The NDIS website published a response to the Council for Intellectual Disability's (CID) blog post regarding concerns about the service and accommodation agreements that residents of group homes are asked to sign under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The following response was sent to the CID on 23 August, addressing their concerns and correcting several assertions made in the blog:

Residents will have more control, not less

The NDIS requires that both supported independent living (SIL) providers and specialist disability accommodation (SDA) providers have agreements in place with residents and clients. However, residents in NSW group homes previously had no formal agreement with their provider to cover the terms of their accommodation.

The new agreements  ensure:

• New providers cannot withdraw their disability services in group homes for two years. 
• Any further agreement after two years needs the agreement of the residents, and must be on substantially similar terms.
• A provider can only require a resident to move to another group home in the most extraordinary situation, either during that two year period or beyond it (e.g. for safety reasons). 
• Residents can select a new provider after two years. Although if they have an NDIS package, they could do so immediately.
• The NSW Government will have long-term leases to ensure all group homes stay used for disability accommodation for at least five years, and more often ten years.
• Residents have a guaranteed place for all this time, if they choose to stay.

 People will be supported to get the services they need and choose

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will ensure people have access to the supports they need, including working with providers to support people in crisis situations. 

During the transition period, the NSW Government will work closely with the NDIA to ensure processes and expertise are established to be able to actively respond to requests.

Once the NDIS is implemented across NSW, NDIA will be responsible for finding alternative solutions for people.

Transferring disability services to new providers

To meet demands for disability services, including disability supported accommodation, the transfer of these services to the non-government sector is critical.

The non-government sector has the flexibility and responsiveness to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including those with complex needs. Most NSW clients with complex needs already receive support from an NGO.

To read the original article and get more information on the service and and accommodation agreements between residents and providers, go to the NDIS website.