If you’ve been following the NDIS review, you’ve likely encountered the term “foundational support.” It marked the primary recommendation among the 26 suggestions made to enhance disability support for all Australians.
Understanding Foundational Supports
The NDIS review coined the term “foundational supports” to signify assistance that provides individuals with disabilities “a foundation to live a good life.” This entails ensuring active community participation, independent living, and physical and mental well-being, irrespective of NDIS enrolment.
Bridging the Support Gap
Chart 1 illustrates the current three-tier disability support system with a support gap. In contrast, Chart 2 proposes three new tiers: mainstream services at the base, followed by two levels of foundational supports, and finally, the NDIS on top.
This visual representation from the NDIS review showcases how foundational supports could bridge the gap between mainstream services and the NDIS.
Distinguishing Foundational Supports from NDIS Supports
As illustrated, only a small percentage of Australians with disabilities are NDIS participants. The remaining 2.5 million rely on supports outside the NDIS, with 90% expressing dissatisfaction. To address this, foundational supports can create a new support category, catering to individuals with lower-level needs who don’t qualify for the NDIS.
Alleviating NDIS Pressure
The introduction of foundational supports would alleviate pressure on the NDIS, allowing it to focus on individuals with more complex needs, aligning with its intended purpose.
Examples of Foundational Supports
Though confirmation is pending, potential foundational supports include:
- Home and community care, aiding with grocery shopping and cleaning.
- Supports individuals with psychosocial disabilities to enhance independence and daily living skills.
- Aids and equipment for those with lower-level needs.
- Early support for children with emerging developmental concerns and disabilities.
- Transition supports for young people preparing for independent living.
Accessing Foundational Supports
According to the NDIS review, every person with a disability should access foundational support. This would be categorized into:
- General Supports: Available to all, including NDIS participants, covering information, advice, capacity building, peer support, self-advocacy, and disability employment support.
- Targeted Supports: Aimed at those with lower-level support needs not eligible for the NDIS, including home and community supports, psychosocial disability supports, and early support for families and children.
Navigating Foundational Supports
In the event of foundational support investment, the NDIS review suggests introducing “Navigators” to help individuals identify the most suitable services. These Navigators, akin to Support Coordinators but accessible to all, would be deeply connected with local communities, guiding individuals toward relevant services.
What Lies Ahead
Foundational supports represent just one of the NDIS review’s numerous recommendations. The proposal includes stronger regulation of NDIS providers, changes to NDIS eligibility, and cultivating a more supportive workforce. As we anticipate the federal government’s response, the NDIS review proposes a five-year transition period to facilitate adjustments to these significant changes.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from us as the situation unfolds!
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