Last night I had the pleasure of being an audience member at the ABC’s lively debate show, Q and A. The special episode focused on the disability reform – progress towards inclusion and the issues surrounding the NDIS. The panel were an example of Aussie greatness; Graham Innes, Catia Malaquais, Dylan Alcott, Bruce Bonyhady and Kiruna Stamell. Amazing role models, advocates and accomplished Australians.
Great discussions took place about the potential for inclusive education, inclusive workplaces and progress away from stigmas and assumptions that people with disabilities face every day. Graham and Catia (two of my heroes) agreed with my personal view that segregated schooling makes no sense when our aim is for inclusive employment and community and Dylan and Kiruna shouted for consistent physical access and for people to know that they shine no matter their abilities and challenges.
However a quick read through the questions posted on the Q and A website prior to the special demonstrated the sorts of questions that the community want answers to, most of these being very specific, why-is-the-NDIS-failing-me type questions. Unfortunately with no one from the NDIA or the government in general in attendance most of these questions were unable to be tabled. Instead it fell to poor Bruce, considered to be the grandfather of the NDIS to try and defend the Scheme as best he could and beg everyone for patience. His thoughts are that the successful build of the NDIS is likely to be a ten- year project.
Ten. Years. Let that sink in for a minute.
Does that include the five that have already passed or do we start counting from now?
Keep in mind the thousands of Participants, families and support teams as well as the hundreds of providers who have been hanging in there since the trial began in 2013. The levels of NDIS Fatigue that already exist cannot be overstated. Are we really asking everyone to dig a bit deeper and continue to roll with the punches for another 5 to 10 years before we have a Scheme that runs efficiently, provides timely and adequate support for people with disabilities and supports a diverse and thriving market? How many children will grow from babies to primary school age funded by a broken support scheme? How many people, overwhelmed and beaten will just give up and go back to where they were before, with no funding at all? How many Providers will close their doors and walk away?
It's 2018. We can do better.
Yes this reform is massive. Yes this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes we all agree that the NDIS concept is far superior than the funding and support options that were available before. We know that grizzling about the problems does not make things better. We know that the public view of the Scheme is negatively affected every time one of these articles is published.
So how about we just get on and fix it?
The small business segment of the NDIS market is where I focus my advocacy and support efforts and asking a small business who has headed into this reform with good intentions to provide high quality services while growing a business to try and maintain viability for 10 years while the government gets its act together is at the least unreasonable and at the worst impossible. Who knew trying to operate a privatized marketplace controlled by the government would be so hard? Right now business owners are trying to determine budgets and write their business plans for the next financial year with the feeling of NDIS quicksand beneath their feet.
Choice and control for people with disabilities as to who provides their support is a fundamental promise that the NDIS has at its core. The small business segment of this market is crucial to ensuring that there are lots of options for people to choose from, to maintain a competitive and innovative market and to provide those flexible employment options for the growing workforce. Many highly experienced workers have moved away from their jobs with large providers to try their hand at running their own businesses precisely so that they can offer supports and services in a way that works best for both themselves and their clients. There is a lot of expertise now sitting in the small business segment of the market. Will they stay until the NDIS dust settles or will they move on?
People with disabilities do not have the luxury of choice about whether to stick it out or walk away. They must deal with whatever is thrown their way by the NDIS or they will go without. They will have access to whichever Providers are still standing in the years to come. Given the feeling in that ABC studio last night I wonder what toll this may take on individuals and families.
It's 2018. We can do better.