Work starts today to better support National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants to take control of the decisions that impact them.
Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today released a consultation paper on improving decision making support for participants.
“Everyone has the right to be involved in decisions about their life and to have choice and control,” Minister Reynolds said.
The paper, ‘Supporting you to make your own decisions’, and accompanying survey was developed with input from participants, nominees, families and carers through the NDIS Participant Reference Group, as well as a range of stakeholders.
The release of the paper marks the start of a 10-week consultation period, during which the NDIA will seek feedback from participants and the wider sector on how to ensure participants play a bigger role in determining how they are supported.
“About 60 percent of adult participants on the NDIS have a disability that might mean they require some support to make decisions,” Minister Reynolds said.
“We know many NDIS participants have someone in their lives who they trust to help them make decisions on disability supports, but some don’t.
“The aim of this consultation paper is to support participants and their families with empowered and informed decision making.”
CEO of Down Syndrome Australia (DSA), Dr Ellen Skladzien, welcomed the paper.
“People with Down syndrome and other people with intellectual disability have a right to make decisions about their own lives, but often decisions are made for them,” Dr Skladzien said.
“This policy is a step forward in ensuring that people with a disability get a say in the choices that impact their lives.
“It is based on the important principle that every person has the right to be involved in decision making about their own life and works to identify the support individuals may need to be involved in their own decisions.
“DSA looks forward to continuing to work with the NDIA on ensuring that people with Down syndrome are supported to make decisions about their lives.”
Further information
Consultation opens today, June 21, and will close at 5pm on Friday 27 August.
The NDIA has also released a paper, ‘An Ordinary Life at Home’, to inform the way participants are supported to pursue their home and living goals.