Doing Ministry in an NDIS World

The people being referenced in these words were those who we most vulnerable in Isaiah’s time. The Lord spoke these words not so people could prove how good they were, but because the Lord has a genuine concern for those who are vulnerable. Because God is concerned for the vulnerable, so must his people. Particularly when structures have been put in place that make those who are vulnerable even more vulnerable. So, it’s worth considering who are the most vulnerable in our community today? How are they being made more vulnerable? And what can be done to make them less vulnerable?  

The NDIS was intended to empower those who are most vulnerable in our communities – those with disabilities. For some this is true. Many people with disabilities are enjoying liberties and living fulfilling lives that they did not have previously. However, search any news source on the NDIS and a dark side to this empowerment utopia is discovered. The NDIS is making the most vulnerable in our communities more vulnerable. What is going wrong? 

Prior to the NDIS, funds would be provided from the government to service providers who would then provide support services for individuals with disabilities. The result for these individuals was something of a lottery with them getting what they were given. There was no choice or control for those receiving services, and not much to ensure quality of service. It was very much a case of “put up and shut up”. 

The intention of the NDIS is to do away with this approach by putting a market model in its place. The idea is for governments to fund individuals with disabilities according to their goals and needs. These individuals then use those funds to acquire reasonable and necessary services and supports from service providers. This would generate competition between providers encouraging better value for money and quality. Like any market, if an individual isn’t happy with the service that they are receiving, they are at liberty to take their funds elsewhere. 

For any market model to work, all individuals need to be able to self-advocate, or be advocated for. Those who can self-advocate or have someone advocating for them are making the most of the NDIS. And good on them! But here lies the problem. Many people with disabilities cannot self-advocate or do not have someone advocating for them. Additionally, those who could potentially self-advocate do not because they have “put up and shut up” over so many years, they can’t envision life any other way. When these individuals who have no advocate or advocacy skills are granted hundreds of thousands of dollars by the government, they become cash-cows for predatory providers. This is how the NDIS is making the most vulnerable in our communities more vulnerable. 

This is where the church can have a ministerial role in justice and mercy. It can’t be assumed that people are being looked after because of government initiatives. The market-based model of the NDIS means that those individuals who are receiving funds need to be cared for just as anyone else in any other market. Particularly with the levels of funding that can be granted.  

Problem areas identified by the NDIA have been capital works providers (home modifications), specialised disability accommodation providers, and behavioural program providers. The best way to protect the vulnerable is to form relationships with them and include them in the broader community. Showing an interest in the supports and services that people are receiving. Not settling for “that’s just the way things are”, but asking yourself if you would find the quality of support acceptable? If not, why should anyone else? Listen to what they say and note any changes in language or tone as you continue with the relationship over time. Be regular and intentional in your relationships with those who are vulnerable. Be prepared to advocate for them. Go on to the NDIS website and learn how the scheme works, the individual’s rights and requirements, and what services are available. 

These are all actions that can breakdown the isolation and help protect those in our community who are most vulnerable.