What will the NDIS reforms mean for service providers? Heidi Clarris of Aruma gives her take

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing a series of major reforms, with further changes proposed and subject to consultation before being passed through Parliament later this year.

The reforms aim to create a fairer, more consistent and sustainable system, that continues to support people with permanent and significant disability.

At the same time, the reforms will respond to growth in demand and improve transparency around how plans and budgets are developed.

Instead of relying heavily on diagnoses, historical plan categories, or repeated external reports, the new planning approach is expected to focus on a person’s disability support needs.

This will entail a support needs assessment, based on I-CAN v6, and a structured conversation with the participant and the people they choose to involve.

Proposed changes to social, civic and community participation, and capacity-building supports, are also being considered, including a return of some spending to around 2023 levels.

However, the detail remains subject to legislation, rules and consultation.What will these reforms mean for service providers?

Ahead of the National Disability Summit, Informa spoke with Heidi Clarris, Chief Customer Officer at Aruma, to find out.

Major implications for community care

With community participation representing 15% of Aruma’s revenue, Heidi says a cut to this funding stream will be “huge” and something the organisation is taking “very seriously”.

To prepare, Aruma has created a Reform Readiness program.

“We expect that, if the proposed changes proceed, Community Participation budgets may reduce over time. So, we are exploring how to adapt our labour model.

“It won’t be easy, given the complexity of rostering and enterprise bargain agreements (EBAs). But we need to tighten up that process and be prepared to make adjustments quickly.”

An added challenge will be maintaining safety, choice and control for customers – factors which Heidi says are “non-negotiable” in any re-design.

“Many of the people we support are ageing and have complex comorbidities. They need to be supported safely and given opportunities to pursue their goals and relationships in ways that matter to them,” she said.

Additional training requirements

As the NDIA moves toward new framework planning and support needs assessments, Heidi says providers will need to upskill frontline staff.

“Workers will need to document how a person is supported in real contexts — at home, in relationships, in the community and across a range of everyday situations.

“But it’s complex because the support needs of people with significant disability can change over time.”

While frontline staff already record and respond to changes in people’s daily support needs, Heidi says documenting this information for NDIS planning will be more rigorous.

“It’s quite a shift for frontline staff. And as you can imagine, it’s challenging because many have come into the sector because they are skilled at building relationships and providing direct support.

“We will need to help them translate what they see and hear every day into clear evidence, while keeping the person’s goals, preferences and communication at the centre.”

Difficult scenarios

With the reforms likely to affect many providers, Heidi says the challenge will be to remain financially sustainable while ensuring people with disability are heard and supported.

“We must keep participants front and centre. Their safety, wellbeing, rights, relationships and goals must guide the decisions we make - even when those decisions are difficult,” she said.

Despite Aruma’s good intentions, Heidi said participants and families have grown concerned since the reforms were announced, with many seeking clear and accessible information about what the reforms might mean for them.

Aruma is handling this through transparent, two-way communication.

“We’re not going to sugarcoat things for participants. We’re making a point to communicate early and build on the strength of the relationships we already have with them.

“We’re also supporting people’s choice and control. If we need to deliver service models differently in the future, participants will be involved and supported to express what matters to them.”

Join the conversation

Sharing more on this topic, Heidi Clarris will join an expert panel at the upcoming National Disability Summit, where she will discuss the NDIS reforms and what they mean for providers.

Joining her on the stage are Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, of the NDIS; Amanda Hendren, Director & Psychosocial Recovery Coach for My Community Collaborative and Angela Cook, Senior Engagement Advisor for Country Fire Authority.

This year’s event will be held 17-18 September at The Crown Promenade Melbourne.

Learn more and register your place here.