Changes to NDIS

I am writing to clarify some inaccuracies contained in Rick Morton’s article “Age games” (March 26–April 1). The article misinterprets recent NDIS tender documents and policy settings relating to children. The increase in the Early Childhood Approach upper-age limit from under 7 to under 9 in no way reduces the scope of eligible participants. In fact it does the opposite and increases the scope. This change followed a three-month consultation period on proposed recommendations to improve the approach and has generally been well received from the disability sector. Expanding the age range from under 7 to under 9 years of age will ensure that young children received continued early intervention and are supported throughout the transition to primary school. These developments are not, as asserted, related to scheme funding. The article also incorrectly attempted to link this tender process to the scrapped independent assessments trials for all NDIS participants. Early Childhood Partners do presently have a role in the assessment of children, and do employ some health professionals to complete functional assessments. This tender is consistent with the way this program is currently being delivered.

– Senator Linda Reynolds, Minister for the NDIS