The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a system built to provide support and service to people with disabilities in Australia. Since it is estimated that over 460,000 people in Australia have some form of disability, obviously the role of NDIS will be even more important over time. Disabled people represent one of the largest parts of the Australian workforce. Thus, a proper implementation of the NDIS is a must for all businesses.
Here’s why every employer should embrace NDIS:
It’s an important social reform
The NDIS is one of the biggest social reforms that have happened in Australia over the last couple of decades. In fact, the only reform that had such an impact on the life of Australians was the launching of the new, universal health care plan in 1975. When this health care plan (Medicare) was first introduced, it was as ground-breaking as the NDIS is now. And like with any important changes, it is necessary to take time, and properly put them into action. Employers have a chance to actively take part in supporting disabled individuals to take control of their lives. This is achieved by letting them contribute and use their skills, making them feel productive again.
Easy implementation and constant support
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent agency whose role is to implement NDIS. One of its main duties is showing the benefits of employing people with a disability, by raising awareness on how safe and affordable it is in the long run. NDIS is operating in many cities in Australia. However, it is a fairly new concept which will be present across the country in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, they try to make the integration of this scheme as easy as possible for users. Constant online and personal support and NDIS provider toolkit are there to make the process of learning about and implementing NDIS effortless.
Improving work conditions
Using NDIS comes not only with its perks. There are certain requirements that employers must fulfill, to keep the workplace much more accessible. However, this can only be good for prospective employers, since they are making a more flexible and enjoyable workspace, which will suit everybody’s needs. NDIS funds, when needed, services like transport to and from the workplace, assistance on the job, or equipment like wheelchairs and hearing aids. It is the employer’s duty to adjust and make the place more reachable, by installing ramps, obtaining specialized gear (such as customized computers and desks), and providing transportation during work hours.
Hiring motivated workforce
Disabled individuals have always faced tremendous obstacles in getting their jobs. And even when they would get one, they would usually work for in poor conditions where their skills are not utilized, and all for a minimum wage. NDIS gives people a chance to succeed in a competitive job market where they can showcase their skills and be helpful. Since they are used to going through so much trouble in getting employment, they turn out to be a much more motivated and productive workforce. Some researches even say almost 90% of disabled employees are as productive or more productive than the other coworkers. So, hiring workers with a disability could prove effective in a couple of ways. Motivated workforce could lead to increased productivity, and to the promotion of inclusiveness.
Successful integration into society
A mentioned above, people with disability face many obstacles when trying to find an opportunity to work. A low level of support in an effort to include them was once a major problem in the Australian job market. One of NDIS’s main goals is to stop denying disabled people their basic human right to work. Properly engaging this workforce and preparing them for the challenges that a new workplace brings is both NDIS and employer’s duty. By doing that, they support the economic independence of one of the largest social groups in Australia.
There’s no denying the fact that the Australian workforce is aging, and the number of employed disabled individuals is rising. The significance of government initiatives such as NDIS will only grow. It is up to systems such as this one to allow people to live rich and meaningful lives, by letting them take on jobs that make them feel rewarding and productive. Employers, on the other hand, have a responsibility to form an environment that supports easier integration of disabled workers, and implementing NDIS rules and obligations. Creating such a positive and diverse work culture will only lead to a more motivated and active workforce.
