Understanding Drivers of NDIS Plan Utilisation

The Future of Employment and Skills Research Centre (FES) at the University of Adelaide has recently completed qualitative research exploring NDIS plan utilisation and the factors which support and hinder the use of NDIS funds.

Commissioned by the Department of Social Services, the study had a particular focus on four key groups at risk of low utilisation of NDIS funding, i.e. people from Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, with complex needs, a psychosocial disability, and/or living in a regional or remote location. Examining experiences in five diverse sites across Australia, interviews were conducted with 161 NDIS participants and family members/carers, and consultations undertaken with key stakeholders. The qualitative research was undertaken as part of a broader national study with additional research being conducted by researchers from the Universities of New South Wales and Melbourne.

The reports outlining the findings from our research can be accessed via the following links:

• NDIS Utilisation Project: understanding drivers of plan utilisation from the point of view of participants (apo.org.au)
• Commonwealth study into NDIS Plan Utilisation: synthesis report (apo.org.au)