Independent Advisory Council spotlights key advice on NDIS improvements

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has released its 2023-24 Annual Report, detailing its work over the past financial year.

The report is available on the IAC website in multiple formats, including Easy Read and Auslan video translations.

The annual report outlined the IAC’s role in providing independent advice to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) board. It also covered the council’s collaboration with stakeholders and contributions to policy co-design, aimed at improving outcomes for NDIS participants.

Focus areas and key contributions

The IAC’s report highlighted several aspects of its work during the year, including:

• recommendations submitted to the NDIA board on topics such as behavioural supports, strategies for aging participants, and approaches to improve outcomes for children and young people
• involvement in NDIA-led co-design projects, including reform programs addressing workforce capability, plan flexibility, and evidence-based supports
• efforts to strengthen accessibility and inclusivity in communication, such as releasing bulletins in Easy Read formats and offering text-to-voice-enabled versions online

In line with its Operating Model and Work Plan, the IAC emphasised participant-focused advice, ensuring that the voices of individuals with disabilities, along with their families and advocates, informed decision-making at the highest levels.

Key activities during the year

The report included a detailed timeline of the council’s activities, including:

• updating membership of reference groups to include younger participants and individuals with intellectual disabilities
• collaborating with the Equity and Inclusion Reference Group to address intersectional challenges faced by participants
• conducting consultations on improving employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and increasing the accessibility of NDIS plans
• endorsing advice on behavioural supports and the unique needs of aging participants

The IAC said these activities reflect its ongoing commitment to addressing diverse participant needs and enhancing overall engagement with the NDIS.

Advisory submissions and stakeholder engagement

As part of its statutory role, the IAC provided advice to the NDIA board and collaborated with other stakeholders on key issues. Among the submissions highlighted in the report are:

• recommendations focused on adopting trauma-informed, best-practice approaches to understanding and addressing participant behaviours
• guidance to improve support systems for older NDIS participants, including considerations for premature aging and intersectional barriers
• suggestions for integrating the perspectives of younger participants in the design and implementation of NDIS plans and policies

The council also contributed to the NDIS Review and other government-led inquiries, including the COVID-19 Response Inquiry. Submissions addressed gaps in home and living supports, the disability service ecosystem, and the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework.

Accessibility and communication initiatives

The IAC expanded its communication efforts to improve transparency and engagement. These included:

• publishing Easy Read and text-to-voice versions of meeting bulletins and annual reports
• enhancing the usability of the IAC website to ensure it meets accessibility standards
• introducing Easy Read meeting materials for reference groups to promote equitable access to information

The council also plans to redesign its website to better serve its audience and ensure compliance with updated accessibility guidelines.