NDS in WA is pleased to present its 2016/17 Year in Review which was presented at the Annual Members Meeting on 14 November 2017.

The past year has been one of profound change and uncertainty. In the disability sector, we had confirmation of a state administered National Disability Insurance Scheme, a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth followed by a review that came with the change of government.

Over the past year, NDS has taken great effort to build the capacity of all levels of staff in organisations across the state. We have focused on quality, safeguarding and employment. We have also actively pursued sector development around governance and good business practice.

In 2016/17, NDS commissioned Acil Allen on behalf of the sector to undertake sector wide and state-wide research to provide a strategic data source for future development of the disability services sector. Their extensive consultation and analysis provided the evidence base behind the WA Disability Sector Industry Plan.

Key benefit points

The 2016/17 Year in Review reflects NDS's work on behalf of members for 2016/17 in WA.

In terms of our support for people with disability to connect and participate in their local communities, over the past year we have:

• Approved $650,000 in small grants through the Community Living and Participation Grants program to support West Australians with disability and local community groups;
• Supported more than 12,000 people with disability through the WA Companion Card program and network of Affiliates, and issued 45,000 new and renewed Australian Disability Parking Permits, bringing the total to 80,000 WA permits in circulation; and
• Played an ongoing role in coordinating access to a state-wide network of Changing Places.