While NDIS participants recognise how the NDIS benefits their lives there is lack of trust in the way it is run. These were among key findings from a Summer Foundation survey.
The Foundation, with the support of People with Disabilities Australia, conducted research into the NDIS, seeking to understand what works well in the NDIS, how it has made a difference to people’s lives and what they would change about the NDIS.
The findings revealed a conundrum at the heart of the NDIS participant experience: while many individuals see real benefits there is simultaneously a lack of trust and confidence in its administration.
Key findings from participants were:
- That the NDIS has helped them to achieve important and transformative outcomes in their lives
- However, accessing and navigating the NDIS is difficult and dealing with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is time-consuming and stressful
- There is a fear that the improved quality of life resulting from NDIS funding could be taken away at short notice, and
- A worry that funding cuts could stem from a change in government, updated policy, or due to miscommunication and error at planning reviews. Participants also want more transparent and collaborative relationship with the NDIA that is built on mutual trust, that would replace the pessimistic and adversarial relationship that they see now.
Recommendations from the analysis of survey responses fell into four main themes: Communicating and collaborating in alliance with participants; an easier and more responsive system; not living in fear of funding being cut and supporting people with disability to live well.
In summary, the findings make a valuable contribution from a range of NDIS participants about what is working well and what NDIS participants would most like to see changed about the NDIS. It also highlighted that NDIS participants have a wealth of knowledge of insights and goodwill that can be harnessed to transform the scheme to be more equitable and sustainable.
For more information visit: www.summerfoundation.org.au