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What issues did the community share?

2 community members having a conversation with a Reference Group member. Above the 2 community members is a problem icon inside a speech bubble.

Reference Group members connected with the community to find out about issues that affect them.

A group of participants. Above them is a problem icon.

This includes issues that affect participants.

A Reference Group member meeting with an NDIA worker. Above them is a speech bubble that shows a problem icon.

Members shared reports about these issues with the NDIA.

A group of people from the NDIA with a speech bubble above them.

People from the NDIA also shared their response to some of these issues.

Skills of health professionals

2 health professionals next to a badge with a star on it. Below them is a cross.

Reference Group members said people are worried that some health professionals don’t have the right skills.

A house in a remote area and a problem icon.

Members said this is a bigger issue in places far away from cities and towns.

A participant having a conversation with a health professional.

Members said participants want to get help from health professionals who have better training.

Funding

A person with their hands on their head. Next to them is a money icon.

Reference Group members said people are worried about funding.

An NDIS document and a money icon.

Funding is money from your NDIS plan that pays for the supports you need.

An NDIS plan document.

An NDIS plan has information about:

  • a participant and their goals
  • what supports a participant needs
  • what the NDIS will pay for.

A hand holding money next to a cross.

Members said there isn’t always enough funding to pay for the supports they need.

Changes to autism checks for children

A person thinking next to the change icon inside a thought bubble.

Reference Group members said people are confused about the changes to autism checks for children.

A segmented circle with 4 parts at different sizes. The parts have a thought bubble, a person with their hand on their chest, a speech bubble, and a handshake.

Autism can affect how you:

  • think
  • feel
  • communicate
  • connect and deal with others.

A tick next to a document with an information icon on it.

People want clear information about the changes to autism checks for children.

A tick next to a speech bubble and a video icon.

This includes information that uses:

  • easy words
  • videos.

Barriers that First Nations people face

An NDIS document and a problem icon.

Reference Group members said there are things that make it harder for First Nations people to join the NDIS.

A person pointing to themselves. Above them is a speech bubble and next to them is a problem icon.

For example, First Nations people find it hard to share details about themselves.

A thumbs up above 3 people.

The NDIA said it will try to make things easier for First Nations people wanting to join the NDIS.

Support from First Nations people

A participant being supported to read a document.

Reference Group members said it’s important for First Nations participants to get support from First Nations people.

Members want First Nations people to support participants with things like:

An NDIS plan document.

  • using their NDIS plans

2 people using a laptop together.

  • planning how to use their supports.

A person presenting to a classroom of people.

Members said there are programs to support First Nations people to get skills in healthcare at school.

A person in front of a shop. Above them are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

The NDIA also said it’s working with businesses run by First Nations people.

A person having a conversation with an NDIA worker in front of a shop.

The NDIA is working with these businesses to:

  • understand their experiences
  • learn how to help them grow.