CPActive amplifies the voices of lived experience at the NDIS Review

It’s been a big few weeks for the disability sector – and CPActive was right at the centre of it!

Just before Christmas, a dozen of our CPActive champions were invited to attend the NDIS Review town hall in Sydney to hear directly from the architects of the NDIS about the milestone review and what it means for our sector.

Importantly, it was also an opportunity for the disability community to come together and speak up about their concerns and feedback.

The event was led by a panel including Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM, Lisa Paul AO, Kirsten Dean, Douglas Herd and Stephen King, as they outlined the ins-and-outs of the NDIS Review.

Some familiar faces joined in on the discussion, too – CPActive Champions!

CPActive Champion Aaryan Shah joined NDIS Minister Bill Shorten and activist (and event host) Elly Desmarchelier on stage for a discussion about lived experience and the future of the NDIS. Aaryan said he was looking forward to how the NDIS can be improved so it’s not a ‘single point of failure.’

“I’m just really taken away by the amount of passion for everyone on the panel and everyone in this room – fighting for so much change and getting the most out of the scheme and the best it can be. I think there’s some really exciting things to come.” – Aaryan Shah

It was a great experience to join so many passionate disability advocates and allies, both in person and online, with more than 700 people in attendance.

CPActive knows how important it is to amplify the voices of lived experiences to improve the way people with disability do – and should – access the care and support they need.

Support also comes from community and the ability to share information and navigate the complexities of the NDIS. Members of our community are optimistic about the review and the much-awaited reform it will bring.

“The NDIS is a complex system at best but this review, while it seems complicated, will hopefully make it easier to navigate and ensure the fairness and accessibility of not just the NDIS but the wider support networks available for people with disabilities.” – Tamsin Colley

Several CPActive champions even kicked on after the official event to say cheers to 2023 and celebrate the year that was. 

Want to join us and make Australia a more inclusive place? Head to CPActive.org.au to get involved!