Putting you in the driver’s seat. What are some of the significant differences between the current disability system and the NDIS?

drivers-seat

 

What are some of the significant differences between the current disability system and the NDIS?
Old System New System
Block funding attached to service Individualised funding attached to the person
Service control Self directed support and choice and control
State Government – Disability Services National system – National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Funding tied to a geographical area Can take the funding with you
Welfare Model Insurance Model
Crisis model Investing in people with disabilities

Individualised funding. The NDIS replaces the old system of block funding which means the funding has traditionally gone to the service provider to allocate support. Under the new system eligible individuals with disability will receive individualised funding and can self direct the service and support you want, where and for how long. Essentially putting you in the drivers seat. This is called having choice and control over the services and supports you need. Under this system you can also choose to manage your own funding (we will cover this topic in a later post).

National System. In the past, States and Territories had their own systems for disability services. Now the disability system will be administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This means the new system is a national system and will be consistent across the whole country.

Insurance Model. Every working Australian will contribute tax towards the NDIS in the same way that they do now for Medicare. The insurance model also ensures that anyone born with, or acquires a disability in the future, will be entitled to access supports under this scheme.

Investing in people with disabilities. In the old system many people with disabilities felt like they were recipients of a welfare model as funding was often available in response to a crisis rather than for people to create a good life. Under the new system, participants of the NDIS are encourage to think about their hopes and aspirations and how to enhance their social and economic participation.

Can take the funding with you. Under the old system funding was tied to the service in a specific geographical area which meant if you wanted or needed to move to another area or state, you could not take the funding with you.

 

 

 

 

 

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