The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) under the National Disability Strategy (NDS) has helped many Australians living with disability and improved their lives. Greater choice and control for people living with disabilities is strongly supported by Vision 2020 Australia’s members, and for some people who are blind or have low vision, the NDIS has delivered substantial improvements in their lives. Our sector remains strongly committed to the aspirations of the NDIS and the potential it holds to transform the lives of people living with blindness, low vision or other disabilities.
There are, however, a range of fundamental system design and process issues that could be enhanced to better meet the needs of people who are blind or have low vision. People living with blindness and low vision represent a very small proportion of the overall number of Australians living with disabilities, and very specific assessments and services are required to best support their needs.
This submission draws upon the collective expertise of the Vision 2020 Australia members, in particular its Independence and Participation Committee members. It seeks not just to highlight the challenges, but to identify areas where Vision 2020 Australia believes it can bring its members together to work towards practical improvements that enhance the lives of Australians living with blindness or low vision, now and into the future.
Please find this submission below in PDF and Word: