To reflect the diversity of the NDIS we need to engage broadly. Your unique lived experience, ideas and solutions are critical to the work of the Review.
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is a state-wide member based, not-for-profit organisation focused on disability rights and advocacy for people with diverse disability. Made up of people with diverse disability who inform, connect, lead, and influence change.
QDN run peer support groups that connect people with disability to talk about the things that matter to them. At meetings in Townsville, Ipswich, Cairns and Brisbane members were asked to share their thoughts and ideas on how NDIS can be improved to best serve people with disability and what the NDIS should look like in the future.
People should be able to receive pre-access funding support to get to see the right medical appointments and reports completed to be able to gain access.
QDN Member
People with lived experiences shared personal stories and ideas for improvement on Review focus areas including:
- planning and access,
- workforce and training,
- participant pathways,
- home and living,
- assistive technology options, and
- main stream services.
Existing documents on NDIA website have too much information. Education for participants would make this better.
QDN Member
QDN also has a strong and established group of peer leaders with diverse disability working as facilitators’ mentors and supports for others. Recently NDIS Review panel members Professor Kirsten Deane and Dr Stephen king attended the peer leader’s forum and had the opportunity to hear from over 50 peer leaders.
The panel recognises the great importance of listening to and hearing from as many participants and families and carers; representative organisations, workers and providers; and the wider disability community as possible. It is these insights and solutions that will ensure the people are at the centre of the NDIS in the future.
The future of the NDIS depends on every part of the disability community – service providers, people with disability, families, carers, and researchers – coming together in a new grand and united coalition which uses data and evidence to create a brighter and better future
Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM
If you would like to have your say on any issues affecting your experience with the NDIS, we’d love you to share your story, ideas and solutions through Have Your Say.
To find out more about the work of QDN visit their website.