Big changes to the way the NDIS supports young children and their families

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has published a progress update about changes designed to improve the way the NDIS supports young children and their families. 

Following a three-month consultation period on proposed recommendations designed to reset the early childhood early intervention approach, the NDIA is now making changes to deliver a “better and fairer” experience for young children and their families seeking support, guidance or access to the NDIS.

Chief amongst the changes is a decision to rename the approach to supporting children and families younger than seven years of age to the early childhood approach, and publishing new, easy to understand operational guidelines.

It is the first time the NDIA has had a guideline specific to children outlining how best practice support helps to get the best results for children younger than seven years and their families.

The NDIA has completed four of the recommendations which are said to have been well received by the disability community.

The third completed recommendation is clarifying the interpretation and application of the developmental delay criteria, which will support NDIS partners and staff to have clear guidance to make decisions and recommendations, and will support families to better understand developmental delay and developmental concerns.

The fourth recommendation is to develop an early connections guideline, to be published this month, to outline how the early childhood approach can support families and young children to reach their full potential, including a combination of family education, early supports and connection to community.

“These changes will simplify the way we talk about support for young children and their families and how we improve support for families and children when they no longer need the scheme,” a spokesperson said.