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Positive Impact Unveiled: National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Empowers Lives and Achieves Milestones
Latest Quarterly Report Highlights Successes and Commitment to Improvement
In its ongoing mission to enhance the lives of participants, their families, and caregivers, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) unveils compelling data showcasing increased community inclusion and participation.
The NDIS, currently supporting over 630,000 participants, with 23,803 joining in the previous quarter (ending September 30, 2023), demonstrates tangible positive outcomes as evidenced by the latest Quarterly Report.
The participant outcomes data in the report not only reflects the substantial impact of the Scheme but also underscores its commitment to fostering continuous improvement through collaboration with the disability community.
CEO Rebecca Falkingham acknowledges the progress made while emphasizing the ongoing dedication to refining the NDIS experience.
According to the Quarterly Report, key highlights include:
- Enhanced Choice and Control: Over three-quarters of participants aged 15 and above reported an increased sense of choice and control, surpassing the 2023-24 target.
- Community and Social Participation: 42% of participants aged 15 and above reported heightened engagement in community and social activities, marking a notable 7% increase.
- Increased Work Participation: The participation rate in work more than doubled from 10% to 22% for participants aged 15 to 24.
- Parent and Carer Employment: A significant achievement, with half of all parents and carers reporting paid employment, surpassing the 2023-24 target by over 8% since the last quarter.
CEO Rebecca Falkingham comments on the positive impact of the Scheme, stating, “This participant data reinforces the significant impact the Scheme is having on people with disability every day, allowing them to participate in their community in more ways than ever before – whether through education, work, or daily activities.”
Continuing on the path of improvement, the NDIA reports encouraging results from recent initiatives, including:
- Improved Hospital Discharge Timelines: Achieving a 92% success rate in contacting NDIS participants within four days of notification of admission, up from 89% in the previous quarter.
- Reduced Discharge Wait Times: The average days between a participant being medically ready for discharge and actual discharge decreased to 24 days in the September 2023 quarter, down from 27 days in the June 2023 quarter.
- Increased First Nations Participation: A positive step forward, with 2,378 new First Nations participants joining in the last quarter, making up 10% of the total NDIS participants.
- Efficient Resolution Process: A successful alternative resolution process has reduced the number of participants waiting for an external review, subsequently lowering the number of cases brought to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
- Resolution of Legacy Cases: An impressive 90% of the 4,501 legacy cases awaiting AAT hearings by May 2022 have now been resolved.
The NDIA’s commitment to continuous improvement and its proactive measures to address challenges underscore the agency’s dedication to fostering a positive and impactful NDIS experience for all participants.
Original Article: https://ndis.gov.au/news/9705-employment-participation-doubles-young-ndis-participants