Imagining and planning for
the future under a NDIS
Workbook
Imagining and Planning for your Future - NDIS Workshop 2013
Participant Workbook
Acknowledgements
These workshops have been made possible through funding from a grant from the
Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs.
The objective of the Practical Design Fund is to tap into existing sector knowledge
and expertise to identify practical solutions and innovative approaches to assist
people with disability, their families and carers, the disability workforce and service
organisations in the transition to a NDIS.
These workshops are being independently delivered by representatives from Future
by Design, DIVìN Group, Young Futures and Carol Peterson Consulting
across the Nation.
If you have any questions or would like more information in relation to these
workshops, please feel free to contact:
Valmae Rose
Future by Design
A: PO Box 404 Springhill QLD 4004
M: 0417 300 146
E: valmae@futurebydesign.net.au
The opinions, comments and/or analysis expressed in this document are those of the
author or authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Minister for
Disability Reform and cannot be taken in any way as expressions of government
policy.
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Welcome
With the support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Practical
Design Fund, this workshop is being delivered across Australia to people with
disability, their families and carers, support workers and friends in early 2013.
The NDIS offers the promise of a major transformation in how disability services are
delivered. For many people who have had little or no funding in the past, it may be
their first opportunity to get the assistance they need. For those frustrated by the
current system of service delivery, it may be their first opportunity to exercise choice
and control over how their funds are spent.
The NDIS as a system is still in its early stages of development and there remain
many uncertainties for everyone it impacts on.
The purpose of this workshop is to support people to see the NDIS as a work in
progress – a living system that will evolve and improve over time – and to see us all
as key shapers and influencers of that system. The workshop will also focus on
imagining and planning for the future, and how to turn good ideas for change, into
action - both of which are critical to getting the best possible outcome.
Over the next two days we will work together to better understand the NDIS, to
explore it as a living system, and to start imagining and preparing for a range of
possible futures.
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Contents
Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................. 2
Welcome ................................................................................................................................................ 3
National Disability Insurance Scheme ............................................................................................... 6
NDIS as a living system...................................................................................................................... 11
Imagining and creating a different future....................................................................................... 12
Supporting others .............................................................................................................................. 15
Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 18
National Disability Insurance Scheme ......................................................................................... 18
National Disability Carer Alliance ................................................................................................. 18
Australian Government Productivity Commission Report – Disability Care and Support .... 18
Futures Planning Framework – DHCS ACT .................................................................................. 18
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National Disability Insurance Scheme
Australia has a long history of failing to meet the needs of people with disability, their
family, and carers. Our support system has tended to be driven by crisis rather than
need, to lack flexibility, and has not adequately supported people to participate fully
in the social and economic life of their community.
In August 2011, the Prime Minister endorsed a report from the Productivity
Commission Inquiry into a Long Term Disability Care and Support Scheme, and the
work of transforming the Australian disability support system began.
…what is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a system for ensuring people with disability have the support they need
to be part of the social and economic life of the community they live in. It is about
more than just the specialised support people need. The NDIS has 3 tiers or targets
for investment.
Tier 1
Targets everyone in Australia.
Creates general community awareness about the issues faced by people with
disability and promotes inclusion and opportunities for people.
Tier 2
Targets about 800,000 people with disability and their family and carers.
Provides general information about the most effective care and support options
within generic and community support groups and services.
Tier 3
Targets 400,000+ people who need specialised supports.
Provides specific supports, aids and equipment from specialised and/or generic
services and facilities in the community, according to an agreed plan and resource
allocation for each person.
How can I stay up to date with the NDIS as it unfolds?
Who can provide answers to my specific questions and concerns?
How can I contribute my ideas and perspectives?
How can our organisation stay viable in the future?
What will this mean for my job/my family/my existing service?
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…what purpose and principles are driving the NDIS?
The purpose of the NDIS is to maximise the social and economic participation of
people with disability in the community.
To deliver on this purpose, the NDIS needs to be underpinned by legislation – an Act
of Parliament that sets out clear objectives and principles, and the rules for how the
system will be administered, monitored and held accountable.
While still in development and consultation phase, the NDIS Bill 2012 describes the
objectives as being:
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support the independence and social and economic participation of people
with disability; and
provide reasonable and necessary supports, including early intervention
supports, for participants in the NDIS launch; and
enable people with disability to exercise choice and control in the pursuit of
their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports; and
facilitate the development of a nationally consistent approach to the access to,
and the planning and funding of, supports for people with disability; and
promote the provision of high quality and innovative supports to people with
disability; and
raise community awareness of the issues that affect the social and economic
participation of people with disability, and facilitate greater community
inclusion of people with disability; and
give effect to certain obligations that Australia has a party to the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Specific reference is made to the governments needing to work together, for an
insurance-based approach, informed by actuarial analysis to be used, and
implementation to be progressive and financially sustainable.
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My notes
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The NDIS Bill 2012 also includes general principles to guide implementation of the
scheme:
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people with disability have the same right as other members of Australian
society to realise their potential for physical, social, emotional and intellectual
development
people with disability should be supported to participate in and contribute to
social and economic life to the extent of their ability
people with disability and their families and carers should have certainty that
people with disability will receive the care and support they need over their
lifetime
people with disability should be supported to exercise choice and control in
the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports
people with disability should be supported to receive reasonable and
necessary supports, including early intervention supports
people with disability have the same rights as other members of Australian
society to respect for their worth and dignity and to live free from abuse,
neglect, and exploitation
people with disability have the same right as other members of Australian
society to pursue any grievance
people with disability have the same right as other members of Australian
society to be able to determine their own best interests, including the right to
exercise informed choice and engage as equal partners in decisions that will
affect their lives, to the full extent of their capacity
people with disability should be supported in all their dealings and
communications with the Agency so that their capacity to exercise choice and
control is maximised in a way that is appropriate to their circumstances and
cultural needs
people with disability should have their privacy and dignity respected
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….what questions are people asking?
What is a social insurance scheme?
Australians are entitled to basic health care, basic education, and from 2018,
reasonable and necessary disability support. Under a social insurance scheme, the
cost of such support is planned for (based on financial modelling of life time care and
support costs) and put aside on a yearly basis by government.
People have access to support based on assessed need, rather than how their need
compares to that of another person.
Who will be eligible?
The eligibility criteria as outlined in the NDIS Bill 2012 are:
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The person is under 65 yrs when the request is made
The person is an Australian resident
The person has a disability attributable to intellectual, cognitive, neurological,
sensory and/or physical impairments which is likely to be permanent
The impairment results in substantially reduced functional capacity with
regard to communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, selfmanagement, and that needs are likely to continue for a lifetime
What types of support are included?
Reasonable and necessary supports as outlined in the plan of the individual,
including:
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Aids, equipment, home and vehicle modifications
Personal care, community access, respite, specialist accommodation
Domestic assistance, transport assistance, therapies
Guide and assistance dogs, case management and coordination
Specialist employment services, crisis/emergency support
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What will the process involve?
1. The person contacts the NDIS for assistance and can conduct their own
eligibility assessment.
2. If not eligible, they can still access tier 2 supports (general information on
mainstream supports)
3. If they are eligible, they have a planning and assessment conversation with
someone from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Eligibility is
confirmed, the person can explain their goals and context, and they can have
an assessment of their support needs.
4. Once assessed, the person chooses the supports needed to meet their goals
and discusses how they will manage their plan (see options below)
5. The person then manages and implements their plan, monitors outcomes and
asks for a review if anything changes.
What are the options for managing and implementing the plan?
Once the person has a plan with an allocation of resources, they can make a choice
of resources going:
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Directly to the service (like now)
Through an independent broker (to assemble a package of supports)
Directly to the individual/family to manage themselves
All choices will still require transparency and accountability about how the money is
used – it must be connected to the approved plan of the individual.
What progress is being made with implementation of the NDIS?
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has signed off the major pieces of
work. The legislation (NDIS Bill 2012) was introduced to Parliament on 29
November, 2012.
The National Advisory Group is working with expert technical groups on designing
the specific elements of the NDIS such as choice and control, workforce, quality and
safeguarding and workforce and sector capacity.
The National Disability Insurance Agency has been established and its work is
underway on preparing for the launches
Launch sites in ACT, SA, NSW, Tasmania and Victoria are set to go in July 2013.
What can we do locally if our state or territory is not part of the launch?
What could we do to ensure we are ready when the NDIS is
implemented?
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NDIS as a living system
In order to enjoy the best possible outcomes from the NDIS, it is important to engage
with the system skilfully and confidently. It may be helpful to understand the
disability support system as a dynamic, living system that will develop, respond and
change over time (rather than a rigid, formal system that we have no way of
influencing).
A major element of the NDIS system is the NDIA, the National Disability Insurance
Agency. The NDIS is a central (Australian Government) agency where assessment
and resource allocation decisions are made, data is gathered and interpreted, and
research and development activity occurs. The NDIS system will also comprise
various local offices, organisations and community facilities who will raise awareness
and provide supports, as needed by the market (the people with disability who have
a plan and funding).
The NDIS system also refers to people – assessors, community linkers, local area
coordinators, therapists, case managers, providers, planners, support workers,
brokers and many others – both from government and non-government parts of the
community. It also includes the rules and regulations that guide the work of its
people, and the relationships that exist between the various parts of the system and
with other systems such as health and education.
Most importantly, the system includes you and I. Just as importantly, there are very
few parts of the system that should remain static. While we want consistency, we
also want flexibility. While the rules and regulations are needed to provide clear
guidance for decision making, all rules and processes, even the NDIS Act itself, must
be regularly reviewed, with input from the people it affects.
Relationships can be established and strengthened, as can the skill and confidence
every person has in navigating our human service system.
How do I strengthen my understanding of the system and how I can
influence or contribute to it?
What relationships do I need to build to help me get the best outcomes
from the NDIS?
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Imagining and creating a different future
In times of significant change, when we are unable to predict or control the future as
it emerges, we have choices to make. We can choose to adapt as the picture
becomes clearer or we can choose to be part of creating the future as it emerges.
If we see ourselves as part of a larger system – a living system where our choices
and our actions influence and matter to other parts of the system, then we can start
to imagine what the system looks like and where we are located. From this place we
can also come to understand the relationships between the parts, and the impact of
our decisions and actions on others (and the whole system).
We can also start to identify where the points of leverage or potential influence are.
In other words, where an action on our part may influence another part of the system
and in turn, shape our experience. We will also start to see that such influence can
be positive or negative and that some actions have unintended consequences.
Equipped with the ability to see ourselves as part of a larger whole and an
understanding that what we decide and do matters, we are ready to start planning for
the future.
“The future is not some place we are going, but one we
are creating. The paths to it are not found but made,
and the activity of making them changes both the maker
and the destination.”
John Schaar
What would it take to create the future we would like for ourselves, our
family, our organisation?
What would we need to let go of in order for that to happen?
What am I willing to do as the next step?
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A tool for exploring
In your group, use these questions to generate discussion, reflection and ideas.
1. If you were sitting with someone who could tell you the future, what three
questions would you ask them about life under the NDIS?
2. Best case scenario, what responses would they give you?
3. Worst case scenario, what responses would they give you?
4. What are the lessons you have learned from the past?
5. What are the big decisions that lie ahead for you?
6. Imagine a future where the NDIS has unfolded more beautifully than you ever
expected. What actions did you take to make it happen that way?
Use this space to capture your ideas:
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Turning good ideas into action
In your group, use these questions to generate discussion, reflection and ideas.
1. What is the idea and what would be its purpose?
2. Where have you seen this idea (or something like it) before?
3. What risks are there is turning this idea into action?
4. Who might I partner with to make this happen?
5. Who could I get support from if I needed it?
6. How do I include the people I need to include?
Use this space to capture your ideas:
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Supporting others
…how do we build capacity, confidence and imagination in others?
In order to achieve the best possible outcomes from the disability support system,
people need the skills and confidence to engage effectively with it.
This means being well informed about the system, where the points of influence or
leverage are, and building the confidence to make decisions and speak up to get the
result needed.
The best way to start is to invite people into a conversation about the future, then let
them practice imagining, making decisions about their future, and experiencing the
result of these decisions.
…how do we engage people?
1. The purpose
Before we start to engage people, we need a purpose for doing so?
The NDIS provides a purpose but the individual or family may have their own
reasons for wanting to engage in imagining and planning for a different future. Find
out what it is first.
2. The question
We engage people by inviting them into a conversation with a good question. A
good question is one that is positive and full of possibility.
For example, ‘what would it take to find my perfect job?’ or ‘how do I build a stronger
group of friends and people I know in my community?’ or ‘how do we ensure we get
the best possible outcome from the NDIS?’
3. The invitation
Next, we need a genuine invitation to be part of a conversation. The invitation needs
to be clear, compelling and have relevant detail such as time, place, purpose and
how to RSVP.
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….including people who are hard to reach
Many of the people who need support to imagine and plan for a bigger future are the
ones least likely to put their hand up. People who are not comfortable or able to
communicate easily, people who are not comfortable in the company of others, are
likely to need additional time, support and perhaps, specialised attention to be and
feel included in this work.
4. Hosting the event
The knowledge and wisdom you need is already in the group. Your role is to:
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invite people into the conversation with a question that has meaning
make sure that everyone participating in the conversation has seen the
National Disability Insurance Scheme principles
keep attention focused on the question
make sure the environment is comfortable
make sure everyone is heard – listened to with respect and curiosity
5. Making meaning together
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capture the key messages and actions
 arrange to meet again if the group would like to
6. Turning ideas into action
…making it work
Once people have engaged in conversation and enjoyed the hospitality of the host,
there should be an opportunity to share what has been learned or discovered, and
the chance to turn good ideas into action.
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My notes
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Resources
National Disability Insurance Scheme
For the latest information and to receive automatic updates on progress
in your area visit the NDIS website.
www.ndis.gov.au
National Disability Carer Alliance
The National Disability and Carer Alliance (the Alliance) was formed in
2009 by the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Carers
Australia and National Disability Services to pursue the structural and
systemic changes necessary to transform the lives of people with a
disability, their families and carers in this country.
http://disabilitycareralliance.org.au/
Australian Government Productivity Commission Report – Disability Care
and Support
http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/report
Futures Planning Framework – DHCS ACT
This is a practical guide to encourage and assist people to plan for a
good life. The guide is a living document and it will be updated from time
to time, to include new planning strategies that are being explored
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/172596/Planning_guide.pdf
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