Down Syndrome Australia and Inclusion Australia want the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to make sure people with higher and complex support needs are included in NDIS co-design and consultations. This means the NDIA should actively involve people with these support needs when they write policies and guidelines.
NDIS data shows that most participants (over 60%) need some level of decision-making support.
Right now, people with higher decision support needs often face big challenges. They deal with confusing or disconnected services, long waits, high costs, and difficulty getting the supports they need. Some people may also experience restrictive practices.
Government consultation processes are often not accessible for this group. They may not feel represented in either carers’ groups or participant groups, and can easily be overlooked.
We are sharing key principles and recommendations to help make sure people with higher and complex support needs are properly represented in decision-making. This will help build systems that work well from the start for all people with disability.
You can read the shared principles here or click below: