Refreshed strategy supporting more NDIS participants into work
by Nic Stuart | Mar 21, 2024 | The Big Story
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has unveiled a new strategy as part of a significant push to boost employment amongst NDIS participants, saying “this refreshed Strategy builds on what we’ve learned from the disability community and includes new actions to help NDIS participants find and keep a job”.
The changes are an attempt to improve the efficiency of employment supports for disabled individuals. Touting increased job figures among NDIS participants, Shorten asserts the enhanced approach will dovetail with other disability employment initiatives.
Shorten insists that “through work, people with disability can have more financial independence, contribute to their community and improve their health, wellbeing and self-esteem”.
The Minister said actions in the Strategy will make it easier for participants to use their NDIS supports to achieve their employment goals. “We’re already seeing positive numbers – the latest quarterly report shows the number of NDIS participants aged 15-24 years who have a job has doubled, 29 percent of participants aged 25 to 34 years have a job and 27 per cent of participants aged 35 to 44 years have a job too.”
The NDIA says the ‘refreshed’ strategy was “guided by participant voices”. It hopes the changes will improve Agency practices and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of employment supports delivered by NDIS providers.
Shorten indicated a key aim was to ensure the NDIS works in harmony with other Government initiatives offering employment support.
“The workforce can be richer and more productive with more people with disability in jobs, and the Government is working hard to make employment pathways stronger and accessible,” the Minister added.
