Speak Out June 2017

Association news Every Australian Counts NDIS report card FOR MOST PEOPLE THE NDIS IS A HUGE IMPROVEMENT TO THE WAY DISABILITY SUPPORTS ARE PROVIDED – BUT THERE ARE SOME SERIOUS ISSUES THAT NEED WORKING THROUGH. Toward the end of 2016, 2177 Every Australian Counts supporters completed an online survey. Here’s a summary of what the respondents had to say: For most people the NDIS is a huge improvement to the way disability supports are provided – but there are some serious issues that need working through. Most of respondents’ concerns were about contact, or lack of contact, with the NDIA and planners. There’s a lot more information people want to know – and it needs to be consistent and easier to understand. There is a huge amount of uncertainty still in the workforce about the NDIS and what it will mean for their employment. People waiting for the NDIS are more likely to say that the NDIS is not living up to expectations than people who are actually in the NDIS. Other points of note: Service providers were identified as a useful source of information for NDIS participants. A quarter of respondents who are currently in the NDIS said they were worse off. The top issues people gave for the NDIS not meeting expectations were: 1. System is too bureaucratic 2. I don’t have as much choice and control as I like 3. Level of support was less than I was expecting 4. Roll out is too slow. To read the report card in full, or sign up to updates from Every Australian Counts, go to www.everyaustraliancounts. com.au SPA CDP Live event: NDIS – the nuts and bolts of the scheme and everything else in between. Date to be confirmed Cathy Olsson, SPA’s National Advisor Disablity, will present a live online event for speech pathologists who are considering becoming NDIS providers. This 90-minute interactive webinar will explain the fundamentals of the NDIS, terminology and direct participants to other information and resources. Members may participate in this free event live on the night or view the recording. Cathy Olsson National Advisor Disability

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June 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out