The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, has announced practical changes to NDIS planning that will see participants have the option to request longer plan durations of up to three years and receive their plan in a range of accessible formats.
Minister Robert said on November 18th, 2019 that the changes are being made as part of the Morrison Government’s plan to deliver on the promise of the NDIS, in particular, to deliver quality decision making and increased engagement.
‘We have listened to participants who have told us they would like greater plan flexibility, particularly the option of longer term plans, when their support needs are unlikely to change,’ he said.
‘A longer plan duration means participants can carry on accessing supports without needing to go through frequent plan reviews and can plan for longer term goals. It will also provide greater certainty for NDIS providers.’
The longer term plans, of up to three years, are designed for participants who are in a stable situation with their support needs unlikely to change, are confident in using their funding to achieve their goals and are focused on longer term goals such as learning new skills, moving into or maintaining employment or becoming more active in the community.
Participants will still have the option to review the plan at any time if their circumstances change.
Participants can now also request a copy of their NDIS plan in their preferred accessible format including large font, audio, e-Text and braille.
‘Being able to read and understand an NDIS plan is key to getting the most out of it, so we have made important changes to the ways participants can receive their plan, in an accessible format that suits their needs,’ Mr Robert said.
For more information on the changes visit www.ndis.gov.au. Participants can also talk with their Local Area Coordinator or planner or call the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110.
Above: The Hon Stuart Robert MP
Minister for the National Disability Insurance SchemeMinister for Government Services
