Membership Benefits

National Disability Services Membership logo

Information

Given the complex challenges confronting the disability sector, up-to-date information is an essential resource for service managers. NDS's members receive a flow of timely information and analysis regarding not only government policies, programs and funding contracts, but also service delivery and management issues such as governance, risk, quality assurance and fund raising. This information is delivered to members via our publications, state forums, national conferences and issues-based committees and networks.

Policy Influence

NDS provides a robust and independent voice to governments - Federal, State and Territory - on behalf of disability service providers. NDS is represented on numerous groups and committees that advise the Australian Government and state/territory governments on matters pertaining to disability. The positions NDS puts to governments are based on consultation with members, as well as being supported by research and argument. Through NDS, members have an opportunity to influence government policy.

Networking

NDS provides members with opportunities to meet each other, exchange information and, if they wish, form mentoring relationships or business partnerships. NDS networks foster service improvement.

Corporate Relationships

NDS has established corporate relationships which offer exclusive member benefits. These are continually being developed in the interests of our members and the services which they provide.

Membership Categories

National Disability Services has two categories of membership: Organisational and Life.

Organisational membership is for not-for-profit organisations in the disability field.
Life membership is restricted to individuals elected by a general meeting of National Disability Services.

Subscriber Categories

National Disability Services has two categories of subscribers: Organisational Associate and Individual/Pensioner

Associate is for for-profit and government organisations with an interest in disability issues.
Individual/Pensioner is for individuals with an interest in disability issues. However, it is not available to members or staff of organisations eligible to be Organisational members/associates of NDS, but who have not taken up such membership/subscription.

Entitlements

The Organisational Associate and Individual Associate category entitlements are:

Receive frequent NDS News Updates, Annual Report, and access to the 'Members Only' items on the NDS website. News Updates are published by email and cover issues on which NDS is seeking comment or providing information, e.g. New government policies or budgets relating to the disability field
Opportunity for involvement in the work of NDS Committees/Special Interest Groups. NDS currently has national committees on Employment, Accommodation, Ageing and Disability, Occupational Health and Safety, Social Participation, Workforce Issues and Children, Young People and Their Families
Eligibility to attend the Annual CEO Meeting
Opportunity for involvement in the work of NDS Committees/Special Interest Groups at state/territory level
In rare circumstances and with the endorsement of the NDS Board they may be appointed as a member of a State/Territory Committee
Discounted registration fees at NDS conferences and events, where offered.

In addition MEMBERS are also entitled to:

to nominate a candidate, be a candidate, and vote in NDS Board elections and participate in and vote at general meetings of NDS. Organisational/Life members are eligible to nominate a candidate, be a candidate, and vote in elections for State Committees in the state/territory in which they reside or conduct business.
training providers of both certified and non-certified training courses are able to list their contact details on the Training Providers section of the NDS website
JLT NDS Insurance Programme
The programme will provide cover for members operating services for people with disability. The products and services available under the programme are structured so they can be tailored to meet members' specific individual needs and requirements. Products include property, liability, motor, volunteer cover, associations liability, plus much more.
Qantas Club membership (PDF 555KB, RTF 66KB)
NDS is a Qantas Corporate Club Member and all of our Members who regularly fly can obtain a benefit from this scheme. As well as all of the benefits of the Qantas Club, members will receive a discount on their Qantas Club membership and joining fee. Existing Qantas Club members can transfer to the NDS Membership without loss of accrued benefits and more than likely at a discounted rate. Contact NDS for an application form: Judith Frost-Hodson, Ph 02 9256 3168 or judith.frost-hodson@nds.org.au.
Virgin Australia Lounge (PDF 569KB, RTF 107KB)
NDS Members and Associates can join the Virgin Australia Lounge membership program and save up to $130. Virgin Australia Lounge benefits include a dedicated check-in, in Lounge flight information and services and complimentary food and beverages. Contact NDS for an application form: Judith Frost-Hodson, Ph 02 9256 3168 or judith.frost-hodson@nds.org.au.
Save on car rental with Avis (PDF 449KB, RTF 85KB)
Members can receive discounts when hiring vehicles for corporate travel through Avis. Avis has more than 240 locations throughout Australia.
For further information on the exclusive NDS member rates available contact Belinda Allen, Ph 02 9256 3163, belinda.allen@nds.org.au.
AccessPay (PDF 550KB, RTF 94KB)
NDS has partnered with AccessPay to provide NDS Organisational Members with salary packaging services. For further information on AccessPay visit www.accesspay.com.au.
OfficeMax (PDF 704KB, RTF 99KB)
NDS Organisational Members and Associates can access discounts of up to 40% off the catalogue price with OfficeMax. For further information on the exclusive NDS member rates available contact Belinda Allen, Ph 02 9256 3163, belinda.allen@nds.org.au.
NDS members may attend Safety Institute of Australia events (excluding member-only events) at member-rates.
NDS member logo
Organisational Members can identify themselves as members by using the NDS member logo, conditions apply. For further information contact Belinda Allen, Ph 02 9256 3163, belinda.allen@nds.org.au.

During the online application process, applicants will need to declared that they've viewed these documents:

Other relevant documentation

Schedule of Fees 2011-12 - Members (RTF 110KB)
Schedule of Fees 2011-12 - Associates (RTF 115KB)
NDS By-laws

To to submit an application form for Organisational Member, Organisational Associate or Individual Associate, go to