National Disability Services - NSW
Office: Level 4, 60 Pitt St Sydney 2000
Mail: PO Box R160, Royal Exchange NSW 1225
Phone: 02 9256 3111 Fax: 02 9256 3123
Email: ndsnsw@nds.org.au

NDS traces it routes back for more than 60 years. In 1945, the Australian Advisory Council for the Physically Handicapped was formed in response to the need for national co-ordination of the respective state and territory bodies. By the beginning of the 1960’s, it was recognised that disability service providers had many common interests, regardless of what particular group they served. As a result, the Australian Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled was established in 1963. This more inclusive body allowed the voluntary sector to address the government with a united voice when lobbying on disability issues. The Australian Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled subsequently shortened its title to ACROD in 1984, before being recently rebirthed as National Disability Services (NDS) in 2007.

The move to NDS was made to better reflect the nature of the organisation today, as it represents and provides services to a broad spectrum of non-government, non-profit groups assisting people with all manner of disabilities nationwide.

NDS is a national body with a membership of over 600 non profit organisations who provide a range of services and supports to people with disabilities. The NDS Board of Directors is elected from the membership. NDS's mission is to drive the development of quality services and life opportunities for people with disability. In the past few years, NDS has very clearly taken the stance that it has two major roles to play as the national co-ordinating council for disability organisations and associations.

NDS is an industry peak body representing the specific interests of the non government organisations that play the major role in disability service provision in Australia. NDS's structure, with a national secretariat in Canberra, and an NDS office in each State and Territory, enables the organisation to stay informed and assist members across Australia operating a variety of services for people with disability.

NDS works to ensure that Ministers, Governments and Departmental Officers, at both Commonwealth and State/Territory level, are fully aware of member's views on issues of importance to the disability field. NDS NSW supports several hundred NDS member organisations located in NSW, and NDS NSW State Committee.

Statement of Purpose

NDS NSW exists for its members so that there is a well informed, skilled and resourced industry; which influences government, policy makers and the community. NDS NSW works in active partnership with the NSW government, to raise and address issues which affect the non-government disability sector.

NDS NSW also liaises with other stakeholders such as, various groups representing the interests of people with disability, their families and carers.

Funding for NDS NSW is provided by the NSW Government through the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. As well as through membership fees, conferences and seminars.

One of NDS NSW's strengths is the comprehensive structure of committees which enable members to participate in policy development, network and share information, and ensure that issues are communicated to the Division so that action can be taken.

NDS NSW Goals

Analyse and respond to all policy changes which impact our members and the people they support.

Work in partnership with government to address the issues which affect our industry.

Provide our members with relevant and timely information on all issues which affect them.

Facilitate information sharing and networking amongst industry professionals.

Provide opportunities for professional development and training.

Raise community awareness of the valuable role our industry plays in Australia and NSW.

Provide value to our member organisations, and ensure the equitable distribution of our resources to support members in all areas of NSW.


To find out more about NDS NSW visit the Regions and Subcommittees links on the menu bar.