New First Nations resources support safer and more informed participation in the NDIS
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has launched a dedicated First Nations Hub and suite of resources to provide culturally appropriate, accessible and relevant information for First Nations people with disability, their families, carers and communities.
Supporting First Nations participants to understand their rights and recognise unsafe or poor-quality services is a key part of the NDIS Commission's work to strengthen safeguards and improve outcomes for people with disability, particularly in regional and remote communities.
The new resources were developed in response to feedback from First Nations participants, communities and stakeholders, which highlighted the need for tailored information about participant rights, the role of the NDIS Commission, and how the Commission supports safe and quality NDIS supports and services.
Available in a range of formats, including written, visual, audio and in-language resources, the materials have been designed to meet the diverse needs and preferences of First Nations communities across Australia. Further resources will be shared on the site as they are developed.
The First Nations Hub provides a central location on the NDIS Commission website for First Nations-specific information, tools and resources, making it easier for people to access information relevant to them and their communities.
The resources will also support providers, workers, stakeholders and NDIS Commission staff to engage with First Nations participants and communities in a more informed, respectful and culturally responsive way.
The NDIS Commission worked closely with advocacy organisations, Remote Community Connectors and the National Disability Insurance Agency to develop the resources. Commission staff undertaking visits to remote and regional communities also tested the materials with First Nations people with disability to ensure they are practical, accessible and relevant.
The Commission is committed to working in partnership with First Nations peoples and communities to ensure information remains accessible, culturally appropriate and responsive to community needs.
Quotes attributable to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville:
"These resources have been developed in partnership with First Nations people and organisations, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge and expertise.
"Empowering NDIS participants to have choice over their services first comes with education on their rights and what good practice looks like."
"Every participant should be able to access information about their rights in a way that is meaningful to them and reflects their community, language and lived experience."
Quotes attributable to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade:
"We heard direct feedback from First Nations participants, families and communities that there was a need for information that is accessible, culturally appropriate and relevant to their experiences."
"The First Nations Hub and accompanying resources will help people better understand their rights, the role of the NDIS Commission, and where they can go for information and support."
"The NDIS Commission is committed to ongoing engagement with First Nations peoples to ensure our information and resources continue to meet the needs of communities across Australia."
For more information and to access the First Nations Hub, visit First Nations resources hub | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.