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 NDIS approached its 10th anniversary.
Disability support in Australia has undergone a drastic change over the last decade since the introduction of the NDIS.
Before the Scheme, the system was simply a model that provided fixed amounts of money to service providers.
Though this approach back then was stable, it resulted in a one-size-fits-all solution that didn’t always address the unique and changing needs of individuals living with a disability.
The NDIS: A new era in disability support
In 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme was established and brought with it a new chapter of disability support. Initially trialled in four locations including the Hunter region, the NDIS now supports 640,000 people across Australia.
Due to its clear commitment to individual choice, the Scheme moved away from the previous funding model to one that enabled a more, flexible and participant-centred approach to support.
The result was a system where people with disability have greater control over their own lives, and make their own decisions about their care and support that reflect their personal goals and preferences.
Julia Squire, CEO of leading disability and employment services provider, Ability Options, reflects on this period of change with a sense of both accomplishment and ongoing aspiration.
“While the journey has brought its challenges, like navigating new rules and managing increased administrative demands, the heart of the change lies in its focus on people,” Julia says.
“We’re seeing more tailored, responsive support that truly makes a difference to people’s lives,”
“I think the change to a participant-driven system has been the biggest change, and when you support customers with complex needs, that is easier said than delivered meaningfully. Having said that, I do think the NDIS has done a lot more good than harm.”
Support Workers’ decade of dedication and change
Not only did the NDIS change the lives of participants with a focus on participant choice and control, but also for Support Workers like Sarabjit and Yvette.
Both Sarabjit and Yvette have been dedicated Support Workers at Ability Options for over 10 years. They say they have seen the Scheme put choice and control back into the hands of the people it is designed to support.
“Before the NDIS, some of my clients struggled to get the support they needed like 1-on-1 care and support which was not possible before the Scheme. Now they’re getting more help with everyday tasks, socialising through community outings which has made a big difference,” Sarabjit shares.
“The NDIS has significantly improved our roles as Support Workers because it provided more flexibility due to the Scheme’s individual plan for participants. It has truly improved our ability to support people with disability to reach their goals.” Yvette says.
The Review’s final report presents opportunities that will give participants and families a more joined up ‘ecosystem’ to make sure that participants are safe, can choose high quality supports, and are included in their communities. It also provides reassurances that they don’t fall through gaps or get left behind.
