Jenn Colechin’s Post

Statement from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards in response to The Boland Review Report on Irabina: “The NDIS Commission accepts the findings of the Independent Report and acknowledges that its handling of matters has not always met community expectations. Its immature system, processes and under-resourcing during its establishment years led to a fragmented approach to regulating providers that adversely impacted people with disability, their families and their carers who accessed NDIS funded services through Irabina from 2019-2022. The practices at Irabina, particularly within the Severe Behaviour Support Program, constituted breaches of the NDIS Act and associated Rules. The NDIS Commission recognises the harm experienced as a result of Irabina’s use of prohibited restrictive practices and restrictive practices. We apologise to people with disability, their families and their carers who accessed Irabina’s behaviour support services during this period for the systemic factors that – despite the best efforts of individual NDIS Commission staff at the time – let people with disability down. The NDIS Commission is actively investigating Irabina, with a view to determining what further regulatory action should be taken against the provider and its former key personnel”. Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gDvJyNT3

Our next story from the realm of the NDIS. This is the story with one provider’s administrative burden from the Commission. We need a regulatory with a focus on keeping people with disability, who may be more vulnerable, to stay safe. But is the current regime working? Some simple fixes could have big impact. Let me know your thoughts Bill Shorten there could be some low hanging fruit here. https://lnkd.in/gZ2ttKCB

Following the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review, there will be more changes in the pipeline for NDIS service providers. Here I talk to the Riotact about the challenges service providers face. Join me and Campbell Hudson, Partner at Dentons, for our Lunchtime briefing series where we discuss what the changes will mean for NDIS service providers and how you can prepare your business. Register your interest here: https://bit.ly/3UxecDE #ndis #ndisreview #ndisaustralia #ndiscommunity #ndisregisteredprovider

This will probably create a lot of mixed arguments but we need to stop the NDIS Bill going through in its current state. Whilst I agree we need to do something about the overspending that is the NDIS. In it’s current form this Bill and Bill Shorten will remove at the core of the idea of the NDIS and we will go back to the 1900 where certain parts of our society were told what they can and can’t do with their lives by people who have no idea what it is likely to live with a disability or support someone who has a disability. We will lose ‘choice and control’ of what supports we need to need to live our lives instead this will be narrowed down to a list of maybe 2 or 3 options and decided on by someone who has no lived experience of disability or the area they are working in. Again government has told us they have consulted with the right people, the people this will affect but yet again those in the disability sector and those with lived experience are feeling like they haven’t been heard. This will save money but at the expense of humanity. It will save money in the NDIS space but then this cost will potentially be felt in the Public Health sector, and then more greatly in society as a whole because those who can currently participate in the economic system of society will potentially be not able to participate economically to the Australian economy. With 1 in 5 people reported to have some form of disability and an ageing population, this is a huge hit economically for the Australian economy and government. Providers also can’t continue to operate in the NDIS space with most operating at a loss when it comes to prices of the NDIS, especially when in the Private market most are able to charge more. This will also have a flow on effect of the providers who work in the NDIS providing sub par services to people who genuinely need it. As a person with a disability if I wasn’t able to choose and have access to the great providers I do then I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would be interested to hear your thoughts and opinions.

The NDIS Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 has raised significant concerns for CYDA and other Disability Representative Organisations (DROs). The Bill fails to adequately address vital recommendations from the NDIS Review or include people with disability through meaningful co-design. It has the potential to increase the difficulty involved in accessing support and to disproportionately affect individuals who lack support networks through expanded powers granted to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This joint submission explores how the proposed changes could hinder access to essential services. What's needed is a revised approach that integrates the voices of those directly impacted to create a fair, effective, and sustainable NDIS. More here: https://lnkd.in/gcwxCkts Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd First Peoples Disability Network Inclusion Australia National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Calling All Who Care About the Future of the NDIS: Your Voice Matters! Are you passionate about improving the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? Whether you're a participant, family member, carer, service provider, or simply someone who cares about disability rights, your input is invaluable! The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is inviting everyone with an interest in the NDIS to become Participant First members and share their unique perspectives. What does being a Participant First member involve? By joining, you'll have the opportunity to contribute through a variety of activities like focus groups, interviews, workshops, surveys, and more. Your feedback will directly influence how the NDIS evolves to better support people with disability and their families. Why should you become a Participant First member? - Make a real difference in the lives of people with disability and their families. - Connect with a diverse community of like-minded individuals. - Gain a deeper understanding of the NDIS. - Have your voice heard and shape the future of the NDIS. If you're passionate about improving the NDIS, I encourage you to visit the NDIA website and fill out the Participant First form. Your contribution is invaluable and will help us build a stronger, more inclusive NDIS for all.🤟🌻 https://lnkd.in/g9CQT-Ks #NDIS #Disability #ParticipantFirst #MakeADifference #Inclusion #NDIA #DisabilityAdvocate #ParticipantFirst #Transparent #Responsive #Respectful #Empowering #Connected Bill Shorten

News on Risk Proportionate Regulatory Model for NDIS Services The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce was established to provide advice on the design and implementation of the new graduated risk-proportionate regulatory model proposed in Recommendation 17 of the NDIS Review Final Report in consultation with the disability community. In July 2024, following an extensive period of consultation with the disability community, the Taskforce provided its advice to the Minister. The advice sets out a number of recommendations on: - The design and implementation of the graduated risk-proportionate regulatory model; - A Provider Risk Framework; and - Arrangements for platform providers and circumstances where participants directly employ their workers. The Government will carefully consider each of the recommendations contained in the final advice in consultation with the disability community, providers and state and territory governments. Attached is: - A summary of the taskforce recommendations - A fact sheet for providers that outlines the key recommendations being considered by the government. Full detail of the recommendations can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g_fmVPnY

Hello again, Just wanted to let you know I attended a session with the DSC facilitated by the lovely Chris Coombes, Ebe G. and Dr Darren O’Donovan regarding the #NDISBill in a session called “The NDIS Act: what’s changing” Here’s some of my reflections: - The session discussed the recent NDIS "NDIS Back on Track" legislation that has been passed. - Concerning changes include: - Introduction of restrictive lists of what can and cannot be funded by NDIS plans, with limited exceptions. - Increased powers for the NDIS Agency to manage and control participant spending of NDIS funds. - Potential for debts to be raised against participants who don't spend NDIS funds as the Agency expects. - Uncertainty around how existing approved NDIS supports will be treated under the new rules. - There were concerns raised about the lack of flexibility, choice and control for participants under the new framework. - The speakers encouraged participants to provide feedback on the proposed changes during the limited consultation period. - Overall, the session highlighted significant concerns about the restrictive nature of the legislative changes and the potential negative impacts on NDIS participants. I didn’t gather everything but I will provide the recording of the sessions link in the comments (if it’s shareable) Thank you DSC for the session Very informative If you want to read the Department of Social Services Q&A read here: https://lnkd.in/gbzD22vT In the link there are easy read versions of the: - Are supports list - Not supports list Take care all of you We will continue the fight cause you’re all amazing 💕💪 [Hashtags] #Disability #MentalHealth #Disabled #DisabilityRights #Inquiry #Government #AusPol #Advocacy #Inclusion #Equality #Autism #Autistic #Diversity #Intersectionality #Access #Accessibility #Awareness #Advocate #Advocacy #Rights #DisabilityPride #Suicide #NDIS #Disability #Debt #Disabled #NDIA #MentalHealth #Support #SuicidePrevention #NDISBill

The NDIS Commission has released a document outlining key recommendations from the NDIS review, including a focus on stepping up the use of NDIS Practice Standards as a quality lever. https://lnkd.in/gNDxz-e4 Notable actions include: ✅ Strengthening of Early Childhood Practice Standards ✅Strengthening psychosocial supports and introducing a new support-specific Practice Standard ✅Strengthening the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Practice Standard to separate SDA and living support provider ✅Introducing a new Practice Standard for 24/7 living supports (some of these supports are also referred to as SIL). Implementation timeframes have yet to be announced, but the introduction of a new SIL-specific Practice Standard is certainly welcomed. #ndisprovider #ndispracticestandards #ndisquality

Devinder Singh, B.Eng, MBA. is the moderator of this panel discussion, and Drew Beswick is one of the panelist who discusses, his extensive experience across states and housing, delving into the complex ecosystem of supports and the challenges of dealing with multiple government departments. They address a critical question regarding whether the term "NDIS" (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a panacea for all issues. He highlights unintended consequences, noting a retreat from regular services in various sectors like health, justice, and mental health. The NDIS, intended as a supplement, has become the primary source of support for many, contrary to initial intentions. They also discuss foundational supports available to everyone with a disability, whether or not they become NDIS participants. The structural changes mentioned are deemed crucial for fostering inclusivity and ending segregation, aligning with the aspirations of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC). He recognizes the political complexities involved, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration between the Commonwealth and the States. The varied bilateral arrangements, phasings, and timelines across different jurisdictions require a collective resolve to advance the inclusive agenda. Join us our next conversation, National NDIS Review Conference at Parliament House on 22nd March 2024 https://lnkd.in/dYB6XQjV Feel free to reach out to us at dev@for-purpose.com.au #NDIS #NDISReviewConference #NDISTransformation #AreWeThereYet #NDISRoundtable #NDISReview #DisabilityRoyalCommission