NDIA is failing disability providers

The poor relationship between disability providers and the agency in charge of rolling out the National Disability Insurance Scheme could undermine the entire program, researchers warn.

Just 19 per cent of providers surveyed in this year’s National Disability Services’ Market Survey said the National Disability Insurance Agency was working well with the sector, and only 22 per cent said they felt the agency had respect for providers.

“The persistence of poor functioning and relationships is a major risk for the NDIS,” the report said.

The report found that the administrative burden of helping participants and families navigate the scheme, and instability created by constant change and reform to the sector, meant around half of providers were concerned about their sustainability and ability to continue to offer services in the NDIS.