The National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) spending on private law firms to battle participants appealing its decisions rose 30% last financial year, new figures show.

Data released under freedom of information laws shows the agency paid about $17.3m in 2020-21 to firms representing the agency in “external matters” such as legal challenges at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The figure is an increase from $13.4m the previous financial year, the data shows.

Allanah Sciberras

This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

La Trobe University researchers have developed a website to help people better identify and respond to suicide risk in their family members and friends.

Commission claims provider’s litany of alleged failures left the safety of Merna Aprem – who had autism and epilepsy – at ‘real and significant risk’

Two and a half years after Merna Aprem was found drowned in the bath of her NDIS funded care home in Sydney, the industry watchdog has announced a historic lawsuit accusing the provider of a litany of failures.

The lawsuit is the first of its kind from the Quality and Safeguards Commission, which formed as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in July 2018.

Nick McAllister

For 10 years, I was unemployed because I was autistic.

Every time I was forced to tick the "I have a disability" box, it made me feel insignificant as a human being.

It became the focal point of who I was — and I knew when I would get that automated rejection email telling me I didn't get the job, it was because of my condition.

There are both misconceptions and fears about employing a disabled person, but also ignorance and prejudice. 

Luke Henriques-Gomes

Labor accuses Coalition of ‘stealth’ cuts to disability funding as other families complain about recent changes

A Perth mother fears she will have to quit her job to care for her autistic son after his national disability insurance scheme package was cut by about 70%, in the latest example of what the opposition is labelling “stealth” cuts to the program.

Australian autistic actor, Chloe Hayden lands lead role in the new Netflix remake of the Iconic 90’s series, Heartbreak High. I can confidentially say every Australian is EXCITED!

Netflix announced the news on Monday. The show also revealed the cast. A cast of Australian actors makes up the main group in the reboot of the iconic series. Production is now underway in Sydney for the Netflix reboot and due for global release in 2022.