Membership has its benefits

From advocacy to practical resources to help your organisation succeed, being an NDS member has numerous benefits. By becoming a member, you not only join a community of sector influencers, but you become a part of a collective mission to improve the lives of people with disability.

There are a few differences between the benefits available to Organisational Members and Associates. The key difference is that only Organisational Members can be elected to the NDS leadership positions and vote in organisational elections.

Are you making the most of your NDS membership benefits? View our Member Benefits guide to find out more.

Here are the six great ways in which NDS membership can benefit your organisation:

1. Timely information and advice

This includes News Updates, member-only webinars and events, access to a dedicated member-only web portal and the NDS helpdesk, access to all sections of the COVID-19 hub (including access to a free crisis communication advice line, NDS member discounts from PPE suppliers and member-only webcasts).

2. Advocacy and influence

NDS is working harder than ever in our key role of advocating on behalf of members. Much of our advocacy takes place 'below the line', where influence happens quietly but assertively. Our strength in advocacy comes from the collective power of many providers and with over 1,100 members, NDS has a strong voice at the policy table. The policy positions NDS advocate to governments are based on thorough consultation with members and supported by research and evidence. Members can access all NDS submissions

3. Learn and innovate

This includes access to analysis and the ability to contribute to research including the Annual State of the Disability Sector report; discounts from NDS's training and development practice; access to practical tools and resources to tackle workforce challenges (including carecareers and National Disability Practitioners); and information/case studies on how others are innovating to support quality service provision.

4. Collaborate and improve

This includes access to NDS’s committees and sub-committees, opportunities for knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer engagement, access to all sections of our Royal Commission hub (including complimentary access to professional advice and/or NDS member discounts), access to all NDS state, regional and national conferences and events, including the annual CEOs’ Meeting.

5. National and local perspectives

NDS understands the importance of local networks and information and complements these with a national approach to ensure members have access to upcoming trends, analysis and learning opportunities and a strong, influential voice. Members have access to all NDS expertise, regardless of location.

6. Business supports and services

We are committed to lowering the costs of business and ensuring members can access the professional services and resources that they might need.

Professional Advisory services:

• Expense Reduction Analysts provides NDS members with discounts on a range of management consulting services, such as cost optimisation programs, supplier management, process efficiency, contract risk mitigation and specialist knowledge
• Exclusive access to NDS’s free WHS member-only advice line
• Exclusive access to NDS’s free legal helpline (Organisational Members only)
• Exclusive access to 30 minutes of free advice from NDS's IR/HR advisory service
• A complimentary 20 minute over-the-phone NDIS consultation for small business (less than 10 FTE) and sole trader members
• Access to 10 minutes of free financial advice from Pitcher Partners

• Free NDP membership for all staff of NDS member organisations.
• Discounted access to the NDS Quality Portal
• Enjoy discounts across a range of office products with WINC
• Discounted Qantas Club  membership
• Salary packaging and payroll with AccessPay
• Discounts on online recruitment reference checks
• A free fleet appraisal and fleet management discounted services
• Access to specialist insurance and risk management advice
• Discounted access to NDS Management Support Online (MSO), providing access to hundreds of resources on all aspects of running an organisation.
• Discounted access to Emprevo, a digital workplace platform for filling shifts