The purpose of the NDIS is to assist those with a permanent and significant disability. A permanent disability means a disability is likely to be lifelong. A significant disability has a substantial impact on a participant’s ability to complete everyday activities. The NDIS fulfils its purpose by providing assistance or products that help participants in their daily life and help them participate in the community and reach their goals.
The spirit of the NDIS Act is to fulfil Australia’s obligation to the United Nations as a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006. This convention relates to all Australians with disabilities and includes those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Participation in society can be measured economically and socially and is hindered by limited social capital, reducing a person’s vigour and resilience. The aim of the NDIS act is to increase the social capital and reduce barriers faced by those with significant disabilities; through funding, to assist in allowing them to live” an ordinary life”.
This risk assessment provides a quantitative analysis of risks and barriers and makes recommendations in an attempt to address the barriers in the Daily life of a participant. This factors in:
Chapter 3—Participants and their plans
Part 1A—Principles
17A Principles relating to the participation of people with disability
(1) People with disability are assumed, so far as is reasonable in the circumstances, to have capacity to determine their own best interests and make decisions that affect their own lives.
(2) People with disability will be supported in their dealings and communications with the Agency so that their capacity to exercise choice and control is maximised.
(3) The National Disability Insurance Scheme is to:
(a) respect the interests of people with disability in exercising choice and control about matters that affect them; and
(b) enable people with disability to make decisions that will affect their lives, to the extent of their capacity; and
(c) support people with disability to participate in, and contribute to, social and economic life , to the extent of their ability.
The following risk matrix quantifies and scores the threat an inadequate funding decision may have on John’s life in relation to his current life stage and circumstances.