Meeting NDIS consumer demand

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a change from the previous system of disability services where the Queensland Government contracted services on behalf of people with disability, to participants directly purchasing the supports they need. It is a national scheme where people with disability have choice and control over how their supports are delivered and who delivers them.

As a result of this change and the significant investment, Queenslanders with disability are becoming a powerful group of consumers who will be able to access a wider range of supports. The NDIS is creating a more competitive market based on the choices of people with disability, and service providers are chosen by NDIS participants on the same basis as other consumer choices are made.

In Queensland, the level of annual expenditure is estimated to grow from $1.8 billion to $4.3 billion. This significant economic growth provides opportunities for current and new providers.

Service providers expanding into new geographic areas or delivering a wider range of services and supports may need supplementary resources to increase their infrastructure or strengthen their capabilities in certain areas such as human resources, IT systems and marketing and communications.

Businesses that have not traditionally delivered services to people with disability may enter the market, including businesses providing niche services.

The NDIS is also opening up opportunities for people with disability to access a wider range of services from yoga instructors to holidays and technology.

• Find out more about registering as a service provider under the NDIS.

Make your business available to people with disability

The NDIS is increasing choice and control for people with disability. It makes good business sense to ensure your business is accessible and inclusive.

While all businesses have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent discrimination against customers, you can take the following actions to ensure your business is accessible and responsive to people with disability:

• Consider if your products or services could be tailored to meet the needs of people with disability.
• Train your staff to communicate effectively with customers with a range of disabilities.
• Make it easy for customers to access your business with
  • clear pathways
  • easy access to service delivery areas
  • accessible online services and information.

Also consider...

• Read the Inclusive Tourism guide to learn about making your tourism business more accessible and inclusive.
• Read Queensland's Disability Plan.