NDIA updates guidance for participant information-access requests

Participants, applicants, and authorised parties can now request current or previous plan information, access and reassessment records, and copies of evidence previously supplied to the NDIA; the Agency says these will be processed within 28 business days.

 

Technical Advisory Group for NDIS functional capacity

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to securing the NDIS for future generations through reforms to access arrangements. The TAG has been established to provide expert advice on the development of a more consistent and evidence-based approach to assessing substantially reduced functional capacity for NDIS access.

 

Technical Advisory Group for NDIS functional capacity

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to securing the NDIS for future generations through reforms to access arrangements. The TAG has been established to provide expert advice on the development of a more consistent and evidence-based approach to assessing substantially reduced functional capacity for NDIS access.

National Alert System

First Nations people seeking NDIS help can now call a new phone line, established to provide a more culturally respectful, tailored experience with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).  The service has been shaped by extensive engagement with First Nations communities, including more than 230 stakeholders. All staff supporting First Nations Connect have undergone specialised training and some identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

 

Smart glasses as an accessibility aid

ABC Life Matters discussed the rise of smart glasses and the ethical quandaries and how this accessory can be life changing.

 

National Alert System

The Australian Government will be testing a new national warning system (AusAlert) to mobile phones on the 27 July 2026. AusAlert will help keep communities informed and prepared during local and national emergencies. To get ready, a test message will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia at 2:00pm, Monday, 27 July 2026. If your device is on, it might vibrate and play a loud, siren-like sound for ten seconds. A suite of materials has been developed to inform community members which includes Easy Read and Auslan.

 

$11 million grant to boost autism research

Is your business or organisation child safe? If your organisation works with or provides services for children, you’ll need to comply with Queensland’s new child safeguarding law.  The Child Safe Organisations system is already in effect for some sectors and requires businesses and organisations providing spaces or services to children to implement 10 Child Safe Standards to help protect children from harm.

 

$11 million grant to boost autism research

La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre to establish the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub, as part of the Australian Government’s National Autism Strategy. This funding will strengthen Autism research and evidence to improve real-world policy, supports and services for Autistic people, their families and carers.

 

Legislation update: Interim Senate Inquiry report and amendments to the Bill

DSC article: DSC examine the recommendations from the interim report of the Senate Inquiry into the NDIS bill, the dissenting report, and the amendments secured by the Greens.

 

Grattan Podcast: What’s happening with the NDIS?

In this podcast, the Grattan Institute disability experts discuss what the government’s proposed reforms will really cost — and what needs to change.

 

NDIS Code of Conduct – Sexual Misconduct

ABC article: The first wave of mandatory registration has started.  Small providers and families fear they will be swept up in a one-size-fits-all approach.