NDIS Review presents opportunities for improvement and reflection of successes

For the past decade, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has redefined disability support in Australia, putting its participants first and giving them the freedom to live the lives they choose. Julia Squire, CEO of Ability Options, reflects on how the NDIS has transformed lives and the challenges it faces for a sustainable future. Support Workers Yvette and Sarabjit provide their perspectives on the Scheme’s influence on their participants as the ND... CONTINUE READING

Disability employment reform: less red tape, more options and support

Disability employment reform is underway with a new specialist disability employment program to commence on 1 July, 2025. Its goal is to remove the red tape for providers supporting participants and to boost access for participants looking for sustainable employment. On the back of the government’s commitment of an additional $227.6 million to the new program in the 2024-25 Federal Budget, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said there is a “clear vision” and that it will bett... CONTINUE READING

Finding Respite: 5 Benefits of NDIS Short Term Accommodation

Please note: Since this article was published, the NDIS has updated its terminology. What was previously referred to as Short Term Accommodation (STA) is now called Short Term Respite (STR). This change better reflects the purpose of the support—providing participants with temporary care while their informal supports take a break. For the most current information, please refer to the... CONTINUE READING

The Benefits of Employing Someone with a Disability

There is a common misunderstanding that a person living with disability will require more attention and resources from their employer. Lack of awareness and unconscious bias has contributed to the stigma that people with disability are a liability to their employer, rather than a valuable team player. But don't just take our word for it! Research states that these perceptions do not match reality. Let’s explore the facts. Employing people with disability enhances an organisatio... CONTINUE READING

What are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills or, as we like to call them, transferable strengths, are strengths or abilities you can take from one occupation to another. Your transferable strengths and abilities can also be helpful in other aspects of life beyond employment, such as in an academic or social setting. Transferable strengths don’t below to a specific job or industry, they are general skills that can be applied in a variety or situations and circumstances. Examples of Transferable Strengt... CONTINUE READING

Sector Update: Navigating reform in the disability sector

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Ability Options would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.