The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS is examining how hearing services are delivered under the NDIS. This is part of a broader inquiry into the implementation, performance and governance of the scheme.

The submission period is now open and will close on 30 January 2017 with the report due on 23 March 2017.

The committee is particularly interested in the experiences of deaf and hearing impaired people under the NDIS in the following areas:

• eligibility criteria for determining access to the NDIS, and service needs;

• delays in receiving services, with particular emphasis on early intervention services;

• adequacy of funding for hearing services under the NDIS;

• accessibility of hearing services, including in rural and remote areas;

• whether the principle of choice of hearing service provider is being applied;

• liaison with key stakeholders in the design of NDIS hearing services, particularly in the development of reference packages; and

• investment in research and innovation in hearing services.

National Disability Services will be consulting with members who provide these services and making a submission to the inquiry. It is critical that deaf and hearing impaired people receive high-quality hearing services as NDIS participants.

More information about the inquiry is available online.