Media Release

The NDIS provides summary data on its website. The following values are extracted from the participant numbers and average plan budgets data for March and June 2020.

A4 asked for information about the NDIA's Independent Assessment Pilot (IAP). Specifically, A4's reqauest was for:

A4 made a submission to the Disability Royal Commission on restrictive practices. The submission is available via the link below.

The Government is creating an Expert Reference Group in relation to its implementation of a National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Following is some of the initial correspondence.

Dear members of the Select Committee on Autism

When I appeared before you recently, you asked about a National Autism Strategy. Please disregard the answer I provided at the time.

Since that time, the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Services Australia:

1. had senior officials appear before the Community Affairs Committee, and
2. released a Position Paper on its National Disability Strategy.

These events both show DSS to be no longer fit-for-purpose.

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia responded to DSS's Options Paper on continuing the old National Disability Strategy (NDS) which they call a "new" strategy.

DSS's Options Paper shows no evidence of input from the disability community, especially input that says the previous strategy didn't work and substantial change is needed.

It also shows that it does not understand human rights in Australia but still tries to take a human rights perspective.

Dear Minister The Hon Greg Hunt MP

While Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) appreciates the Government's improved provisions for some Australians needing increased support with their mental health, we are concerned that the needs of autistic Australians with mental illness, some those in most need of mental health support, are not being recognised and addressed.