A recent report released by National Disability Services indicated that “eighty percent of disability support providers are concerned they wouldn’t be able to continue to provide services at current prices amidst NDIS reforms”. These challenges faced by disability support providers are directly affecting disabled Australians, with increasing concern for participants with complex needs.
Maeve Groom spoke to CEO of National Disability Services Australia, Michael Perusco who believes that the contribution of quality providers to the NDIS is currently undervalued.
“If the value of being a quality provider is not recognised, quality providers leave the market” Michael Perusco stated.
Maeve also spoke with Megan Spindler-Smith, deputy CEO of People with Disability Australia who additionally feels that disabled people from First Nations, rural and remote communities and those with complex needs are disproportionally affected.
These challenges raise further concern amongst carers for disabled family members such as Megan O’Connor who helps support her disabled sister with multiple sclerosis.
“With the cost of disability services for my sister increasing yearly, I am constantly having to monitor the amount of NDIS funding allocated with the amount of care required for someone with high care needs like my sister” Megan said.
Produced By: Maeve Groom
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 11 December 2024