Conclusion: The Challenges and Opportunities for the NDIS

Abstract

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has brought much-needed support to many people with disability. It has cemented an entitlement to support in legislation and has put front and centre the concept of choice and control. Making the bold decision to introduce the NDIS has brought with it praise for the governments across Australia. Implementing this vision, however, has presented challenges. This final concluding chapter draws together the key themes from Part One, Two and Three of this book. It identifies the headline challenges for the NDIS as it moves into full scheme operation. These are that: (1) outcomes for people with disability are varied in the NDIS; (2) national consistency must be balanced with flexibility; (3) the disability services market is still developing; (4) the true opportunity of service ‘personalisation’ has not yet been realised; (5) difficulties remain with the interface between the NDIS and other service systems; and (6) sustainable funding model is essential for the NDIS to continue. Finally, the chapter offers a comment on the future opportunities for the NDIS, reflecting on the benefits that it has brought for people with disability, their families and carers. These benefits include: (1) a renewed public focus on the experiences of people with disability; (2) an unprecedented entitlement to services; (3) good experiences for many participants; (4) new insights on choice and control; (5) national consistency, with some emerging flexibility; and (6) better data to inform decision-making and innovation.