NDIS rollout has arrived

The anticipated rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) began in Sydney last Friday.

The NDIS will aim to provide all Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the support they need to live an ordinary life.

National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Chairman Bruce Bonyhady said the NDIS would revolutionise disability support in Australia, transforming the lives of 460,000 Australians with disability, their families and carers over the next three years.

“For the first time, Australians will have access to a national scheme that will support people with disability, providing certainty, consistency and equity,” Bonyhady said.

NDIA Chief Executive Officer David Bowen said the agency was ready to deliver the life-changing reform.

“We have successfully delivered the NDIS trial around the country to 30,000 people,” Bowen said.

“The trial was on time, on budget and importantly, had a participant satisfaction rating of more than 90 per cent. The NDIS has been meeting the needs of the people it was set up to support.”

Disability services provider House with No Steps Chief Executive Officer Andrew Richardson said the organisation was excited to commence the rollout of the NDIS in Sydney.

“We’re ready for change and we’re ready to embrace the new world of disability services for our new and existing clients,” Richardson said.

“We have extensive experience with the NDIS, having already supported over 500 people to transition successfully to the NDIS in various locations.

“With the NDIS, you not only get to choose what type of supports you receive, you also decide when, where and how you receive them – and which disability service providers you’ll work with. You even have control over how your funds are managed.”

The NDIS will be available to people 0-65 years living in Northern Sydney, South West Sydney, Southern Sydney and Western Sydney.