Last year, a groundbreaking decision was made by the National Cabinet to adopt a 50-50 funding model for “foundational supports”. This significant move, from a key recommendation of the NDIS Review, marks a notable development ten years after the launch of the NDIS.
But what exactly are foundational supports? According to the review, they encompass essential services intended to be accessible to all NDIS participants and individuals with disabilities under the age of 65 who do not qualify for the NDIS, along with their families. These supports are divided into two main categories:
- General foundational supports, which would include programs and activities like information and advice, individual and family capacity building, peer support, self-advocacy, and disability employment supports.
- Targeted foundational supports are supports available for people not eligible for the NDIS and should include home and community supports, such as shopping and cleaning or aids and equipment for people with less intensive support needs.
While the general concept is clear, the finer details of implementation are still under discussion between state and territory governments and their federal counterparts.
Excitingly, AEIOU is actively involved in the consultation process for the development of the Foundational Supports strategy, particularly in Queensland. Here, Queensland's Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, Charis Mullen, is leading the state government's efforts to address broader reforms across the disability sector in response to recommendations from the NDIS Review and the Disability Royal Commission.
AEIOU has already participated in a roundtable hosted by the state government to discuss these reforms, with further engagements planned, including meetings with other service providers and stakeholders. We remain steadfast in advocating for the best interests of children during this period of reform, particularly ensuring that autistic children with high needs maintain access to NDIS support. Stay tuned for further updates as this transformative journey progresses.
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