NDS State of the Disability Sector Report
State of the Disability Sector 2023
NDS’s State of the Disability Sector Report 2023 is based on responses from 432 disability service providers from all over the country who took part in our annual State of the Disability Sector Survey.
Launched at NDS’s Executive Leaders Conference on 11 December 2023, the report found the highest rate of providers reporting a loss since the survey began collecting financial data in 2016.
The survey data makes it clear that disability sector reforms cannot be delayed.
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State of the Disability Sector 2022
NDS's State of the Disability Sector report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in November 2022.
NDS’s State of the Disability Sector Report 2022 is based on responses from 364 disability service providers from all over the country who took part in our annual State of the Disability Sector Survey. The latest report reveals a difficult operating environment for most providers, but there are some glimmers of hope, with a cautious expectation of positive change.
State of the Disability Sector 2021
NDS's State of the Disability Sector report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in December 2021.
The State of the Disability Sector report contains data from the Annual Market Survey, which saw 396 disability service providers share their experiences. The report finds that frustration, uncertainty, and confusion are the hallmarks of the sector at this time. There is ongoing workforce issues, concerns over pricing, COVID-19, and a very uncertain policy environment for providers. However, there are glimmers of hope.
State of the Disability Sector 2020
NDS's 2020 State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in December
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2020 includes data from the Annual Market Survey, which saw 410 disability service providers share their experiences. The report finds that whilst it has been a difficult year for the disability sector, service providers have risen to the challenge. However, pricing, processes, workforce shortages and more are preventing the sector from operating at full strength.
State of the Disability Sector 2019
NDS's 2019 State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in November.
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2019 includes data from the Annual Market Survey, which saw 667 disability service providers share their experiences. The report finds that while operating conditions might have improved, serious issues around pricing, sustainability, regulations and more continue to present great challenges for the sector.
State of the Disability Sector 2018
NDS's 2018 State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in November.
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2018 includes data from the Annual Market Survey, which saw 626 disability service providers share their experience. The report finds that while disability service providers remain committed to the NDIS, the majority (73 per cent) believe its systems and processes need urgent improvement. Other challenges include policy uncertainty, unrealistic pricing and costly red tape which is driving up the cost of doing business.
State of the Disability Sector 2017
NDS's 2017 State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in December.
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2017 includes data from the Annual Market Survey, which saw 516 disability service providers share their experiences. The NDIS and new DES program are expanding competition and consumer choice. The shifting environment has increased uncertainty. Providers are finding it harder to recruit staff, the policy environment is in flux, and organisations lack the working capital to grow and change. The report also found that DES providers and Disability Enterprises need a boost in support.
State of the Disability Sector 2016
NDS's 2016 State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in December.
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2016 includes data from the Business Confidence Survey, completed by almost 550 disability service providers; key issues facing providers during the transition to the NDIS; funding for disability employment services; and allied health workers recruitment challenges.
State of the Disability Sector 2015
NDS's 2015 State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in December.
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2015 includes data from the Business Confidence Survey; key issues facing providers in NDIS trial sites; how providers responded to workforce challenges and the challenges facing supported employment.
State of the Disability Sector 2014
NDS's first State of the Disability Sector Report was launched at the CEOs' Meeting in December 2014.
The State of the Disability Sector Report 2014 includes a business confidence index for the disability sector, the first in-depth measurement of how disability service providers are faring during this period of major reform; an analysis of the challenges of implementing the NDIS around Australia; and a broad review of disability policy and trends.