Our business advisory team regularly fields inquiries from business proprietors who offer services or assistance to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants or are contemplating becoming NDIS providers. Here are the primary queries business owners pose about the NDIS, along with expert responses from an NDIS specialist.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to allocate funding to eligible individuals with disabilities, facilitating increased time with loved ones, enhanced independence, access to new skills, employment prospects, volunteering opportunities within their communities, and overall improvement in their quality of life. At the SBDC, we frequently receive inquiries from business owners keen on becoming NDIS providers.
To shed light on NDIS considerations for small business owners, we enlisted the expertise of Gudrun Gilles. With over 40 years of experience in the disability and human services sector, Gudrun is a valued member of our SBDC Enterprise Skills panel, representing her company, The MARQ Group.
What should you know before you consider becoming an NDIS Provider?
“When contemplating the role of an NDIS provider – whether as an individual, business, or organization delivering NDIS-funded supports to participants – it’s vital to recognize that this function forms part of your broader business framework, rather than constituting its entirety,” stated Gudrun. “As a provider, maintaining consistent compliance and demonstrating adherence to the Code of Conduct and NDIS Practice Standards, pertinent to the supports and services offered by your business, are imperative.”
“Embracing the role of an NDIS provider entails a commitment to a central mission: enhancing the autonomy and life experiences of individuals with disabilities. The scheme is structured to affirm their right to self-determination by furnishing personalized support tailored to individual aspirations and needs. This encompasses a diverse range of assistance, spanning from daily personal activities to social and community engagement, employment opportunities, therapeutic interventions, and the provision of assistive technologies, all aimed at fostering the capabilities and participation of NDIS participants.”
Gudrun stressed the importance of businesses having a genuine commitment to serving this community and being equipped to offer suitable and adaptable services. “The objective extends beyond merely operating a profitable enterprise; it is about making a positive contribution to the lives of NDIS participants.”
What is the best way to get started as an NDIS provider?
“To become a registered NDIS provider, it’s crucial to initially grasp the scope of the scheme and the services it funds,” emphasized Gudrun.
She elaborated that the process of becoming an NDIS provider encompasses several facets, including:
Understanding the NDIS and its provider requirements. “Assess the services and supports offered or intended by your business and how they align with the NDIS framework. This pivotal step determines your registration nature – whether you operate as an unregistered, verified, or certified provider.”
Determining your registration type. “This not only ensures compliance with NDIS standards but also shapes the services provided to effectively meet the specific needs of your target market.”
Ensuring your business meets broader industry and operational requisites. “In addition to NDIS-specific compliance, your business must adhere to standard industry and business regulations. This may involve membership in professional associations, selecting an appropriate business structure and model, and fulfilling other pertinent registrations and compliance obligations.”
“Regardless of registration status, all providers rendering services to NDIS participants must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct,” emphasized Gudrun. “This mandates treating participants with respect, ensuring their safety, and delivering high-quality services. Providers must demonstrate how they achieve this within their business.”
Gudrun highlighted ongoing changes regarding NDIS, including provider registration requirements, underscoring the importance of staying abreast of regulatory developments.
What tips do you have for people thinking about engaging a third-party provider to help them get set up as an NDIS provider?
“Several third-party providers offer templates and processes to assist new NDIS providers in meeting regulatory obligations. As part of their service, they should also commit to updating these resources in response to regulatory amendments, such as those stemming from the NDIS Review and the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability.”
“It’s essential for business owners opting to utilize third-party materials for initial registration to integrate and tailor these policies and procedures to mirror their distinct business culture and operations. This approach not only aids in maintaining compliance during audits but also ensures the delivery of high-quality supports and services.”
What kind of government-initiated help is available to help with the registration and service delivery process?
According to Gudrun, in Western Australia (WA), State Government-initiated projects such as the NDS Quality and Safeguards Sector Readiness Project and the WA Association for Mental Health NDIS Quality and Safeguards Sector Readiness Project aim to assist service providers in meeting the standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
“The Department of Communities has established the Office of Disability, which plays a pivotal role in providing stewardship for the disability sector. It offers advice on State and Commonwealth systems and spearheads initiatives to promote inclusion and participation among people with disabilities in Western Australia.”
Gudrun highlighted that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) establishes a framework for NDIS providers, encompassing various obligations and operational guidelines. This framework includes delineating clear guidelines and payment rates for services, detailed in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits documents.
Providers receive support through resources, market insights, and policy updates to navigate the NDIS system, adapt to changes, and align their services with participants’ needs. This support includes technical documentation, user guides, and informational sessions provided by the NDIA.
