NDS WA presented its 2017/18 Year in Review at the Annual Members Meeting on Monday 22 October 2018.

NDS members provide 85 per cent of funded specialist disability services in WA, providing supports to about 30,000 people with disability. Our members are directly involved in providing input and policy advice on a range of issues through our NDS subcommittees. NDS supports committees on access and inclusion, housing and accommodation, finance, workforce, clinical and allied health and employment.

We support communities of practice in Quality in Safeguarding and Training, and we have supported the development of a peer-to-peer network for small to medium specialist disability service providers. NDS in WA is also a supporter of CORDS - our council of regional disability service organisations.

NDS in WA also provides direct support to almost 100,000 people with disability through the ACROD parking program, Companion Card, Changing Places and the Community Living and Participation Grants generously supported by Lotterywest.

NDS works closely with the NDIA and mainstream government agencies that provide critical services in support of people with disability including the Departments of the Premier and Cabinet, Public Sector Commission, Treasury, Finance, Training and Workforce Development, Housing, Transport, Health, Child Protection, Mental Health Commission and Education.

NDS is fortunate to receive a range of grants from State Government and Lotterywest. Our project work includes researching and developing solutions to challenges faced by people with disability in employment, supporting people to be active community members and improving service quality and safety. NDS in WA recognises that social and economic participation helps build inclusive communities.

NDS has been a strong voice for the disability sector that has identified key policy challenges, strategies for growth and advice on where investment is required. We are committed to maintaining and growing a vibrant, robust and dynamic disability services sector here in WA to deliver better outcomes for people with disability.