This report summarises findings and insights from research undertaken by PWDA between March and May 2023. 

The research, which comprised surveys of people with disability in Australia, was designed to better understand people’s experiences with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

As part of this work, PWDA contracted Inclusion Australia to develop and conduct an Easy Read version of the survey.

The surveys were developed in response to the independent review of the NDIS (the NDIS Review) announced by Minister for the NDIS, The Hon Bill Shorten MP on 18 October 2022, and provides the basis for PWDA’s submissions and contributions to the Review.

The survey responses provide a good evidence base for review of practice and policy and, in response to the research, PWDA has identified five key recommendations:

1. NDIA frontline staff and intermediaries working in participant-facing and decision-making roles, to undergo training in understanding disability-specific needs and in providing trauma informed support through the access, planning and review process.
2. Creation of processes that recognise and value the lived expertise of people with disability - including by listening to the participant during the planning meeting.
3. Timely decision-making for access requests and to remove barriers to accessing supporting documentation.
4. Information, content and communication strategies to be reviewed to ensure that NDIS participants have access to accessible information on how to access services, how funding can be spent, and how feedback and suggestions can be made – including raising issues on safety and quality of services.
5. The introduction of increased certainty and permanency into funding so participants can better plan and live their lives without fear that funding will be removed without warning.