Single father Peter Voelker is fighting an uphill battle to find out why tens of thousands of dollars were suddenly stripped from the plan that treats his daughter, who has severe disabilities. Eight-year-old Ellie needs care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As minister Bill Shorten prepares to release the findings from a sweeping review of the NDIS, the head of its regulator faces allegations she was aware or should have been aware of abuse exposed by the media
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, Bill Shorten talks about Disability Royal Commission, NDIS and other issues at this door stop interview.
Recognised on 3 December, IDPwD aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. Our IDPwD theme for 2023 is ‘We’re better together’. It highlights that as a community, workplace, team, friendship group or family – we’re better together. By recognising the talents, skills, experience and ideas of all ensures better outcomes for all. … Continued
A diagnosis of autism is unlikely to be enough to guarantee future access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme as the government prepares to clarify that individualised packages were designed only for Australians with profound disabilities.
This new resource created in partnership with CP-Achieve provides guidance around setting NDIS goals.
Ahead of the release of the government’s review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the topic taking centre stage is the diagnosis of autism. Over one third of people accessing the scheme list it as a primary disability. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has flagged changes to NDIS access, shifting the emphasis from diagnosis to … Continued
From March to May 2023, People with Disability Australia (PWDA) conducted a survey to hear directly from Australians with disability about their experiences with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The responses were used to shape our submissions to the independent NDIS review.
Autism rates in Australian children are among the highest in the world, leading a senior researcher to suggest the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could be driving steeper than average growth in diagnoses. A paper by Australian National University scholar Maathu Ranjan, who is on study leave from her role as a senior actuary at … Continued
When a mixed martial arts accident five years ago left New South Wales south coast man Kyle Montgomery with an acquired disability, there was one part of his life he was determined to maintain. “I have always loved talking about sex and exploring sex,” he said. But the 35-year-old said discovering his new-found sexuality as … Continued
Last month single mother-of-two Stephanie Maass received a phone call out of the blue that left her shocked and worried for her young daughter’s future. The person on the other end of that call was a worker for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) who said they wanted Ms Maass to prove her six-year-old daughter was “disabled … Continued
The reviewers of the $42 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme are expected to urge Bill Shorten to implement more rigorous and tailored assessments of participants’ needs to cut spending growth and to improve the “complicated, bureaucratic and unfair” program. But Bruce Bonyhady and Lisa Paul stress that any shake-up to how participants’ overall budgets are … Continued
The question of whether there should be an age limit to joining the National Disability Scheme (NDIS) has been debated since its inception a decade ago. It is being asked again as we wait for the NDIS Review to release its final report. The report is expected to explore eligibility, sustainability and how costs should … Continued
Australians with terminal illnesses are being left in limbo as state governments and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) battle over who should fund their disability supports.
People with disabilities are being forced to share homes or risk becoming homeless after a change to disability accommodation rules. Amy Tobin, a champion para-athlete, lives alone but worries she’ll be homeless within weeks after a backflip on her current housing arrangement.