. You are encouraged to complete the quick survey on this website, or upload a submission if you have more detailed feedback to contribute to the discussion. Your input, along with others who contribute to the consultation, will be considered as we finalise the Code of Conduct.

The closing date for completing surveys and uploading submissions is 5pm (AEST), 21 June 2017.

Federal Budget 2017: Down Syndrome Australia commentary

Budget Night 2017-2018

9 May 2017

Down Syndrome Australia's CEO, Dr Ellen Skladzien provides this useful summary of tonight's Federal Budget, on items most relevant to Australians with Down syndrome and their families:

The most positive news for the disability sector in the budget was the decision to provide full funding to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through an increase in the Medicare Levy of 0.5 % from July 2019.  This will provide important funding for the Scheme going forward. It is likely to be controversial as it is basically a tax increase- but provides ongoing funding for NDIS and security for the scheme going forward.

One area of concern in the budget is a funding cut of $12 million to the Information, Linkages and Capacity building component of NDIS.  This is funding that supports organisations, like Down Syndrome organisations, that deliver information, referrals and peer support to people with disability. It is also the part of the scheme designed to assist people with disability who are not eligible for an individualised NDIS package of support. The Government has rationalised this by indicating it is due to WA not joining the national scheme.  However, given that the current level of ILC funding is extremely low compared to the required level of support required in the sector, it is disappointing to see this cut.

Other key budget measures for disability include:

• $33 million dollar package to support aged care and disability workforce growth
• $209 million to establish the Independent NDIS Quality and Safeguards commission
• Investment in Disability Employment Services program over the next 4 years including funding to index payments, funding attached to individuals rather than service providers, and a trial to provide DES to children with a disability in their final years of schooling.
• Changes to the residency requirements for the DSP and age pension.

There are also a range of health measures which will potentially have a positive impact on people with Down syndrome including:

• Lifting the freeze on the indexation of the MBS and reversing the removal of bulk-billing for diagnostic imaging and the increase in PBS copayment and related charges
• $165 million mental health package including $80 million for community psychosocial services
• Investment in health research
• Decision not to privatise Australian Hearing

There was also significant investment in education taking on the Gonski funding model.  This was announced in the lead up to the budget and has been somewhat controversial due to concerns about decreased funding to some private schools.

Overall there are some really positive outcomes; however, Down Syndrome Australia will continue to monitor the ILC situation- particularly if WA changes their approach to NDIS.

News and Commentary on the NDIS (67)

NDIS complaints mount, disability service providers demand urgent improvements

Dan Conifer, ABC News, 4 May 2017
Disability service providers are demanding urgent improvements to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as complaints mount about poor-quality plans ...

• It’s time to act, to get the NDIS on track, National Disability Services, 4 May 2017

Don't play politics with the NDIS

Rachel Browne, Sydney Morning Herald (Editorial), 3 May 2017

The NDIS must be adequately - and sustainably - funded ... The overriding fear is that, despite all the good intentions behind the NDIS, problems with its implementation may result in something akin to a zero-sum game for Australia's most vulnerable people ... There is no doubt the NDIS must be adequately – and sustainably – funded. The cost of failure to deliver is far higher.

First Peoples: Living Our Way - A Conference for Aboriginal People Living with Disability

Tuesday 23 - Thursday 25 May 2017 - Wagga Wagga NSW

First Peoples Disability Network

First Peoples Disability Network is hosting a conference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability to come and learn how you can engage with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and share your story. 

We will have a variety of guest speakers for you to hear how Aboriginal people with disability can be best supported in their journey for more choice and control with their service supports and life.

Registrations close Friday 19th May 2017.

NDIS reviews practices after lengthy delay in helping critically ill Queensland toddler

Robert Baird, ABC News, 28 April 2017

The National Disability Insurance Agency says it is reviewing its practices after a Queensland toddler with a life-threatening condition has waited more than five months for vital treatment ...


Success with ILC Grant
Down Syndrome Australia, 26 April 2017

Down Syndrome Australia is pleased to announce that we were successful in the recent ILC- ACT Jurisdictional grant round on behalf of the Down Syndrome Australia Federation.

DSA will address the need for ongoing access to resources, peer support and quality information by leading a consortium of State and Territory Down syndrome Organisations to deliver the Information for Life project. This Project will enable us to provide information and linkages to families in the ACT and to develop and deliver national resources. We are very excited about this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with our colleagues in the ACT and across the Down Syndrome federation to deliver this important project and achieve good outcomes for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Concern over speed of NDIS rollout in Indigenous communities, as NSW launches approach

Aimee Volkofsky and Declan Gooch, ABC News, 20 April 2017
A lobby group is calling for a slow down in the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Aboriginal communities, as its rollout looms in remote parts of NSW.

The NDIS will launch in many of the state's regional areas from July 1, and will see people with a disability able to receive funds directly to spend on services they choose.

The First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) said it believed the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which is behind the NDIS, has not done enough to ensure there is enough culturally-appropriate support for applicants ...

NDIA to appeal McGarrigle ruling as test case

NDIS.gov.au, 8 April 2017
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has carefully considered the Federal Court decision handed down on 28 March 2017 in relation to the case of Mr Liam McGarrigle.

Because this is effectively a test case with implications for the long-term financial sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the NDIA has decided to appeal the Federal Court decision to the Full Court and has lodged an appeal today.

While the NDIS was set up to be able to contribute to some of a participant’s transport costs, the NDIS Act specifically requires the NDIA to fund reasonable and necessary supports that “take into account what is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide” ...

NDIS hiccups are expected, as with any large-scale social reform

Helen Dickinson, The Conversation, 18 April 2017

... one of the problems with judging success and failure is that they often look the same part way through. We shouldn’t be surprised that such a huge reform process is encountering challenges in the implementation process and these issues don’t mean that the NDIS is failing overall ...

Down Syndrome Australia supports equal NDIS access for WA
17 April 2017
Down Syndrome Australia has written to the WA Minister for Disability Services advocating on behalf of Western Australians with Down syndrome to have equal access to the national disability scheme. Read the full text of DSA's letter here.

Warning: watch out for dodgy operators in NDIS
Clare Kermond, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April 2017
Disability workers, unions and advocacy groups are raising the alarm over the likelihood that less experienced, less qualified staff, and even dodgy operators could pour into the sector under the National Disability Insurance Scheme ...

Disability Loop eNews Issue #34, 4 May 2017

Carers NSW
Stay up to date with all if the latest NDIS information for carers by subscribing to Carers NSW monthly NDIS update.

• Dates and locations for Carers and the NDIS 2 day workshops across NSW

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• Previous posts about the NDIS

• Page of links to online sources of information about the NDIS

NDIS information event, Burwood (Sydney)

NDIS: Community Information Session 

10.00am - 12.00pm or 6.00pm - 8.00pm 27 April 2017 -  Burwood NSW

• designed to help people with disability, as well as their families and carers, get ready for the National Disability Insurance Scheme that will commence in your area on 1 July 2017
• what is the NDIS and how does it work?
• am I eligible for the NDIS?
• what will happen if I am made eligible?
• what kind of support can I access through the NDIS?
• RSVP by 24 April

News and commentary on the NDIS (66)

These links all address housing and supported living provisions of the NDIS:


Explainer – unlocking the SDA rule

Every Australian Counts, 12 April 2017
What is the new Specialist Disability Accommodation Rule and what does it mean for people with disability under the NDIS?

The SDA rule is a really important document because it sets out how and what accommodation can be provided for people with very high support needs through the NDIS. It’s protected by law and has the agreement of all state and territory ministers ...

The Evolution of Housing for People with Disabilities

George Taleporos, Probono News Australia, 11 April 2017

This week on the ABC’s Lateline program, people with disabilities had a glimpse of the future of disability housing in Australia – a future where people with disabilities choose where they live and who they live with. This is something that most of us take for granted, but for people with disabilities it is an exciting new possibility that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is promising to deliver ...

Developers seize on disability-friendly apartment opportunities as NDIS needs soar

Norman Hermant, Lateline (ABC TV), 4 April 2017 (Video 5m 15s, transcript)

With just three years to find housing for 27,000 people, the NDIS has found unexpected support from major builders, who have seized on the opportunity to build accessible homes for tenants with special needs ...

Shared ownership can help make housing affordable for people with disability

Ilan Wiesel and Karen R Fisher, The Conversation, 12 February 2017

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is expected to help more people with disability access the support services they need to live independently in the community. But the majority of NDIS participants have low incomes. So, without substantial financial assistance, they struggle to find affordable housing to move into. In recent years there has been much public policy discussion about shared ownership housing models – also known as shared equity – as part of the solution for this problem ...

Re-post from News and commentary on the NDIS (64):

NDIS housing rules for people with a disability could be life-changing
Libby Calloway, Kate Tregloan, The Conversation, 23 March 2017
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Rules were tabled in federal parliament in mid-March. The new rules offer the possibility of an inclusive Australian society that enables those people with the highest disability-related support needs to have equal access to mainstream services including housing ...

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• Previous posts about the NDIS

• Page of links to online sources of information about the NDIS

Latest additions to 'events' pages

• Click here for Down Syndrome NSW events

These links provide information about events run by other organisations that might be of interest to people with Down syndrome, their families, carers and professionals who support them 

• All current events listings  

Families Getting NDIS Ready Wednesday 24 May 2017 - Bomaderry Thursday 25 May 2017 - Wollongong Friday 26 May 2017 - Miranda Resourcing Families A free workshop for families to kick-start their NDIS preparation and make the most of the NDIS for their family member with disability - presented by Jan Kruger and Jack Kruger. Hear from a parent and a participant about their NDIS journey Find out how and why they self manage NDIS supports Ask your questions of an NDIS representative Explore strategies for creative planning Learn tools for advocacy in a changing support environment Understanding Person Centredness 25 May 2017 - Camperdown (Sydney) Centre for Disability Studies Participants will attain knowledge in the background and philosophy of Person Centredness and develop skills to apply it in their daily professional practice.  Audience - anyone interested in learning about the fundamentals of Person centredness. This is a good introduction into the CDS suite of Person Centredness workshops.  Facilitator - Ray Murray Carers and the NDIS workshops May – August 2017 - Ashfield, Botany, La Perouse, Marrickville, Nowra, Port Macquarie, Ryde, Shellharbour, Strathfield, Sutherland, Ulladulla, Waverly Carers NSW Do you care for someone with an NDIS package?  Carers NSW is running a series of Carers and the NDIS workshops designed to help carers get the best outcome from the NDIS for the person they care for and for themselves. To find out more, contact the Education and Training team on 02 9280 4744 or education@carersnsw.org.au

News and commentary on the NDIS (65)

Cuts to the $22 billion NDIS behemoth would cost more in the long run

Jessica Irvine, Sydney Morning Herald, 10 April 2017

Everyone knows the National Disability Insurance Scheme is a great idea, but hopelessly over budget – an expensive Labor extravagance – right? Don't buy the lie.

'National Disability Insurance Scheme Costs' review

More than 180 submissions have been received in response to the Productivity Commission's Issues Paper, National Disability Insurance Scheme Costs. Initial submissions were due by 24 March 2017. Opportunity for further comment will be sought upon release of the position paper in May 2017.

The study will examine issues including: the sustainability of scheme costs; jurisdictional capacity (including the complementary disability services provided by the States and Territories); cost pressures (including wage pressures); changes in the agreed escalation parameters; whether efficiencies have been achieved within the scheme; whether there has been any impact on mainstream services; and examine the most appropriate levers to manage any potential cost overruns.

A broad range of organisations and individuals have responded, including Down Syndrome Australia - background and summary of the DSA submission and a link to the paper

• All of the submissions received are listed here, with links to different formats.

NSW Government privatisation plans leave people with disabilities in uncertainty
Alison Branley, ABC, 7 April 2017
Now the NSW Government has confirmed it has a long-term plan to sell off these homes as part of the move to a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

NSW Disability Services Minister Ray Williams said in the medium term the properties would be leased to private community housing providers under five to 10-year agreements. But after that, they would be sold ...

Disability services sell-off in New South Wales being bungled, carers say

Alison Branley, ABC News, 31 March 2017

Carers of people with a disability have accused the NSW Government of bungling its sell-off of disability services.

The State Government currently runs about 300 group homes in NSW and now that service has been put out to tender under the shift to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This sell-off has left many residents and their families anxious and uncertain about their future.

Families of residents said they were angry the process had been structured so they have only one choice in many areas, and often it was a larger organisation ...

• NSW Council for Intellectual Disability commentary

Siblings and the NDIS
Kate Stohm, Every Australian Counts, 8 March 2017
The NDIS is a new way of supporting people with disability. Whilst it aims to provide greater choice and control regarding services for participants it also recognises the important role of ‘informal supports’ ...

Disability Advocacy Funding Failure

Lena Cavena, Pro Bono News Australia, 9 March 2017

The future of many disability advocacy organisations is under threat with the expected loss of NSW government funding from July 2018 as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to roll out nationally. 

Under the terms of NSW’s NDIS deal with the federal government, the state will hand over all its disability budget to the Commonwealth from 1 July 2018.

The CEO of Disability Advocacy NSW, which is one of the largest disability advocacy services in the state, is Mark Grierson. He told Pro Bono News that the NDIS definition of disability support excluded advocacy and health-related services ...

Weekly Q and A 

NDIS, from 24 March 2017

We established this weekly Q and A forum because we are reading your comments, and want to answer the most commonly asked questions, including those with answers we think will be helpful to a wide range of people who visit our social media channels.

• Q and A forums are located on the 'news' page, 7 April and 13 April now listed.

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The official NDIS website provides access to documents, and up to date information about how the NDIS works, and NDIS events such as local workshops and webinars.

NDIS and Me
People with Down syndrome and/or their families and carers can join the closed Facebook Group, NDIS and Me, for discussion specifically about the NDIS and people with Down syndrome.

Disability Loop - a way to find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Disability Loop is a project funded by the NDIS. It is run by, and for, people with disability and their allies.

Two other closed Facebook groups (only members can see the posts) that you might find useful for answering particular queries are:

• NDIS Grassroots Discussion - a large group run for and by people with all kinds of disabilities, and welcoming of carers - the administrators are very experienced in managing discussions that can become robust at times, as criticism of the NDIS is raised
• the newer and smaller I Love NDIS aims to promote discussion of individual's successes in putting their plans together and implementing them.

New blog post from NSW Council for Intellectual Disability

Even less choice: the latest on the ADHC transfer of services 
NSW CID e-News, April 2017

People living in Ageing, Disability and Home Care group homes across the state and their families are dismayed at losing the small amount of influence they were promised in determining their new service provider.

They were originally told they would be presented with a shortlist and consulted about which provider they would prefer take over their group home.

Instead, they have been asked to choose from a shortlist of only one provider. As far as short lists go, that’s a very short list.

Read the full blog post here.

News and commentary on the NDIS (64)

• Towards an Ordinary Life: NDIS Annual Report 2015-2016

• Young Carers NSW - NDIS information page

Four Corners: can the NDIS prevent abuse of people with disability?

Carmel Laragy, The Conversation, 29 March 2017

Monday’s Four Corners program, Fighting the System, was deeply disturbing viewing. It detailed shocking sexual abuse allegations of two residents at a group home for people with disabilities.

... If the NDIS is implemented in accordance with its legislation, it could mitigate some of the abuse and the distress experienced by people with disability. But it won’t be able to address all the other issues raised by Four Corners ...

If I had my time again ...
Rob Woolley, Disability Services Consulting, 28 March 2017
... I’ve worked in either the Barwon, Hunter or ACT trial site since day one of the NDIS and speaking as a Provider, it’s given us a whole new set of challenges to work with. Every day is a learning experience working in and around the NDIS, and some of these lessons have been lightbulb moments while some have been hard-fought and ground out through lots of costly mistakes.

I am regularly asked “If you could wind back the clock and do something differently, what would it be?”. These are things I wish I had known three years ago ...

NDIS housing rules for people with a disability could be life-changing
Libby Calloway, Kate Tregloan, The Conversation, 23 March 2017
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Rules were tabled in federal parliament in mid-March. The new rules offer the possibility of an inclusive Australian society that enables those people with the highest disability-related support needs to have equal access to mainstream services including housing ...

Privatising NDIS services could be a repeat of the VET-fee disaster
Rod Sims, Sydney Morning Herald, 14 March 2017
Say the word privatisation and chances are you will get a passionate response either for or against. While the privatisation of infrastructure can and should yield considerable public benefit, we often see the privatisation of public assets done badly and see rising prices where usually the reverse should occur ...

And the winner is ... culture
Vanessa Toy and Roland Naufal, Disability Services Consulting, 13 March 2017
We’ve seen enough rounds of the NDIS to declare culture as the winner. Culture is the dominant force in organisations. We often use one of Rob Woolley’s favourite sayings culture eats process for breakfast, because culture has both the appetite and the power to override any process-driven management effort. Attend well to culture and it will support all your efforts. Ignore it and it will devour any strategies that do not align with it ...

Prisoners are excluded from the NDIS – here’s why it matters
Jesse Young and Stuart Kinner, The Conversation, 14 March 2017
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide access to personalised supports and services for all Australians with a disability. However, the NDIS specifically excludes prisoners ...

Building an Ordinary Life
Wendy Williams, Pro Bono News, 6 March 2017
... (Matthew Wright) has personal experience of disability being partially deaf and a part of Australia’s signing deaf community (fluent in Auslan).He is a passionate believer in the dream of the National Disability Insurance Scheme for people with a disability to live “an ordinary life” as part of the community.

In his role as branch manager design and inclusion, his team consults with individuals, stakeholders and peak bodies to ensure that their views and opinions are reflected in NDIS projects and key decisions.

NDIS must have a consistent national model with all in!
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, 3 March 2017
In light of recent media activity, the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) reiterates its support for a national approach to the NDIS. This includes WA joining the complete Commonwealth NDIS to ensure Western Australians with disability are not compromised by a multi-layered system.

“We are concerned that the WA government is not listening to people with disability when it comes to the future provision of services and supports. People with disability are clear they want WA to be a part of the national NDIS system,” said Mr Ross Joyce, AFDO CEO ...

NDIS enrolments surging, but at what expense?

Norman Hermant, ABC News, 3 March 2017

The number of people joining the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) jumped dramatically in the last three months of 2016, according to official figures. Close to 26,000 people signed on — three times the number who joined in the previous quarter ... The latest numbers are a big turnaround from the first quarterly report of the scheme's "transition" phase, when only 7,400 new participants were enrolled. That was well below initial targets ...

Pace of NDIS rollout a cause for concern (audio 8m)

Heidi Pett, RN Breakfast (ABC Radio), 17 February 2017

This week, the Coalition attempted to lash funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to the sinking ship of their welfare omnibus bill.

But, as the political bickering continues, those in the sector are worried the scheme itself is taking on water. Disability advocates say the pace of the national rollout has led to inconsistencies and a lack of oversight, leaving many participants worse off ...

If we can fund submarines why can't we find the money for the NDIS?

Mornings, 702 ABC Radio, 21 February 2017 (audio file 17m 18s)

The current and former Disability Discrimination Commissioners, Alastair McEwin and Graeme Innes, joined Wendy Harmer to vent their frustration following last night's Q and A discussion on the NDIS funding. Alastair wants politicians to stop and think what it would be like to not be able to get out of your house on a daily basis. He and Graeme Innes want NDIS funding to be viewed as an investment in getting people with disabilities out working, socialising and contributing to the community '''

NDIA recruits Cate Blanchett to voice new avatar
Byron Connolly, CIO, 22 February 2017
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has recruited Oscar winning actress Cate Blanchett as the voice of Nadia, an online virtual assistant who speaks, writes and chats online and answers common questions about the national disability insurance scheme ...


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NDIS and Me
People with Down syndrome and/or their families and carers can join the closed Facebook Group, NDIS and Me, for discussion specifically about the NDIS and people with Down syndrome.

Disability Loop - a way to find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Disability Loop is a project funded by the NDIS. It is run by, and for, people with disability and their allies.

Two other closed Facebook groups (only members can see the posts) that you might find useful for answering particular queries are:

• NDIS Grassroots Discussion - a large group run for and by people with all kinds of disabilities, and welcoming of carers - the administrators are very experienced in managing discussions that can become robust at times, as criticism of the NDIS is raised
• the newer and smaller I Love NDIS aims to promote discussion of individual's successes in putting their plans together and implementing them.

Free NSW forums on NDIS - Every Australian Counts

The Every Australian Counts team will be hitting the road from March – May presenting NDIS information forums in the NSW regional areas where the NDIS will be rolling out from July.

Topics include:

• What the NDIS is, why we need it and what it means for you
• The changes that the NDIS brings and how they will benefit you
• How to access the NDIS and get the most out of it 

These free forums are designed for people with disability, their families and carers, people working in the disability sector and anyone else interested in all things NDIS.

Please register for tickets and let Every Australian Counts know about any access requirements. All the venues are wheelchair accessible and Auslan interpreters are available if required. Please contact us when you book if you have specific access requests.

We’ve locked in the following locations:

Casino 8th March
Grafton 9th March
Coffs Harbour 14th March
Port Macquarie 15th March
Wagga Wagga 23rd March
Orange 5th April
Dubbo 6th April
Nowra 2nd May
Wollongong 3rd May
Albury 9th May
Broken Hill 16th May

We will be holding Sydney metro forums too – we’ll have those dates to you ASAP.

Click on a link above to register online now!

News and commentary on the NDIS (63)

Developing and starting your first plan - NDIS webinar

2.00pm-3.00pm Tuesday 28 February 2017 (AEDT)

NDIA hosted webinar about your NDIS First Plan and how to put it into action.

It’s free to watch, and the live and online panel will be answering questions submitted by viewers on the day. 

If you have questions about the first plan process or want to hear about how you might best implement your plan, this is the webinar for you!

• Register here

Study into the Effect of the NDIS on Carers

Probono Australia, 25th January 2017
The wellbeing of carers caring for an individual participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may not have improved compared to those not on the scheme, according to researchers who are embarking on stage three of a national investigation ...

NDIS Housing - 4 key questions

Luke Bosher and Libby Ellis, Disability Services Consulting, 5 February 2017
Literally tens of thousands of people with disability (and families) are thinking about how the NDIS will enable a move out of the family home and into a house of their own.

... Ultimately, participants and their families will need to decide for themselves where they live, who they live with and how they are supported ...

The Inclusion Hub - guiding you through the NDIS - website

The Inclusion Hub is a new online tool to support Australian families, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) practitioners and communities with the resources they need to navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

The site has been developed by Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA). Our ECI experts have selected all the best available resources to support families and children with disability and/or developmental delay. It is our goal to make it easy for families, early intervention providers, early childhood educators, medical professionals and the community to have available to them resources, ideas and stories all in one place. 

The Inclusion Hub encompasses a resource directory, a glossary of common terms, webinars, articles, newsletters, downloads and more.

Concerns NDIS Quality and Safety Framework Forgets Majority of People With DisabilityEllie Cooper, Pro Bono Australia, 7 February 2017
Disability advocates welcomed the release of the long-awaited NDIS quality and safety framework, but expressed concern about the significant number of people outside the scheme who won’t be protected ...

New national framework to ensure quality and safety

Every Australian Counts, 13 February 2017

Until now each state and territory has been responsible for ensuring the quality of NDIS services and protecting NDIS participants in their jurisdiction. But that’s set to change under the new national NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework ...

The Policy Problem: The NDIS and Implications for Access to Education
Pro Bono Australia, 7 February 2017
Despite the policy priority across OECD countries of increasing lifelong learning opportunities, fragmented NDIS policy in Australia prevents people with disability from achieving this ideal, write academics Ben Whitburn, Julianne Moss and Jo O’Mara from Deakin University ...

Hunter workers join Sydney disability services rally
Ian Kirkwood, Newcastle Herald, 14 February 2017
About 700 public sector disability workers braved pouring rain and NSW government threats of legal action to rally outside Parliament House against the privatisation of government disability services.

Additional responses to the Omnibus Bill proposal:

Architect of NDIS lashes Federal Government over funding for the scheme (audio 2m 48s)

Peta Donald, ABC AM, 16 February 2017

The man sometimes called 'the father' of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has criticised the Federal Government over the debate this week on how the scheme's to be paid for. The government wants the Senate crossbench to support cuts to family payments, in order to fund the NDIS.

Bruce Bonyhady, the inaugural chairman of the National Disability Insurance Agency, says linking the two is deeply unfair, and cruel to disabled Australians.

Political debate over future funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme raises concerns (audio only) (audio 4m 45s)
Emily Bourke, ABC PM, 15 February 2017
Well, disability advocates say they're increasingly alarmed by the tone and substance of the political debate over the future funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ...

National Disability Insurance Scheme: Where will the cash come from?
Jane Norman, ABC News, 15 February 2017
A ferocious argument has erupted between the Federal Government and Opposition over the funding for the $22 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ...
Hearing Morrison use disabled people as political pawns gave me the creeps

Michael Buckley, The Guardian, 14 February 2017
Tying the omnibus savings bill to NDIS funding was cynical. I wasn’t surprised – we disabled are used to being treated with contempt by this government.

Leaving aside the ethical question of harming one group of poor – the bill would push unemployed people under 25 from Newstart to Youth Allowance, as one example – to help another, there is something quite unsettling about the way Morrison is framing a refusal to vote for the omnibus as some kind of attack on the NDIS. It’s unsettling to see a bipartisan enterprise like the NDIS (remember that sense of hope when it was introduced) used as a wedge in this way ...

Agree to welfare cuts or forget funding for childcare and the NDIS? The government's ultimatum that failed
Georgina Dent, Women's Agenda, 14 February 2017
Yesterday the federal government ramped up the pressure on senators who might block its $4 billion omnibus of savings - comprising significant welfare cuts - by indicating that would put funding for childcare increases and the National Disability Insurance Scheme at risk ...

Here's a tip: don't pick on disabled people
Laura Tingle, Australian Financial Review, 13 February 2017
Christian Porter is often touted as a conservative contender for future prime minister. He's smart. He's personable. He's got the experience of being a state attorney-general and treasurer under his belt despite his relative youth.

What he hasn't got is any political touch. He rather showed that last year when he missed a huge opportunity to parade himself as an innovative policy maker with some interesting ideas - and create a new platform for debating welfare spending - when he instead sold the government's adoption of the New Zealand investment approach to social welfare as yet just another exercise in ways to save eleventy billion dollars in a hundred years time.

So here's a tip Christian: don't pick on disabled people ...

• Access to this article might require payment.

________________________________________

The official NDIS website provides access to documents, and up to date information about how the NDIS works, and NDIS events such as local workshops and webinars.

NDIS and MePeople with Down syndrome and/or their families and carers can join the closed Facebook Group, NDIS and Me, for discussion specifically about the NDIS and people with Down syndrome.

Disability Loop - a way to find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Disability Loop is a project funded by the NDIS. It is run by, and for, people with disability and their allies.

Two other closed Facebook groups (only members can see the posts) that you might find useful for answering particular queries are:

• NDIS Grassroots Discussion - a large group run for and by people with all kinds of disabilities, and welcoming of carers - the administrators are very experienced in managing discussions that can become robust at times, as criticism of the NDIS is raised
• the newer and smaller I Love NDIS aims to promote discussion of individual's successes in putting their plans together and implementing them.

Q and A on the NDIS next week (ABC TV)

People with Disability Australia has posted on their Facebook page today:

'ABC TV's program Q and A will be in Sydney next week, talking about the NDIS. Would you like to go along and ask a question?

On the panel will be:

Attorney General George Brandis
Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek
Human rights advocate Julian Burnside
News Corp columnist and Editor Piers Akerman
CEO Roy Morgan Research Michele Levine

Register here to join the live studio audience.
In Q.13 (how did you hear about us) please write People with Disability Australia as a reference.

If your registration is successful someone from the Q and A team will be in touch.'

Responses to 'omnibus Bill'

Disabled People’s Organisations Australia response, posted 13 February 2017

Childcare linked to NDIS funding? An explainer

Every Australian Counts, 14 February 2017

The Turnbull Government yesterday announced they’d dedicate another $3billion to the NDIS but it’s not quite as simple as that. Here’s what has been happening in Canberra over the last 24 hours.

To cut a very long story short, two years ago the then Abbott Government committed over $4billion to childcare, making an average family with kids in childcare around $30 a week better off.

... We’ll keep an eye on it as it develops but if there is a positive to come from all this politicking, it has been to hear multiple senior members of government reaffirm their commitment to fully funding the NDIS.

Brakes put on Government's Omnibus Bill

Nick Xenophon,  media release, 14 February 2017
After exhaustive consideration, the Nick Xenophon Team will not support the Government’s Social Services Legislation Amendment (Omnibus Savings and Child Care Reform) Bill 2017 ...

Childcare changes: Nick Xenophon Team blocks Federal Government's omnibus bill
Matthew Doran and Julie Doyle, ABC News, 14 February 2017

The Nick Xenophon Team has announced it will not support the Federal Government's package of changes to child care and welfare benefits ... Without the support of the three Nick Xenophon Team senators from South Australia, the bill now needs the support of the Greens to pass the Upper House — something that appears unlikely ...

Don’t fund the NDIS with cuts to social services and childcare

13 February 2017

Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia), is alarmed and concerned that the Federal Government is linking budget cuts in the Omnibus Bill, now before the Senate, with funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“We are shocked and troubled about this announcement from Treasurer Scott Morrison that once again links cuts to social security with funding for the NDIS,” said Ms Therese Sands, Director, DPO Australia.

“We have stated clearly, including in our pre-budget submission, that we reject any ties to funding the NDIS by cutting social security. We strongly reject measures that would seek to fill any perceived or potential shortfall in NDIS funding through a shift in revenue from other human services. ”

News and commentary on the NDIS (62)

Amid the gloom, something for Australians to feel proud of

Jessica Irvine, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 2017

... Behind the scenes, the wheels of Australian government are in feverish full swing to build one of the largest pieces of social and economic infrastructure this country has ever seen.

In terms of cost, it's on par with building the National Broadband Network – every year.

It's the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of course, this nation's most ambitious attempt ever to deliver more money and better services to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Australians should feel rightly proud of the scheme. But vigilance is also required ...

Where do I find ... NDIS eNewsletter, 19 January 2016 Improvements have been made to the factsheets and publications page, if you’re looking for readily available (NDIS) information, it’s the place to start. Each one is short and succinct, providing you with enough information to understand each topic. So if you’re ever in need of more specific and helpful information - all on one page - make sure you check it out!

The NDIS in 2017 – a year of promise but great challenges

Jim Simpson, NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, 16 January 2017

The NDIS legislation is about people with substantial disability having an enforceable right to “reasonable and necessary support” and having “choice and control” over how that support is provided and who provides it. It is a fundamental step forward in increasing the availability and individual focus of this support for people with disabilities in Australia.

In NSW, the disability support budget will increase greatly and the number of people receiving disability support should rise from 80,000 to 140,000. However, there are many major hurdles that must be overcome for this vision to become reality ...

'Don't cut uni research funding to help NDIS': UQ vice chancellor

Tony Moore, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 January 2016

It is a mistake to take research money from universities to fund gaps in the National Disabilities Insurance Scheme, the new chairman of Australia's high-profile Group of Eight (Go8) university body, Queenslander Professor Peter Hoj said this week.

"We absolutely agree the NDIS should be funded adequately ," Professor Hoj said ... "Damage research and you damage not only the medical advances that come from research, but indeed the economy which sustains many of the services we wish to have available in the long term" ...

• The NDIS Must Not Be a Trade-Off, Wendy Williams, Probono News Australia, 16 January 2017 - The National Disability Insurance Scheme must not be funded from trade-offs the disability sector has argued, as tension mounts over federal government plans to transfer a $3.7 billion education fund into the initiative.

Empowered clients do well under NDIS but older, rural people struggle: review
Linda Belardi, Community Care Review, 19 January 2017
The majority of clients in the National Disability Insurance Scheme trial have enjoyed greater choice and control under the new program, but some have found themselves to be worse off under the scheme, an evaluation has found.

Some 15 to 17 per cent of participants reported having poorer outcomes in terms of their choice and control and were accessing fewer supports than they did prior to the NDIS trial ...

The role of funded services and support

Community Resources Unit, 2016

... As we move to a new era with more flexibility, we have the chance to rethink how formal support can be incorporated into a person’s life and what an ideal combination of supports would be. The gradual introduction of individualised funding over recent years has highlighted the potential for the formal to usurp or take over the informal and we see the cost of that in the loneliness and disconnection in many people’s lives ...
'Bringing together research and sporting excellence so all kids can play and dance'

A survey  to help build inclusive physical activity programs around Australia for all children, regardless of developmental challenges or disabilities - click here to go to the survey website for more information and to complete the survey.

The researchers are from the National Disability Insurance Agency and Deakin University.

$15.3 million to NDIS projects

Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, 25 January 2017
The Australian Government is providing a package of more than $15.3 million to help people prepare for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), through the NDIS Sector Development Fund ...

NDIS: Federal Government announces independent review of National Disability Insurance Scheme

Henry Belot, ABC News, 20 January 2017

he Federal Government has announced an independent review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to examine overall costs, value for money and its long-term sustainability.

Treasurer Scott Morrison announced the Productivity Commission review on Friday afternoon with a position paper to be released in May, followed by a report in September ...

________________________________________

The official NDIS website provides access to documents, and up to date information about how the NDIS works, and NDIS events such as local workshops and webinars.

NDIS and Me
People with Down syndrome and/or their families and carers can join the closed Facebook Group, NDIS and Me, for discussion specifically about the NDIS and people with Down syndrome.

Disability Loop - a way to find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Disability Loop is a project funded by the NDIS. It is run by, and for, people with disability and their allies.

Two other closed Facebook groups (only members can see the posts) that you might find useful for answering particular queries are:

• NDIS Grassroots Discussion - a large group run for and by people with all kinds of disabilities, and welcoming of carers - the administrators are very experienced in managing discussions that can become robust at times, as criticism of the NDIS is raised
• the newer and smaller I Love NDIS aims to promote discussion of individual's successes in putting their plans together and implementing them.

News and commentary on the NDIS (61)

Breaking down barriers to help people with disabilities make connections

Miki Perkins, The Age, 14 January 2017

There was a spa bath in the cabin, the beach close by and a glass of bubbles in hand (soft drink only of course). Their days were filled with sun, ice cream and conversation; the exquisite, ordinary pleasures of a weekend away ...

Concern about NDIS in remote areas as fewer than half of NT participants receive support payments

Jacqueline Breen, ABC News, 30 December 2016

Fewer than half of Northern Territorians eligible for funded support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme have had payments made against their plan, prompting renewed questions about the scheme's workings in remote areas ...

NDIS: Outgoing chair Bruce Bonyhady pushes for independent board with disability experience

Naomi Woodley, ABC News, 24 December 2016

The inaugural chair of the agency running the National Disability Insurance Scheme has emphasised the importance of his board's independence and experience in the disability sector, as he prepares to leave the role ...

Sector Disappointed as NDIA Given Corporate Makeover
Wendy Williams, Probono News, 6 January 2016
The disability sector has expressed “disappointment” after a number of “corporate heavyweights” have been appointed to lead the National Disability Insurance Scheme in place of those with lived experience ...

• Strong Board to Guide the NDIS, media release from the Minister for Social Services Christian Porter, 31 December 2016

Houston, we have some problems

Disability Services Consulting, 30 December 2016
... The 12 months between now and December 2017 will see the NDIS tested on just about every front as the transition to full scheme becomes real. Not only does the NDIA have to complete plans for a staggering 100,000 people with disability. But the NDIA will do this while managing through a mess of in-kind arrangements handed to them by the Commonwealth and States, an overly strict cap on their own staffing, as well as building a new program to help over one million Australians with disability or who are carers.

Despite the NDIA creating a rod for their own backs from time to time (eg. the removal of the float for self-managed participants), the NDIA deserve our patience and goodwill as they try and deliver the near impossible in 2017 ...

Myth busting and choosing to self-manage on the NDIS

Hire-Up, 8 December 2016

We often hear that finding clear, straight-forward information about choosing to self-manage on the NDIS can sometimes be tricky. This is largely because there are so many ways to self-manage on the NDIS and how a person arranges their supports depends on what they want to achieve ...

Help! How do I get Plan Management AND Supports Coordination from my NDIS plan?

Libby Ellis, InCharge, 10 December 2016

This is the sixth post in our blog series about some of the common confusions and inconsistencies we’ve heard from people coming out of NDIS planning meetings ...

... Another confusion we’ve come across is around Plan Management and Supports Coordination. To recap on what these things are, plan management is one of the three ways you can manage your NDIS funds. With plan management, you have the flexibility to pay for both registered and unregistered providers with your NDIS funds ... Supports Coordination (or ‘Coordination of Supports’) is when someone helps you to implement your plan, to get started and find services and supports in your local community. If you receive supports co-ordination, it is a separately funded part of your Plan ... 

Young People Don't Belong In Aged-Care Facilities

Linda Reynolds (Senator, WA), Huffington Post, 22 December 2016

As we prepare to spend Christmas with our family and friends, I ask all Australians to consider the plight of 6,200 younger people who will spend the holiday living in an aged-care facility rather than at home with their loved ones. A distressing situation, which need not be this way ... Research into the matter is clear - young people who live long-term in aged care facilities experience declining emotional, physical and mental health. But no one needs the research to tell us that ... Young people in nursing homes are subject to the same income and assets assessments relating to government assistance as other elderly residents. This can mean that a young person is up to $1,000 worse off per fortnight than if they were part of the NDIS ...

Ten Years of Progress (video 1m 50s)

NDIS, 1 December 2016

... Ten years ago, people with disability in Australia really only had access to a broken system.... The last ten years, what’s changed for people with disabilities is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted and has now been ratified by 168 countries around the world. We’ve had the campaign for the NDIS, and that’s really brought disability far more to the centre of the conversation. We’re rolling out a scheme that’s based on the principle that people should get what they need, when they need it.

... So we have to change those community attitudes and I think that’s the responsibility of everyone in the community to do that ...

______________________________________________________________

The official NDIS website provides access to documents, and up to date information about how the NDIS works, and NDIS events such as local workshops and webinars.

NDIS and Me
People with Down syndrome and/or their families and carers can join the closed Facebook Group, NDIS and Me, for discussion specifically about the NDIS and people with Down syndrome.

Disability Loop - a way to find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Disability Loop is a project funded by the NDIS. It is run by, and for, people with disability and their allies.

Two other closed Facebook groups (only members can see the posts) that you might find useful for answering particular queries are:

• NDIS Grassroots Discussion - a large group run for and by people with all kinds of disabilities, and welcoming of carers - the administrators are very experienced in managing discussions that can become robust at times, as criticism of the NDIS is raised
• the newer and smaller I Love NDIS aims to promote discussion of individual's successes in putting their plans together and implementing them.