This article is from our partners at CentroAssist, a member of our trusted network. CentroAssist streamlines quality management practices for care providers who deliver services to NDIS and Aged Care to ensure compliance. Discover more about our trusted partners. 

This article was adapted from the Centro Assist website with permission. 

In this era of reform, the National Disability Services (NDS) has proposed a way forward with 10 Priorities essential for creating a robust and responsive system:

1. Implementation Leadership and Co-Design

To ensure the success of reforms, a well-funded Reform Implementation Taskforce needs established. Drawing from the lived experiences of people with disabilities and the sector’s practical expertise, this task force will spearhead the reform process. Funding for these transformative changes should be sourced from an Industry Transformation Fund, reflecting a commitment to lasting change.

2. Best Practice Pricing

Creating a sustainable and viable sector requires an independent pricing mechanism that accurately reflects the true cost of providing services. This approach ensures value for money, guarantees the security of support, and creates incentives for best practices. In essence, the pricing structure should reflect the quality of service provided.

3. Strategies for Workforce Development

A thriving disability support sector hinges on an effective, engaged, and well-trained workforce. Developing a co-designed strategy for the care economy, which includes adequately funded training and professional development, is crucial. Attracting, retaining, and developing skilled personnel is central to providing high-quality services.

4. Regulatory Reform

A new quality and safeguarding framework must be established. This framework should embed minimum standards and enhance oversight in areas with increased risk. Pricing and other incentives should be aligned with a provider’s commitment to quality, promoting accountability across the board.

5. Targeted and Blended Payments

Transactional approaches to service delivery don’t always lead to improved services. Introducing targeted or blended payments can incentivise innovation and better outcomes. This approach ensures that providers are rewarded for delivering services that genuinely meet the needs of participants.

6. Improved Planning and Support Pathways

Participant plans should be flexible and tailored to meet individual needs. A holistic and targeted pathway system should be designed, aligning support with best practices and incorporating the goals and preferences of participants. This ensures that the NDIS truly meets the diverse needs of its recipients.

7. A  Joined-Up Ecosystem of Support

Recognising that only a small proportion of people with disabilities receive NDIS support, foundational supports should be provided for all. This enables providers to seamlessly deliver support across systems, addressing the unique needs of individuals within a cohesive and integrated framework.

8. A Pathway to Better Housing

Committing to co-designed affordable accommodation is crucial. This involves addressing current issues, meeting participant requirements, and replacing or renovating old housing stock. By providing more choices for people with disabilities, this commitment becomes a cornerstone for a more inclusive society.

9. A Focus on Employment

With a significant number of people with disabilities unemployed or underemployed, a cohesive vision for employment is imperative. Integrating various schemes and systems, identifying gaps, and developing strategies are essential steps toward creating meaningful employment opportunities for this segment of the population.

10. A Redesigned NDIS for Children, Young People, and Families

Building capacity for children and their families necessitates best-practice models. By combining better pricing and planning with wraparound support, stakeholders can integrate children early into education and other critical systems, setting the stage for lifelong success.

Amidst these reforms, the journey ahead for disability support in Australia is one of collaborative effort and meaningful action. As we move forward, the role of NDIS providers and stakeholders is crucial. This isn't just about adapting; it's about actively shaping a future where individuals with disabilities receive the support they need. 

State of the Disability Sector Report 2023

You can obtain a copy of the latest sector report directly from the NDS website.

The role of NDIS providers is crucial for a successful reform. If you are not an NDIS registered provider but you would like to be, download our free NDIS Registration Guide here.

ShiftCare remains dedicated to assisting NDIS providers in this journey, offering the tools and resources needed to navigate these changes effectively, thereby making a positive impact on the lives of clients and their families.

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