im not an academic i just have questions... Autistic | ADHD | INFJ | Aries/Taurus cusp | Wood Ox | Life Path 11 | Soul Urge 11 | Personality 11 | Expression 22 | Maturity 33
A complex & contentious issue surrounding the NDIA & its positioning within the broader context of social services & welfare in Australia. The NDIA's role is to implement the NDIS, to provide support to Australians with disability, their families, & carers. However, the framing of disability support under the umbrella of "welfare" rather than as a matter of rights & social justice, can raise significant ethical, legal, & social questions. Shifting discourse around #disabilitysupport from rights-based framework to a welfare-based one can invoke ethical dilemmas. Suggesting that support for PWD is a matter of charity rather than a fundamental right, undermining the autonomy & dignity of PWD. This transition leads to a paternalistic approach to disability support, where individuals are seen more as recipients of aid rather than as rights-holders with agency & autonomy. #UNCRPD to which Australia is a signatory, advocates for viewing disability through a human rights lens. This international #bestpractice emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rights of PWD to live #independently & be included in all aspects of society. The framing of disability issues within a welfare context may raise questions about Australia's commitment to these international obligations & standards. The categorization of #disability under "welfare" rather than as a core component of social justice & #humanrights issues can dilute the focus on creating an inclusive society that accommodates diversity. This perspective may neglect the social model of disability, which argues that society itself needs to adapt to the needs of PWD, rather than viewing individuals as needing to be "fixed" or "cared for." The conceptualization of the NDIA's work as a "welfare" issue could influence policy directions & funding allocations. It might prioritize short-term financial considerations over long-term investments in accessibility, inclusion, & #empowerment for people with disabilities. The embedding of disability services within the broader welfare framework may also impact #transparency & #accountability mechanisms. It's essential to scrutinize how funding is allocated & services are delivered to ensure they meet the #needs of PWD effectively & respectfully. Some countries have implemented policies that more explicitly recognize the rights of PWD to #education, #employment, & independent living, supported by comprehensive legal & social frameworks. The framing of disability #support within a welfare context presents philosophical paradoxes concerning the value society places on independence, autonomy, & rights versus the paternalistic approach of welfare. This situation invites us to question the foundational assumptions about disability, support, & society's role in #facilitating an #inclusive environment for all citizens. It challenges us to reflect on whether our societal structures reflect principles of equity, justice, & respect for all individuals.
Disability Sector Leader and Non-Executive Director, Podcast Reasonable & Necessary, Independent Chair of Every Australian Counts, Member of NDIS Independent Advisory Council, Board Member of InLife
NEWSFLASH!: I have been informed from a very high authority within the National Disability Insurance Agency whom I trust that a statement made DSS at the NDIS Act forum yesterday was incorrect. That statement was that under the proposed changes to the NDIS act, the budget amount following a needs assessment won't be reviewable. I have been provided the following advice: • The right for a person to seek a review of a planning decision, continues to be a key component under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act (NDIS Act). • None of this is changing under the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1) Bill 2024. Budget outcomes will continue to be reviewable. I will be doing a podcast shortly to unpack the proposed changes to the NDIS Act to bring you more analysis. If you interpret the legislation differently, please let me know in the comments.
