After a motorbike accident left him with a significant brain injury just before his 27th birthday, Michael Daniells spent 13 months in hospital before moving into residential aged care. Michael spent the next 15 years living in a place he didn’t really belong. He has moved into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) where he lives with people his own age and receives specialized care and support to live his best life. https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/8192-after-15-years-michael-moves-out-aged-care-and-happier-and-healthier

The NDIA is releasing monthly summary reports as part of our promise to make our data easier to see. The monthly summary helps show how the Scheme is progressing over a shorter time frame. Check this link to see the November monthly summary https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/publications/monthly-summary

The NDIS has released new Disability Dashboards today. These dashboards offer a new way to access and understand data and insights about the main disability types represented in the NDIS. Each dashboard contains key insights about demographics, supports and providers for NDIS participants within the disability group. They also include details about the outcomes achieved by these NDIS participants and their experiences. Dashboards are available for:  Autism Acquired brain injury Cerebral Palsy Developmental delay Down Syndrome Global development delay Hearing impairment Intellectual disability Multiple Sclerosis Psychosocial disability Spinal cord injury Stroke Visual impairment Read more - https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/8577-new-disability-dashboards-released

The NDIS have released a research report about supporting cognitive remediation for adults living with psychosocial disability. Cognitive remediation is a therapeutic approach aiming to improve learning, concentration and problem-solving for everyday tasks and decision-making. It is guided by a practitioner and includes exercises targeting specific thinking skills and behaviours. It also: - Is the most frequently used evidence-based help. - Uses learning principles to improve effective outcomes. - Can be a safe and cost-effective way to support everyday functioning, work, independence and wellbeing for NDIS participants with psychosocial disability. This research is significant because: - Cognitive impairments are common in people with psychosocial disability. - Medication is usually unhelpful and has effects on everyday function, wellbeing and recovery. - People with severe symptoms of cognitive impairment are likely to find cognitive remediation most helpful. https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/8593-cognitive-remediation-research-released

The NDIA invites all new NDIS providers to attend an information session about working as an NDIS provider. This session will benefit new providers that have commenced delivering supports to NDIS participants. This session will cover: - A brief overview of the NDIS and support budgets - NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Pricing Limits - Working with participants - Using the myplace provider portal - Service agreements and service bookings - Payment requests and enquiries - An opportunity for attendees to ask questions https://www.ndis.gov.au/events/8350-working-ndis-provider

The NDIA is releasing monthly summary reports as part of our promise to make our data easier to see. The monthly summary helps show how the Scheme is progressing over a shorter time frame. Read the monthly summary for December 2022 .

Three men will face court over fraud-related offences against the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), following the execution of search warrants early yesterday morning in Western Sydney. The warrants, relating to alleged fraudulent activity totalling more than $3.3 million, came following an investigation by the Albanese Government’s Fraud Fusion Taskforce. Early on Tuesday morning, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers executed search warrants across three separate residences in Western Sydney. The activity led to the arrest and charging of one man, with two other men being issued with Court Attendance Notices for offences including Obtain Financial Gain by Deception and Dealing In Proceeds of Crime. The arrested man was granted conditional bail and will appear in court on April 4. The remaining two will first appear on March 21. The charges relate to alleged work and services being undertaken for registered NDIS providers. “The Fraud Fusion Taskforce is now able to draw on greater cross-agency collaboration, which means wider knowledge and a better ability to detect and catch any criminal who targets the NDIS,” Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said. “My warning to any criminal attempting to defraud the NDIS – get off our scheme.” It is alleged the three men, each known to one another, set up or acquired businesses as disability providers before going on to submit false claims for NDIS services that were never provided. The latest arrests follow the earlier arrest of a Brisbane man for alleged fraud against the NDIS. The man, who was arrested upon re-entering the country in June, had been facing one charge of General Dishonesty. However, after further work by the NDIA, he is now facing 25 more charges relating to alleged fraudulent activity with a value of more than $430,000. He will face court on March 3. Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717, or email fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au. Full Article here: Media release from the Minister - Taskforce targets alleged NDIS fraud | NDIS

Mildura cafe owner and business manager Tamina Bettess has an important message for other women with disability on International Women’s Day – it’s okay to ask for help. “I have always been quite a strong, independent person, and I think you grow up with something like this, you feel you’ve always got to be okay, because it’s easier for others around you,” Tamina said. “But being able to learn to be vulnerable, to then become stronger, has actually been empowering.” Tamina, 39, was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects the spine and spinal cord. With reduced feeling and nerve function in her feet and legs, Tamina walks with a limp and has problems with balance. Until she joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Tamina also lived with chronic and debilitating pain. “There’d be days at a time where I would be stuck on the couch and in bed,” she said. Just when Tamina was planning her own wedding, her situation took a turn for the worse. Tamina’s neurosurgeon delivered devastating news – she needed high-risk spinal surgery. “He said, if I waited too long, I would lose everything from the surgical point down, so the bladder, the bowel, walking function, everything. And if I had the surgery, if even the slightest thing went wrong, it would be the same outcome,” Tamina said. “So, there was a high possibility, that either way, I wouldn’t be walking, and I would be in a wheelchair by my wedding.” Tamina decided the time had come to look for more support. “For a lot of my adult life, I was quite complacent with my own care,” Tamina said. “So, for me, it was a process of having to accept that yes, I have a disability, and that disability is not a bad word. I’m still a mother, I’m still who I am and having a disability doesn’t change that.” Tamina reached out to the NDIS – and the decision changed her life. “Because of the NDIS, and the supports I now have, I’ve been able to maintain a regular routine of appointments, so I have a lot of exercise physio, physio and hydrotherapy, and I’ve been able to build up my strength to keep fit and healthy so my body can hold itself up Tamina said. “When I had my follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon, he said whatever you’re doing keep it up because we don’t even need to think about surgery for at least another 2 to 5 years. “And last year, I got to walk down the aisle – I wore shoes and I walked, it was amazing!” With her increased strength and fitness, Tamina’s pain has all but disappeared. “Now I’m lucky if I have a pain day once a month. It’s incredible,” she said. Tamina is now enjoying married life, while juggling co-parenting 3 children and a busy career. She and husband Peter employ several staff at Geo Origins Cafe and Roastery in Red Cliffs. Tamina also manages a caravan park and does admin work for another company. “I feel like in the last 2 years, I’ve fully come into who I am as a person,” Tamina said. “I thought I was an empowered woman before, but I really am now. These extra things I wouldn’t have thought I would be able to do, I can do them because of the NDIS. “I have built up my strength so I can work more hours and have greater social contact with family and friends. I’m more available both emotionally and physically. “The NDIS has allowed me to be a better person for all the people in my life.” Supported through NDIS partner in the community in Mildura, Intereach, Tamina says she now feels positive about her future. “With the physical strength has come a more enhanced mental strength,” Tamina said. “You’ve got to be mentally strong to go through the medical trauma stuff I have, but now, it’s a more confident strength, because I know I’m supported in every way, shape and form in my life. “And if things change in the future, as I know they almost certainly will, I know I have that support.” Tamina walks tall in life and business, thanks to NDIS supports | NDIS

We are thrilled to announce that we have just completed the framing stage of our latest property development project (Lot 1115, 4 Feathertop Avenue, Weir Views VIC 3338) This marks a major milestone in the construction process and brings us one step closer to bringing our property to life. As a company committed to delivering high-quality properties in a timely manner, we understand the importance of meeting deadlines and ensuring that every step of the construction process is completed with precision and care. That's why we're proud to say that our team of experienced professionals has been working tirelessly to ensure that this project is completed on schedule and to the highest possible standards. With the framing stage now complete, we can confidently say that we are on track to deliver a stunning robust home that will exceed our participants expectations. From the foundation to the roof, every aspect of this project has been carefully planned and executed to ensure that it meets NDIS standards for quality and craftsmanship.

We are thrilled to announce that we have just completed the framing stage of our latest property development project (25 Shackell St, Weir Views VIC 3338) This marks a major milestone in the construction process and brings us one step closer to bringing our property to life. As a company committed to delivering high-quality properties in a timely manner, we understand the importance of meeting deadlines and ensuring that every step of the construction process is completed with precision and care. That's why we're proud to say that our team of experienced professionals has been working tirelessly to ensure that this project is completed on schedule and to the highest possible standards. With the framing stage now complete, we can confidently say that we are on track to deliver a stunning robust home that will exceed our participants expectations. From the foundation to the roof, every aspect of this project has been carefully planned and executed to ensure that it meets NDIS standards for quality and craftsmanship.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is improving participant safety, through the release of a new NDIA Participant Safeguarding Policy. This Policy marks the delivery of one of the NDIA’s first major co-design projects with the disability community since the commitment to co-design was enshrined in the NDIS Act in 2022. The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill Shorten said this Policy outlines the Agency’s commitment to support people with disability who engage with the NDIS to create or expand safeguards to improve their safety. “It represents a shift to a stronger focus on proactive identification, assessment, and management of risk to minimise the likelihood of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Mr Shorten said. “We know people with disability are more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.” Safeguards are things or actions people with disability, their friends and families can do to manage risks of harm that may be present in their lives. The NDIA heard from more than 210 people in the co-design of this Policy. This included 75 hours of workshops with participants, their support networks, the disability community and NDIA staff. “This Government is ensuring people with disability are directly involved in decisions that impact their lives through inclusive co-design,” Mr Shorten said. “People with disability are the experts in their own lives, they understand their disability better than anyone and what they need to be safe. I commend all those involved in developing this important Policy through a co-design process, including the Co-design workshop groups, Participant Safety Co-design Steering Committee, NDIA Co-design Advisory Group, and NDIA staff. Tricia Malowney, member of both the Independent Advisory Council and the Participant Safety Co-design Steering Committee said everyone has a right to safety, and to live free from harm. “This Policy not only acknowledges that safety is a shared responsibility, and that we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of participants, but it will also guide the way the NDIA works with participants to identify and manage risks and take steps to develop safeguards in their lives.” Ms. Malowney said. “The co-design of this Policy ensured the voices of people with disability were at the centre of its development. I look forward to the implementation of this Policy and the positive impact it will have on our lives.” The NDIA Participant Safeguarding Policy is one of the many strategies the NDIA is implementing to improve participant experience. This work supports other important activities underway to better support people with disability to be safe. This includes the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and the NDIS Review. The Agency will work side by side with others, including the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to uphold shared obligations and responsibilities across the NDIS service and support system to support people with disability to create or expand safeguards to improve their safety. The Agency will work with people with disability to implement this Policy. https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/9053-media-release-minister-ndia-strengthen-participant-safety

National Cabinet has committed to efforts to reboot the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This will ensure the NDIS can continue to provide life-changing outcomes for future generations of Australians with disability. Whilst the Scheme remains demand-driven, the NDIS Financial Sustainability Framework agreed by National Cabinet will provide an annual growth target in the total costs of the Scheme of 8 per cent by 1 July 2026, with further moderation of growth as the Scheme matures. The Framework will build on the immediate action the Commonwealth is taking with the NDIA Board to improve the Scheme and ensure its sustainability. The Commonwealth Government is investing more than $720 million over four years from 2023-24 in this year’s Budget to lift the NDIA’s capability, capacity and systems to better support participants. These initiatives will help ensure every dollar goes to support people with a disability. Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten MP said participants and the sector were aware of the need for careful action to ensure the Scheme is looking after the people it was always intended for – people with significant and permanent disabilities. “These reforms are about ensuring the future of the Scheme in the best interests of the participants and our reboot is making sure every dollar gets through to the people the Scheme was designed for, NDIS participants with severe and permanent disabilities “After a decade of Federal Coalition government neglect, the NDIS and its participants were left neglected, but we will fix it and return it to its original intent,” Minister Shorten said. “We will work together with people with disability and the sector to implement these initiatives to ensure we get it right and people with disability are with us every step of the way. “We are going to improve how the Scheme works for participants, their families and the people who work in the disability sector.” "We also look forward to receiving the final report of the independent NDIS Review.” The more than $720 million investment in the NDIA’s capability, capacity and systems, developed with the NDIA Board, in consultation with the NDIS Review Co-chairs, includes 10 key initiatives: 1. Investing in better decision-making processes and planner capability for participants with specialised needs. 2. Moving to less frequent plan reviews where it makes sense and committing to participants that not spending budgets won’t affect future plans. 3. Improving lifetime planning approach to ensure plans are more transparent and flexible for life events. This includes the flexibility where participants do not need as much support at a stage of life but know that they can receive support as their circumstances change. 4. Better supporting participants to manage their plan within budget, including assistance from NDIA during the year and holding plan managers, support coordinators and providers to account. 5. Partnering with communities to pilot alternative commissioning to improve access to supports in remote and First Nations communities. 6. Working with participants and providers to trial blended payments to increase incentives for providers to innovate service delivery and achieve outcomes for participants and governments. 7. Establishing an expert advisory panel to list items to make it easier for participants to access proven evidence-based assistive technology and other supports. 8. Implementing preferred provider arrangements to leverage buying power of the NDIS. 9. Strengthening guidelines for planners on support volumes and intensity, and providing clear minimum standards of evidence for assistance with daily living. 10. Cracking down on fraud and non-compliance by funding, in addition to the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, 200 staff for two years and developing a business case for a new system to detect, prevent and reduce non-compliant payments. https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/9084-media-release-minister-albanese-government-invests-fighting-fraud-against-ndis

Newcastle NDIS participant John Domandl loves participating in triathlons. He’s done so for 37 years and says his NDIS funding has allowed him to continue to take part in a sport he’s passionate about.