Hi there, 

There’s been a lot happening with the NDIS and in the world of disability lately. So much so it can be really hard to stay on top of everything. So just to catch you up, here are a few things you might have missed.

What has the Minister for the NDIS been up to now?

We’ve all been worried for a while now about what changes might be made to the legislation that governs the NDIS this year.

Well last week the Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert gave an interview. During which he let slip some of what he has planned. And in the process confirmed exactly why we are all so worried.

On the face of it the interview was about his already stated opposition to the use of NDIS funds for anything to do with sexual support. Nothing new there.

But what the interview did reveal is that the Minister intends to try and change the NDIS legislation and rules so that the Federal government can have a bigger say in defining what is considered “reasonable and necessary” - rather than the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Now while the NDIA clearly don’t always get it right – AAT anyone? – the answer is not for the government to start creating a long laundry list of things that are in and out of the NDIS in the legislation. 

The Minister was clearly hoping to distract us by talking about S-E-X. So we might not notice the bigger changes that he has planned.

Well – we noticed.

If you want to read more about what the Minister said and what we think it means for people with disability and their families check out the explainer on our website.

A home for everyone

Next month Building Ministers from all around the country will meet and make some really important decisions. They will decide whether to make critical accessibility features compulsory for all new homes – or leave the building standards voluntary as they are now.

We think everyone deserves a home that is safe, secure and meets their needs. That’s why we’ve joined the Building Better Homes campaign. This campaign is calling on the Ministers to make sure every new home built in Australia is accessible. So that people with disability, older Australians, everyone – have homes that they can live in, visit and enjoy.

We’ve asked Dr Di Winkler from the Summer Foundation to explain why the campaign is so important – and what you can do to help.

They want to hear what features people with disability and their families think are most important in making sure they are accessible. They have come up with a quick survey which you can find here.

Read more on our website about why Di and the Summer Foundation believe it is so important we start future-proofing our homes.

And don't forget…

A very big thank you to everyone who has already sent us through a message or story about their concerns about the introduction of compulsory assessments to the NDIS.

Hundreds of people have already shared with us why they think these assessments won’t work for them. And what they think should change.

We are going to share your stories with three groups of people:

1. The National Disability Insurance Agency
2. The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS
3. Federal MPs and Senators

But time is running out.

We must have the first report to the NDIA by February 23.

So if you haven’t already added your voice there is no time to waste. You can find everything you need here. 

If you are keen to get a better understanding of these assessments and other changes the government and the NDIA have planned, you can find more information on our website.

📌 We have an explainer on the use of assessments for access, and how these new assessments will be used to determine your NDIS plan and budget.

📻 And finally, we talked to Hillary Harper on Life Matters this morning about what we know is planned, and what we think it means for people. You can listen to the interview on the ABC Radio National website here. We're hoping they put up a transcript soon (promise we didn't talk about sex).

That’s it for now. As always thank you for all that you do.

Kirsten and the Every Australian Counts team

PS - if you are having trouble staying on top of all the changes make sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook. That’s where we post all the changes as they happen.