IAC Members gave the Reference Group an update about their work on the NDIA’s co-design projects.

Co-design is when people work together to plan something new.

Dr George Taleporos gave an update about the co‑design work for the independent living working group.

Reference Group members shared that ‘market’ might not be the best word to describe the work that providers do.

They worry that this word will make providers think of people with disability as a chance to make money.

Members also shared that people with disability should have choice and control over where they live.

Some people with disability live in housing that isn’t good.

Members explained that the NDIA should support these people to find a better place to live.

Members shared that the community like the idea of a home and living navigator role.

A navigator is a person who connects participants with NDIS supports.

But it’s important that the NDIA make sure they manage any conflicts of interest.

A conflict of interest is when someone could affect a decision so the result is better for them.

Mr Gavin Burner gave an update about the co‑design work for the better planning working group.

An NDIS planner is someone who:

• makes new plans
• changes plans.

Reference Group members shared that the NDIA should support NDIS planners who:

• have experience with different types of disability

• are not local area coordinators (LACs).

An LAC is someone who helps people with disability find and use supports and services.

Members also shared that NDIS planners need more training about lived experience.

If you have lived experience of disability, you:

• have a disability
• know what life can be like for people with disability
• can tell your story to help others.

Members explained that NDIS planners should:

• listen to what participants need
• respect what participants need.

And that plan meetings should happen in a place where participants feel comfortable.

NDIS planners should make plans that let participants use their supports in different ways.

Supported decision-making is when someone helps you make important decisions about your life and how you will live.

Members also shared that supported decision‑making can take time.

This means plan meetings should be longer.

Members explained that the NDIA should share information in ways that participants can understand.

For example, in Easy Read.

Members shared that there should be more support and information about how to:

• manage your own plan
• use your plan.

Members also shared that participants want an easier way for them to contact their NDIS planner.