We deliver our recommendations at the end of October. There are some changes we hope can be actioned quickly and others will take time.
The next steps must follow the mantra of nothing about us. Without us. The transition must include a graduated approach that minimises disruptions and avoids unintended consequences. It must involve people with disability. Learn from previous experiences and mitigate risks.
Everyone needs to be on board to make this happen and make real changes to the scheme and the ecosystem. It's not just a question of timing, but of sequencing as well.
We will provide recommendations about transitioning in our report at the end of the day. The process of transition is as important as the changes themselves.
If we do this right, then we will make the scheme better.
As we approach the end of the review, we have been considering the path beyond the final report.
The recommendations we put to government we hope will lead to change, not only to improve the NDIS, but to the wider system of supports and hopefully that people with disability, their families and carers have access to the supports they need, regardless of their eligibility for the scheme.
We know that there may be concerns about the implementation of the review recommendations. How these will affect you and when they would happen.
In this edition of our review round up, we have Stephen King, Panel member speaking further about the need for a transition approach for the changes required to the NDIS.
The changes we are recommending will take a number of years to be fully realised, but believe that work on them should start right away. And it is important that you are a part of this transition.
The transition to an improved NDIS must include:
- A graduated approach to design and implement the reforms, which means care and time is taken involving with people with disability and the sector.
- Rigorous testing and evaluation of new processes and tools prior to full implementation.
- Strategies that mitigate and minimise disruptions to participants or providers during the transition.
- Consideration for tailored pathways, based on the needs of participants.
- Ongoing monitoring and continuous learning approach to avoid unintended consequences and ensure continuous improvement.
A collaborative transition ensures that people with disability have a genuine voice. Reforms are implemented sensitively and in consultation with people with disability and the sector to avoid mistakes of the past.
We know you want to have assurances that the necessary changes to implement the recommendations will be done in a fair, transparent and graduated way. As Stephen says...
The next steps must follow the mantra of ‘nothing about us without us.’ The transition must include a graduated approach that minimises disruptions and avoids
We do too, which is why we will be clear that the transition approach must have the disability community at its centre. If we do this right then, we will make the scheme better.
Public submissions available to view
The NDIS Review panel would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to make a submission. Many comments, discussions and submissions commented on engagement and the need for a period of transition and to work collaboratively. They provide some insight into approaches for NDIS Review for implementation.
Please include in your recommendations that any changes or improvements should be thoroughly and genuinely consulted, holistic solutions rather than 'quick wins' and superficial changes.
The most significant issue with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework is encapsulated in the phrase “nothing about us without us”. Almost entirely the Framework has been imagined, designed, implemented and enacted without the involvement of the people it is intended to serve.
Listen to participants
Listen to carers
Listen to family members
Read reports
View the submissions published to date at the NDIS Review website - submissions page.