Individualising Block Grants to Support NDIS Implementation Endeavour Foundation Project Discoveries 450 Days and Counting NDS QLD Conference 31 March 2015

Overview NDIS Conversation Kit Project Journey Decision Framework A key question for service providers is whether or not to individualise block grants before NDIS is implemented.

Project Journey Early 2014 Funding granted Project focus To explore the best ways to individualise block grants. Project focus 9 accommodation outlets. 1 community access service. Key assumption …all service providers need to individualise block grants.

Project Journey Project Reference Group Project risks Governance and advice during the project. Project risks Exploring risks to people, financial risk, and brand risks. Developing notional amounts Attempts to address the inequity in historical funding levels.

Project Journey Moderating based on relative need Learning from NDIA Exploring options for considering relative need in allocation. Learning from NDIA trial sites Individualising funding is not compulsory. Redefining the project aims Focus on Decision Framework and Communication Kit.

Overview NDIS Conversation Kit Project Journey Decision Framework

Decision Framework

Explore Benefits and Risks Decision Framework

Explore Benefits and Risks Increased choice and flexibility. Create a "new" relationship with the people you currently support Enables a subsequent move to the Your Life, Your Choice self-directed funding program May assist you to trial processes, or develop insights that will be useful for the NDIS era May assist you to shift the organisation’s culture or performance

Explore Benefits and Risks May create viability risk at an outlet or organisational level. If a service outlet becomes unviable as a result of someone leaving, it will affect the people who remain. If people leave services as a result of having individualised funding, this may lead to IR issues or redundancies, as staffing is reduced.

Explore Benefits and Risks Requires considerable work effort, and this may be at the expense of other NDIS transformation activities You may raise expectations of flexibility that can’t be delivered People may be disadvantaged by the allocation process, or find the process unfair, affecting your relationship with them.

Decide how to Individualise Explore Benefits and Risks

Decide how to Individualise Developing fair notional amounts Considering relative need

Explore Benefits and Risks Considering relative need

Developing fair notional amounts Considering relative need

Explore Benefits and Risks Developing fair notional amounts

Decide when to Individualise Explore Benefits and Risks Decide how to Individualise Decide when to Individualise

Decide when to Individualise

Process for Considering Requests Explore Benefits and Risks Decide how to Individualise Decide when to Individualise Process for Considering Requests

Process for Considering Requests

Key Communications for NDIA Preparation Explore Benefits and Risks Decide how to Individualise Decide when to Individualise Process for Considering Requests Key Communications for NDIA Preparation

Key Communications for NDIA Preparation Project Journey NDIS Conversation Kit Decision Framework

Conversation kit What is the NDIS and the NDIA? The NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIA is the agency that implements the scheme. National Scheme This is a national scheme that replaces existing state funding system. It’s an insurance scheme If you meet the Access Requirements, you will receive supports that the NDIA deems reasonable and necessary. My NDIS You will receive a plan, and be able to choose where to buy your services

Conversation kit When will the change happen, and how? Trial Sites The scheme is being trialled in sites in most states of Australia. NDIA in Queensland The Queensland implementation will start in 2016 – we aren’t yet sure where. Full implementation all around Australia will occur by 2019 You don’t need to contact the NDIA If you are already receiving services from a Queensland service provider, the NDIA will contact you to start the entry and planning process.

Conversation kit What will I need to do? Access Entry to the scheme starts with the Access process. You will need to provide some information about yourself. Planning You will have a meeting with a Planner with the NDIA. You will be asked to talk about your goals. There are lots of great resources to help you prepare for planning. Implementing your plan Once you have a plan you can choose where to purchase your services. You can have all the help you need to do this.

Conversation kit What does it mean for my current services? No disadvantage The NDIA says you will be able to access supports that help you achieve the same outcomes as now. Understanding your current supports Let’s have a look at the supports you receive now. Will I need to change how I access my current supports? No – if you’re happy with your current supports, you can use the new funding to keep things running just as they are.

Conversation kit What else do I need to know? Timeline for changes We don’t yet know when all the changes will occur We will keep you updated We will communicate regularly with you through letters and meetings, and email Ask questions any time Please get in contact with us – we are here to make this change as easy for you as it can be Closer to the change We will personally support you to prepare for your planning meeting with the NDIA

Questions? Thank you!!