The transition of State Government disability clients to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is now complete, with Disability SA’s former 13,100 clients now considered NDIS clients.
Today marks the beginning of a new era, as the transition to the NDIS began in South Australia in 2012, when the state became the first to commit to the scheme. There have been many challenges overcome and milestones achieved along the way.
The State Government negotiated many complex funding agreements with the Commonwealth Government, held NDIS Expos across the state to communicate the rollout of the NDIS and worked with non-government organisations to support them to be NDIS-ready.
Now, almost 30,000 South Australians are accessing the NDIS, with more than 15,500 accessing support for the first time.
Department of Human Services staff can be proud of the professionalism and commitment they have shown to supporting the best care and services for people with disability during a time of unprecedented change.
The State Government is committed to maximising the benefit of the NDIS in South Australia and in 2019–20 will be contributing $752 million to the scheme.
The department will continue to work on key initiatives to improve the lives of South Australians with disability, including a focus on inclusion in the new State Disability Plan and Inclusive Play guidelines, as well as protecting and advocating for vulnerable adults.
Nationally, the NDIA and the Disability Reform Council are working to address a number of market-related challenges that will have a positive effect on utilisation as the NDIS continues to mature.