ADVOCACY IN ACTION
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has reached its 10-year milestone. Over this decade, it has transformed lives, providing people with disabilities the freedom to participate in their communities, work, and live as they choose. However, the discourse surrounding the scheme often undermines its value, painting it as a burden rather than an investment.
Terms like ‘cost blowout’, ‘unsustainable’, and ‘reign it in’ have been used to portray people with disabilities as burdensome. This is not only unfair, but it is also inaccurate. The NDIS is an investment in the lives of individuals and the broader Australian economy. In fact, the NDIS is projected to add up to $20 billion to the Australian GDP by 2030.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. The scheme has been subject to criticism and controversy. Participants have voiced concerns about the complexity and costliness of the processes, which often leave them exhausted and stressed.
Accessing the scheme can be a daunting task. The application process is complex and requires significant documentation, including detailed medical reports and assessments. This can be particularly challenging for individuals who may not have regular access to healthcare or the ability to navigate the bureaucratic processes. Furthermore, the language and terminology used in the application process can be confusing and intimidating, creating another barrier to access. Even for those who manage to gain access to the scheme, implementing their plan can present another set of challenges.
For individuals who are homeless or living in unstable housing situations, accessing the services and support outlined in their NDIS plans can be difficult. Unstable living conditions make it hard to schedule and attend appointments, and the need for a fixed address complicates the delivery of necessary equipment or support services. The NDIS relies on people reaching out for help, which is a significant barrier for many individuals.
As we look to the future, people with disabilities must remain central to the NDIS and be involved in co-designing its next decade. The current NDIS independent review and the findings of the Disability Royal Commission have already begun to provide valuable insights into how the scheme can be improved.
On the NDIS’s 10th anniversary, it is timely to remember the transformative power of the scheme and the lives it has changed. It is equally important to acknowledge the challenges and advocate to ensure the NDIS can continue to deliver on its promise for generations to come.