NDIS participants fear widespread funding cuts and reduced support

Local NDIS Program Closes Amid Funding Crunch, Fuelling Fears Over Scheme’s Future

A Local Loss, A National Concern

Community members in Canberra are expressing deep concern after Carers ACT announced the closure of its local NDIS programs. This decision, driven by rising operating costs and changes to funding arrangements, has heightened anxieties ahead of significant federal reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The organisation will cease its Hub Disability Day Program and NDIS Support Coordination services at the start of October. Advocates worry this closure could be a sign of things to come for the broader disability sector as national changes take hold.

The federal government’s NDIS overhaul aims to save an estimated $37.8 billion over the next four years. This ambitious plan involves moving some NDIS participants off the scheme or preventing new access, instead redirecting them to state- and territory-run supports that are yet to be fully established.

The Carers ACT hub program offered vital support, helping participants develop independent living skills and engage in daily activities. These included household chores, music groups, and social outings, fostering independence and community connection.

What’s Happening with the NDIS Overhaul?

The NDIS reform bill, which recently passed parliament after a deal between Labor and the Coalition, has faced considerable criticism. The Greens and ACT Senator David Pocock were vocal in their opposition, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on people with disability.

A key aspect of the new bill that has drawn heavy criticism from participants, advocates, and the disability sector is the power it grants the NDIS Minister. This power allows the Minister to cut funding for social and community participation in individual NDIS plans by up to 50 per cent.

For many, this funding is crucial. It covers essential supports like hiring a support worker to assist with doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, or attending community activities. Cuts in this area could severely limit a person’s ability to engage with their community and maintain their independence.

Real-Life Impact: “Going Back to Being Ghosts”

Benjamin Zarew, an NDIS recipient and disability advocate, regularly attended the Carers ACT day program. He found it essential for his mental well-being and for spending time out of his home.

“I feel sad, but there’s opportunity with other agencies,” he shared, reflecting on the closure. However, his deeper concern is for others who may struggle with change.

“I’m worried about the other people who may not be aware because of their disabilities,” Mr. Zarew explained. “Some people have to have a constant routine, and that change is going to feel that effect.”

Mr. Zarew is also directly impacted by the upcoming national changes, as his own NDIS plan is set to be cut. He is concerned about the broader implications of reduced funding for social and community participation.

“It’s going to limit what I can do; I’m a bit nervous about that,” he said of the looming cuts. “It’s going to be challenging for everyone… I think it is going to be really harmful.”

“They say they want disabled people in the community to be out, seen and heard, but we are going back to being ghosts essentially.”

Reports also indicate that some NDIS participants have already seen cuts to their plans, despite the full effect of the new legislation not officially commencing until October this year.

Why Carers ACT Made a Difficult Decision

In a statement posted on its website, Carers ACT explained the challenging circumstances leading to the closure. “Like many organisations across the community sector, Carers ACT is responding to increasing operating costs, funding pressures and changes across the disability and aged care sectors,” the statement read.

The organisation stated that after careful consideration, it made the difficult decision to close the Hub Disability Day Program and NDIS Support Coordination services. They clarified that changes to funding arrangements meant Carers ACT increasingly had to subsidise these services, which was no longer financially sustainable.

NDIS Support Coordination is a vital service that helps participants understand their NDIS plan, connect with suitable providers, and navigate the NDIS system. Its closure means one less option for finding this crucial guidance.

Community Voices: Fear and Uncertainty

ACT Greens MLA Laura Nuttall echoed the community’s concerns, noting a pervasive fear about the impending NDIS changes. “People are contacting our office all the time, saying, ‘Hey, please fight this; we are really scared’,” she stated.

“And I don’t blame them; their human rights are being put up for debate,” Ms. Nuttall added, highlighting the fundamental importance of these supports.

A major concern for Ms. Nuttall is whether the local ACT government is adequately prepared to provide a safety net for disability programs affected by the federal cuts. “I think a lot of people in our community feel this is the sign of the times and that this is not the first or last program that we are going to see cut for people with a disability,” she observed.

“Where are these supports that are supposed to catch us? …I don’t think the territory is prepared for it.”

Shannon Kolak, CEO of Act Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability, described the Carers ACT closure as devastating. She noted that some individuals had attended the hub five days a week for many years, making the loss of routine and support particularly impactful.

Ms. Kolak also emphasised the difficulty of finding good NDIS support coordinators, making the loss of this service especially keenly felt. She added that other day programs, particularly those reliant on social and community participation funding, may also struggle to continue offering their services.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for You

The closure of Carers ACT’s programs serves as a stark reminder of the shifts occurring within the NDIS landscape. For participants, families, and providers, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever.

If you are an NDIS participant, carefully review your plan and understand how potential changes to social and community participation funding might affect your current supports. Consider reaching out to your existing support coordinator or a disability advocacy organisation for clarification.

For disability service providers, monitoring government announcements and funding arrangements will be crucial in navigating these evolving circumstances. Connecting with industry peak bodies and advocacy groups can provide valuable insights and support during this period of change.

These are challenging times, and your voice matters. Don’t hesitate to contact your local Member of Parliament or relevant disability advocacy groups to share your experiences and concerns about the NDIS reforms.