National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants will have greater opportunities to have their say in building a better scheme, through the new Participant Engagement Panel (PEP).
The panel, made up of 28 organisations with demonstrated connection to people with disability, will offer support so that participants can take part in co-design, consultation and engagement opportunities. It was selected after an extensive selection process.
Building upon the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) existing Participant First Engagement Initiative, the panel will further help the agency to capture a diverse range of views, to inform policy development and service improvement.
Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the panel further demonstrated the Government's commitment to hearing from participants from diverse communities across the country.
"It's about putting systems in place to connect us with an even broader range of voices - including those who may not always be the first to speak up," Minister Reynolds said.
"The panel will provide engagement services, including focus groups and one-on-one interviews with participants, their families and carers to inform work on policy, strategy, service provision, research and evaluation."
This initiative builds on the NDIA's commitment to co-design and ongoing engagement with the disability community - with the first meeting held last week.
"I was delighted to address the first co-design workshop with disability representative organisations last week, to see firsthand the commitment from the NDIA and the sector to develop these new collaboration principles," Minister Reynolds said.
The Government has put forward draft legislation which includes acknowledging that people with disability must be included through co-design.
"The draft legislation is currently out for consultation until 7 October, and I want all participants' voices to be heard," Minister Reynolds said.
