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We are pleased that the NDIA’s planned changes to funding for autistic children, including streaming children into different levels with corresponding funding bands, is not proceeding. This is thanks in large part to the advocacy of the Amaze community. Our submission against funding levels were strong and built on the lived experiences of over 650 community members who participated in our workshops and surveys. We will continue to give updates as we learn more about the NDIA’s plans which we hope will include better guidance for families navigating choices about autism supports and stronger regulation of service providers.
The Victorian Parliament has been running a public inquiry into the criminal justice system. Amaze’s submission highlights the overrepresentation of autistic people (as victims, witnesses and alleged offenders) and the need for an overarching framework to build the autism accessibility of courts, diversionary approaches and the prison system. We particularly acknowledge the team at Aspect and the Office of the Public Advocate who helped inform our submission.
The Commonwealth Government has released its long awaited draft amendment Bill, which sets out its planned changes to the NDIS Act. The changes are largely positive and importantly do not include many of the concerning proposals leaked to the media earlier this year. There are some technical changes that we are still working through, but luckily our friends at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre have released a fantastic blog explaining the Bill and each of the main areas of change.
Approximately 60% of adult NDIS participants may require support for decision making due to cognitive impairments. The NDIA has been consulting on its approach to Support for Decision Making. Amaze contributed to and endorsed a comprehensive submission led by Inclusion Australia. This submission makes practical recommendations to maximise the agency and decision making of affected participants.