The NDIS celebrates its sixth birthday today, as it marks a major milestone – becoming available in all regions across Australia, with the exception of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Acting CEO, Vicki Rundle said today marked a significant step in the NDIS national rollout as more Australians with disability are able to access supports through the world-leading Scheme.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the NDIS with the Scheme now across Australia,” said Ms Rundle

“While the Scheme continues to grow, in the last three years the number of people benefitting from the NDIS has grown almost ten-fold, from 30,000 participants in July 2016 to close to 280,000 in March this year – a notable achievement.

“We are committed to ensuring every eligible Australian receives the disability-related supports they need to live more independently and achieve their goals.”

At Full Scheme, the NDIS is expected to benefit an estimated total of 500,000 Australians at full roll out and contribute to the creation of 90,000 jobs across the country.

“Looking forward, the NDIS will continue to create more jobs and generate local investment in the disability services market,” said Ms Rundle.

“This sustained growth will ensure people with disability have the assistance they need to help them achieve their goals and participate in their local communities.”

Since four NDIS trial sites were launched in 2013 and as at 31 March 2019:

1. 1- Close to 280,000 people have now joined the Scheme and are receiving life changing supports,
2. 85,489 are receiving supports for the first time,
3. 20,208 service providers have registered to deliver NDIS supports,
4. The number of delivery sites has increased from 31 at the start of transition in July 2016 to 122,
5. The workforce has grown from 2300 in July 2016 to 10,000,
6. 88 per cent of participants have rated their satisfaction with the NDIS planning process as either good or very good since the Scheme’s inception,
7. 75 per cent of participants aged 25 and over believed the NDIS helped them have more choice and more control over their lives in their second year of participation,
8. 94 per cent of parents and carers say the NDIS improved their child’s development in their second year of participation.