NDIS now supports more than 200,000

MORE than 200,000 Australians are being supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with most participants saying their experience has been positive.

The latest quarterly data on the NDIS, released yesterday, shows 93 per cent of participants rated their experience as good or very good. It is a 5 per cent boost from the previous three months.

Almost a third of people in the scheme are receiving disability supports for the first time, the figures show.

The NDIS has also helped 91 per cent of its young participants who have not yet gone to school to better communicate their needs, according to their parents or carers.

The NDIA headquarters is based in Geelong.

The data proves efforts to improve the scheme have been paying off, Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher says.

“Rolling out the NDIS is a complex and difficult task but these figures show we’re on track and improving the experience for participants, carers and families,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The National Disability Insurance Agency has been working hard to reform the participant pathway and that’s coming through.”

The number of NDIS participants grew by 14 per cent between July 1 and September 30, bringing the total number to 208,793. There are now 17,925 providers registered to deliver support.

“Participants now have more choice than ever before,” NDIA chief executive Robert De Luca said.

About 460,000 people are expected to be supported by the NDIS when the rollout is complete 2020-21.