NDIS Launches First Ever Employment Strategy

The NDIS announced today, the launch of the first ever NDIS Employment Participation Program.

The strategy sets a goal to have 30 per cent of working age NDIS participants in meaningful employment by 2030.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister, Stuart Robert, said “This strategy is all about giving more people with disability, who have the desire and capacity to work, better access to the right supports to achieve their employment goals while breaking down barriers that they face trying to get a job”.

Using the announced strategy as their guide, the NDIA will work towards removing barriers for those wanting employment and assist participants to set and accomplish their own goals. NDIS participants and Planners will be encouraged to discuss from the beginning of their NDIS journey what, if any, employment goals they may have.

The five key areas of focus for the new Employment Strategy will be:

• Increase participant aspiration and employment goals in NDIS plans

• Increase participant choice and control over pathways to employment

• Increase marketing innovations that improve the path to paid work

• Improve confidence of employers to employ NDIS participants

• NDIS to lead by example as an employer

Source: NDIS

NDIS Announces New Price Guide

The Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert has announced today that as of 1st July 2019 new price guidelines will be taking effect.

Some of the key changes are:

• Price Increases - Changes are being made to prices for remote and very remote areas, personal care and community access, capacity building supports, consumables, assistive technology, home modification and specialised disability accommodation.

• Temporary Transformation Payment - A new Temporary Transformation Payment has been introduced for providers of personal care and community access. Each line item has its standard price listed, along with a higher price that has the 7.5% TTP loading applied.

• Travel - Travel rules have now been standardised with one rule for all providers.

• Cancellations - The definition of cancellations has been updated and simplified. Cancellation limits have also been lifted, however the NDIA does encourage providers to limit the amount they charge for.

• Therapy - There are now different prices for Therapy Assistance (Level 1 & 2), Psychologists, Physiotherapists and other forms of therapy. Exercise Physiology has also been brought into the Improved Daily Living support category.

• Low Cost Assistive Technology - There are now a number of line items relating to low cost assistive technology, with a maximum price of $100 next to each one.

• Non Face-to-Face Supports - Clarification has been given on what type of non-participant facing support providers can bill for.

For further information about what these changes will mean for you and your provider, please visit either of these links:

Disability Services Consulting

National Disability Insurance Scheme

Source: Disability Services Consulting and NDIS