In the context of the NDIS, equitable allocation of resources means distributing funding to ensure all participants receive assistance they need based on their circumstances. Although the NDIS is not capped as such, the concepts of equity, evidence-based decision-making, just-in-time service delivery and minimum-viable-product are design features of the scheme.
In PlanHELPs experience a strong evidence base that supports funding requests within the scheme’s scope and intent achieves appropriate results.
The NDIS supports over 600,000 people, many with complex, changing needs. In any population this large, with many moving pieces, mistakes can be made by any of the key stakeholders resulting in a significant impact on the outcome achieved.
Due to many contradictory sources of information in the marketplace, varying education levels and experience, and the fact that many NDIS families and participants live complex lives, many participants and their decision-makers have difficulty sorting the wheat from the chaff.
I have had many conversations that started with “my friend told me”, “the postman said”, “my support work said”, “the teacher said”. I have also seen many professionals in the NDIS space misunderstand entirely the information that the NDIS provides. This happens for several reasons including that much of the information provided by the NDIS is so broad it can be interpreted multiple ways. People generally have minimal experience with bureaucratic writing styles, and trust the advice of those who aren’t well informed but tell them what they want to hear. It is often the equivalent of asking a carpenter to wire your house or repair your car. They don’t have the skill set and experience to accomplish the task safely.
Key Principles of Equitable Allocation
Individualised Support: Resources are allocated based on each participant’s specific disability-related support needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This ensures that everyone gets appropriate support, as evidenced by their allied health and medical professionals.
Fairness: The allocation process aims to be equitable, ensuring that participants with similar needs receive similar levels of support. This can be further individualised based on evidenced need.
Needs-Based: The focus is on the functional impact of the disability and the level of support required rather than the type of disability. This approach helps to address the unique support needs of each participant.
Transparency: The criteria and processes for resource allocation are clear and transparent, helping participants understand how decisions are made and ensuring accountability.
Actuarial approach: Like all large social policy initiatives and insurance schemes actuarial analysis is vital to project costs and to determine equitable allocation of resources across large populations. The actuaries provide a vital service to deliver the NDIS within available resources.
How Equitable Allocation Works in Practice
Assessment and Planning: Each participant undergoes a thorough planning meeting to determine their disability-related support needs. This assessment informs the development of a personalised plan that outlines the supports and services required that are reasonable and necessary, not the responsibility of mainstream systems and value for money.
Funding Packages: Based on the planning meeting and evidence provided, participants receive funding packages tailored to their needs. These packages are standardised to begin with but are modified and personalised by delegates to meet evidence-based individual support needs. These can cover a range of supports, including personal care, therapy, equipment, Supported Independent Living and community participation.
Review and Adjustment: Plans and funding are reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the participant’s needs. Adjustments can be made if circumstances change or the participant’s needs evolve.
Benefits of Equitable Allocation
Empowerment: Participants are empowered to make choices about their supports and services, promoting independence and self-determination. This is often referred to as the dignity of risk and is a risk all legal decision-makers experience.
Inclusivity: Ensures that all NDIS participants, regardless of their disability, can access the resources they need to live ordinary lives.
Efficiency: Helps to use resources effectively by targeting support where it is most needed, avoiding waste and ensuring sustainability. This is part of the concept of a minimum viable product.