The latest NDIS Quarterly Report identifies that 90 per cent of active Scheme participants have accessed mainstream supports in the community. Apparently, this proportion is growing. However, concerns and questions are increasing over how the gaps appearing in interfacing service systems will be addressed. At the time of writing, 95 per cent of ADHC disability services have been transferred to the non-Government sector.

According to measures collected by the NDIA during participants’ transition into the NDIS:

• Only 57 per cent of children with disability aged 0 – 6 are participating in age appropriate community.
• 33 per cent of children aged 7 - 14 spend time after school and on weekends with friends or in mainstream settings.
• Of participants aged 15 – 24, 31 per cent are involved in community, cultural and religious groups, only 18 per cent have a job, and 13 per cent are volunteering. A third of this age group reported difficulty accessing mainstream health services.
• Of participants over 25 years of age, 33 per cent had difficulty accessing health services, 13 per cent are participating in education, training or skills development - but 33 per cent were unable to access a course or training they wanted. 29 per cent have a paid job and 12 per cent volunteer. 36 per cent participate in the community.

This is not the picture of an inclusive New South Wales.

The National Disability Strategy, the COAG Principles determining the relationship between NDIS and mainstream services and the NSW Disability Inclusion Act (2014) mandate that all Governments play a role in achieving an inclusive society for people with disability. It is becoming more evident that the closure of ADHC and roll out of the NDIS will throw into sharp focus the challenges for mainstream service systems in being meaningfully inclusive, accessible, and providing effective services. People will fall through the gaps that are emerging as the pressure on mainstream service systems increases. This is a great threat to the effectiveness of the NDIS.

Building on work undertaken by the NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) and Early Childhood Intervention Australia NSW/ACT (ECIA), NDS will be presenting a series of blogs focusing on a different interface in each edition of this newsletter. The blogs will identify the current strengths, issues and tensions for disability service providers, and present some helpful resources. We will describe current advocacy efforts underway to make things better.

If you have ideas or resources to contribute, please get in touch!