NDIA Sector Update – 05/03/26
Participant engagement: new support needs assessment
From mid-2026, NDIS plans will be developed using a new support needs assessment.
To prepare for this change, they have started engaging directly with participants to test the new support needs assessment processes.
This work includes:
- support needs assessment simulations with participants through our Design Hubs
- mock support needs assessment interviews with participants to support assessor training and accreditation
They are now working with NDIA staff, Board, Independent Advisory Council and Participant Reference Group members who are also participants and nominees of adult participants (over 18), to take part in simulated support needs assessment interviews. These interviews form part of the training and accreditation for NDIA assessors.
They will start consulting on new guidelines this month. Participants and representative organisations will be invited to review the draft guidelines and give feedback.
If you or your networks would like to be involved in upcoming testing or engagement activities, visit NDIS engage.
Mandatory registration for supported independent living and platform providers
From 1 July 2026, all Supported Independent Living (SIL) and platform providers must register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission). This reform improves quality and safety. Registration means meeting the NDIS Practice Standards, safeguarding obligations, and showing provider competency.
Registration will also help the Commission identify issues early and reduce risks to participants and the Scheme. SIL and platform supports can carry higher risks without regulation, as identified by participants, families and carers, advocates, the Commission and other organisations.
The NDIA is working with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to make sure participants and providers are supported through these reforms.
Visit the frequently asked questions for updates and transition guidance.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission reform hub
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is making changes to regulations to improve the quality and safety of support being delivered to NDIS participants.
A roadmap of the reform work is available in the NDIS Commission Regulatory Reform Roadmap.
The NDIA is working with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to make sure participants and providers have up to date information about these reforms.
Upcoming consultations
The NDIS Commission will be consulting on the following topics soon:
Learn more on the NDIS Commission Reform Hub.
NDIS news
Dog guide provider list
We have created a dog guide provider list to give participants better access to dog guide services and clear provider information.
This list helps participants make informed choices when picking a dog guide provider.
To view the list, visit the NDIS website.
Improving access in regional Western Australia
Thousands of people with disability in regional and remote Western Australia (WA) will get better access to NDIS supports through a Joint Work Program across the South West, Gascoyne, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Goldfields-Esperance.
The NDIA and the WA Government will co-design with people with disability, families, carers and disability organisations to:
- make it easier to access and use the NDIS
- provide extra support for priority groups
- help resolve problems with services outside the NDIS.
Read the Minister’s announcement on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Engagement reminders
- Public consultation on new framework planning rules – provide your input by filling out a survey or making a submission by 6 March 2026.
- NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee consultation – Complete the survey by 29 March 2026
- Improving service agreements – surveys have been extended and are now open until 31 March 2026.
- Shaping NDIS for First Nations children and young people- – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.
- Help shape the future NDIS pathway for children and young people – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.
- New Framework Planning Pool – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.
Disability sector news
Rare Disease Disability Toolkit
Rare Voices Australia (RVA) has co-designed the Rare Disease Disability Toolkit (the Toolkit) with people living with rare disease disability. RVA is the national peak body for Australians living with a rare disease.
The Toolkit:
- includes new peer-to-peer supports
- builds capacity in disability rights and self-advocacy
- supports people to better access and navigate disability and other systems (such as health, education, and employment).
Read more about the toolkit on the Rare Voices website.
Better access to assistive technology in Western Australia
People with disability in Western Australia (WA) will get better access to affordable assistive technology through a $5 million Australian Government pilot.
The Assistive Technology Rental and Refurbishment Pilot, run nationally by Ability First Australia, is expanding to WA, where Ability WA will refurbish, recycle and distribute equipment.
People in WA can participate by contacting Ability WA or visiting AccessTech.
Read the Minister’s announcement on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
National Disability Research Partnership
People with disability will lead the next wave of disability research.
A $5 million funding round through the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) will fund projects led by and designed with people with disability, focusing on strengthening safety, improving accessibility and building more inclusive communities in line with the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations.
Applications are now open and close 20 April 2026.
The Government will also fund a Leadership Program, with 14 participants receiving up to $30,000 to support postgraduate research, build peer networks and connect with disability sector organisations.
For more information about the grants and the initiatives visit National Disability Research Partnership.
Read the Minister’s announcement on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Co-design updates
Quarterly Reform Forum
The Quarterly Reform Forum (QRF) met on 19 February 2026 in Melbourne and online. Attendees included representatives from Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The Forum received updates from co‑design working groups and briefings on:
- the core assessment tool
- the NDIS Rules public consultation
- the NDIA’s Engagement Framework update
- co-design and engagement work planning.
The next QRF will be held on 29 May 2026.
Participant Pathway Experience Co-design Working Group
The group met on 24 February 2026.
Members discussed when a participant may need to provide evidence as part of the new way of planning. Evidence would only be requested in exceptional circumstances.
The group provided advice on how to clearly explain:
- why evidence is needed
- what type of evidence is needed.
The Participant Safeguarding Co-design Working Group
The group met on 17 February 2026.
Members discussed how the Agency is using insights from the 2025 safeguarding workshops to:
- inform policy
- train staff
- improve referral pathways
- develop tools and resources about participant rights and safety.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing also provided an update on its Disability Quality and Safeguarding Framework.
Members agreed to take part in a consultation workshop in March, co‑facilitated with the NDIA Co‑design Branch.
The First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group
The group met on 26 February 2026.
Members discussed participant safeguarding. They reviewed insights from the 2025 safeguarding workshops and shared additional views to support cultural safety and equity for First Nations participants and carers.
The next meeting is scheduled for 26 March 2026.
Upcoming Co-design Working Group meetings
- Assessments and Budgeting Co-design Working group on 3 March 2026
- Optional information session: Briefing on the Participant Pathway and Support Needs Assessment on 5 March 2026
- First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group on 26 March
- Navigator Co-design Working Group on 31 March 2026
You can read more about recent meetings and the work we are doing with the disability community to improve the NDIS by visiting our Co-design NDIS Engage project pages:
Independent Advisory Council update
Meeting bulletin: 20 February 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) met online on 20 February 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
- what they have heard in their communities
- an update from the CEO and Board Chair
- advice currently in development on justice and home and living.
Read the full meeting bulletin on the IAC website.
NDIS events
Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Using your NDIS plan
When we talk about using an NDIS plan, we mean understanding how to make the most of the supports and funding available.
An NDIS plan is designed to help participants achieve their goals, increase independence, and improve their quality of life. Knowing how to use it effectively can make a big difference.
In this presentation, we will cover:
- understanding support budgets and how funding can be used
- what to expect at a plan implementation meeting
- how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
- tips for managing a plan budget to stay on track.
Session date
- Tuesday, 10 March 2026
For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.
Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Changing your NDIS plan
The NDIS is designed to give participants the reasonable and necessary supports they need to build skills, maximise independence, and help them pursue their goals.
If a participant’s circumstances and needs change, their plan may also need to change.
In this presentation, we will cover:
- when and why, you might need to change your plan
- the difference between a plan variation and a plan reassessment
- how to request a plan change and what to expect during the process
- tips for making sure your plan continues to meet your needs.
Session date
- Wednesday, 18 March 2026
For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.
Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Community Connections
Community Connections are all about helping participants find the supports they need in their local community.
Community Connections are available for people with disability aged 9 to 64, even if they’re not eligible for the NDIS.
In this presentation, we will cover:
- what Community Connections are and how they can help
- how to find practical information about your disability or condition
- ways to access support through mainstream and community services
- how to connect with people who share similar experiences
- support for applying to the NDIS, including help with submitting an NDIS access request.
Session date
- Thursday, 26 March 2026
For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.