The implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) brought about significant positive change in the lives of numerous individuals with disabilities. NDIS participants moved from institutions to their own homes with home modifications, assistive technology, supports, and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). Assistance dogs were funded, community access was improved, as well as the level of therapy funds to increase participants’ autonomy. Trikes and beach wheelchairs were recognized as “reasonable and necessary”, resulting in participants ability to access their communities and, importantly, feel part of their communities.
So, what are the shortcomings and gaps in the NDIS implementation? While many NDIS participants have good experiences with the NDIS, many others face frustrating, exhausting, complex, and confusing processes, with little trust or certainty. In instances where NDIS participants have positive outcomes, this often comes with challenges. It is the experience of advocates working with people with disability and supporting them through challenging processes that influences and informs the issues and solutions presented in this submission.
