Shaping the reality
Over the past year, there has been a lot of conversation about the future of the NDIS and what proposed reforms could mean for people who rely on disability supports.
Since the legislation passed the Senate a few weeks ago, implementation of the Reforms has begun with changes to NDIS Plans being put into place now, with more to come, the publication of the rules and processes for critical items including the Support Determination which is the foundation for the Plan values for new and existing participants as reviews are done, a reduction in escalation opportunities for most participants except for some participants who use Supported Independent Living (SIL), and consultations on commissioning for Support Coordination and SIL. Alot is happening.
Many of the major consultation processes have now concluded, including those focused on Supported Independent Living (SIL) and the future Support Coordination and Connection model. As a sector, we’re moving from consultation into the next phase: implementation.
While we are still waiting on the Government’s responses to the SIL and Support Coordination consultations, a number of important reforms are already being implemented. New Support Determinations are now informing the value of plans as they are created, renewed or reassessed, changes to funding levels for some support categories have commenced, and participants are beginning to experience the practical impacts of these reforms. We know many participants, families and supporters are keen to understand what comes next, particularly as further decisions are made about SIL, Support Coordination and other parts of the NDIS reform agenda.
I want to reassure you that Ability Options is staying closely involved in these discussions and advocating for outcomes that put people first. We are doing this directly and in our roles with Peak bodies like NDS.
As an organisation, we see every day that disability support is about much more than services and funding. It’s about independence, confidence, inclusion and the opportunity to live the life you choose. That’s the perspective we bring to every conversation about reform.
One of our priorities will continue to be helping people understand what changes mean for them and supporting them to navigate the road ahead.
As more information becomes available, we’ll continue to keep you informed and share updates on what changes may mean for our community.
Thank you for your continued trust, feedback and partnership. Your voices help shape our services, our advocacy and the future of disability supports.
Julia
