The past year has been one of unrelenting change for the disability sector in WA. NDS in WA has supported our members across our vast state in a rapidly changing environment.

We have welcomed opportunities to find and develop solutions that strengthen the disability services sector in WA and deliver better outcomes for people with disability. This has included advocating for sound policies; ensuring the sector is funded and supported; promoting the value of a diverse, sustainable and mission driven sector; and maintaining a local and national focus on disability issues.

With the Commonwealth-administered NDIS roll out in WA commencing on 1 July 2018, NDS in WA has worked closely with its members over the past year to support them to adjust to the implications for their organisations, both operationally and financially.

We have worked 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.

Our members have been directly involved in providing input and policy advice on a range of issues through our NDS subcommittees. NDS in WA supports committees on access and inclusion, housing and accommodation, finance, workforce, clinical and allied health and employment.

We have also supported communities of practice in Quality and Safeguarding and Training, a peer-to-peer network for small to medium specialist disability service providers and established an NDIS Provider Support Network. NDS in WA also supports CORDS – the Council of Regional Disability Service organisations.

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. We could not do this important work without funding support.

The disability sector is immersed in complex, difficult and large-scale reform. The sector is still adjusting to the implications of operating under the NDIS and what it means for organisations operationally and financially. Providers continue to support the NDIS and remain committed to getting it right, but the road to reform is rough, and many service providers are under stress.

NDS welcomes opportunities to find and develop solutions that strengthen the disability services sector in WA and deliver better outcomes for people with disability.