The Disability Markets Survey (previously the NDS Business Confidence Survey), is the fourth in a series of studies undertaken by National Disability Services (NDS) to monitor change in the supply of disability services, business conditions and the operations of disability services providers in Australia.

NDS, through its research arm the Centre for Applied Disability Research, initiated this work to track broad and emerging trends relating to the supply side of specialist disability services in Australia. The development of a systemic market position statement is thought to be relevant to the identification of strategies and points of intervention that support the development of a vibrant, innovative, sustainable supply of specialist disability services. The underlying assumption of this research program is that market, sector and workforce outcomes are inextricably linked to better outcomes for people with disability.

The 569 organisations that responded to this survey are broadly representative of the disability sector in regard to organisation size and location.

Key findings concentrated on the following points

• The sector’s experience of demand
• The sector’s workforce
• The sector’s strategic planning
• Collaboration within the sector
• Disability service providers closing
• The perception of the NDIA

This report is funded with assistance from a funding grant offered under the National Disability Research and Development Agenda, jointly implemented by disability representatives from Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.