Supporting choice, recovery and participation: Information is the key to NDIS access for those with psychosocial disability

Abstract

Currently there is limited understanding of how people living with severe and persistent mental health issues use and experience the internet when searching for information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This study aimed to investigate what information mental health consumers want about the NDIS and how they would find this online. A small exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a naturalistic inquiry approach. Brief semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from nine mental health consumers living in Hobart, Australia. Three emergent themes were identified, (1) knowledge about the NDIS; (2) internet usage; and(3) the importance of language. The findings highlighted that individuals accessed NDIS information from a variety of sources with a preference for obtaining information from people rather than the internet. Of those who had searched online for NDIS related information, their level of understanding of the scheme was quite limited suggesting that information provided online was not adequately meeting their needs. More generally, participants reported difficulty navigating NDIS literature due to language complexity. Participants also reported confusion regarding specific aspects of the NDIS scheme and a misunderstanding of the roles and functions of the NDIS and Centrelink. These findings suggest that the information provided to potential NDIS psychosocial participants does not meet their needs, and individuals want simple guidance as to what the NDIS is, how it works, and what funding opportunities it offers people. Access to clear and easy to understand information for mental health consumers may support recovery via improved uptake of the NDIS.

Barriers to applying to the NDIS for Australians with psychosocial disability: A scoping review

“…Beyond direct, current symptoms of mental illness, 21 publications (34%; four peer‐reviewed articles, eight reports, three submissions, two guides, two newspaper articles and two magazine articles) described barriers to applying for the Scheme for people who were survivors of previous trauma experiences (e.g. Anderson, 2018; Australian Government, 2018; Baistow et al, 2019; Hancock et al, 2018, 2019; Hamilton et al, 2020; Hamilton & Sutcliffe, n.d.; Hui et al, 2018; Kenyon, 2018; Maloney, 2019 October 07, Mental Health Coalition of South Australia, 2020; Smith‐Merry et al, 2018; Stewart & Visser, 2020; Visser et al, 2020). The authors of reports, newspaper articles and guides stressed that particular settings, people, processes and topics raised in assessment and eligibility interviews were often triggering for trauma survivors (Anderson, 2018; Baistow et al, 2019; Hui et al, 2018).…”

“…Baistow et al, 2019; Bonyhady, 2014; Brophy et al, 2015). The flow‐on impact of this lack of connection and access to adequate information, support and advocacy services was that many people with psychosocial disability lacked understanding, knowledge or at times, any awareness of the Scheme (Easton, 2019; Hancock et al, 2018; Knaus, 2017; Langmead, 2018; Smith‐Merry et al, 2018; September 18, Stewart & Visser, 2020). Some authors “spoke” broadly about people with psychosocial disability experiencing difficulties accessing the information and support that they needed to apply to the Scheme (Devine et al, 2019; Hamilton & Sutcliffe, n.d.; Visser et al, 2020).…”

“…The authors acknowledge that this paper was informed predominantly by “grey” literature due to the paucity of peer‐reviewed manuscripts on the topic. Of these manuscripts, specific limitations included research scope being constrained to legal considerations about the Scheme, small sample sizes confined by the availability of demographic features, difficulties in recruiting study participants and data drawn from a relatively early point in the Scheme's development although more recent publications flag the same issues (Carney et al, 2019; Cortese et al, 2021; Dickinson & Carey, 2017; Hamilton et al, 2020; Stewart & Visser, 2020). Ongoing examination of the barriers and enablers to applying the Scheme is therefore needed.…”

“…The NDIS was developed, and is administered, by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA; Hamilton et al, 2020; Stewart & Visser, 2020). The primary objective of the NDIS is to provide the reasonable and necessary supports needed for Australians living with disability to live an “ordinary life” (Buckmaster & Clark, 2018; Churchill et al, 2017).…”