Disability
Championing culturally safe disability services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by working with local health organisations to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is accessible, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of individuals and their families.
What we do
NACCHO serves as a leading advocate in the disability sector, particularly in relation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our goal is to support and advocate the development of culturally appropriate support provision for local communities, appropriate policy changes to deliver better outcomes for community. Furthermore, ensuring there are pathways that are informed and culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability accessing the NDIS and mainstream service.
We work closely with our affiliates and support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to build their capacity as NDIS service providers. This helps improve access to the NDIS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Accessing the NDIS can be complex, and we collaborate with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to address these challenges. Our aim is to provide services that are not only effective but also culturally safe for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person living with a disability. By maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the NDIA and working with ACCHOs, we help create solutions tailored to the specific needs of individuals and their families.
Our initiatives
We advocate for disability policies and programs that are culturally informed and safe, particularly within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). By partnering with affiliates and supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), we work to strengthen the capacity of NDIS service providers.
Our aim is to ensure that every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person with a disability receives culturally safe and effective services. By engaging in ongoing discussions with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and offering continuous support to ACCHOs, we focus on creating tailored approaches to meet the unique needs of individuals and their families.
Our approach
We focus on closing the gap between the NDIS and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By working closely with ACCHOs, we aim to improve access to benefits from the NDIS for these communities.
With over 50 Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers (ADLOs) across 40 ACCHOs, we are dedicated to expanding culturally safe and tailored support throughout the NDIS process. We facilitate a monthly Community of Practice for ADLOs to have a safe platform to share, problem solve and provide support to ADLOs nationally.
Our commitment extends to enhancing mainstream disability services to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By empowering ACCHOs to deliver NDIS services, we strive to ensure equitable access to support for individuals and families, while acknowledging the unique challenges they face.
NDIS is part of My Story
‘NDIS is part of my story’ is a strength-based campaign that shares the individual stories of five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia who have benefited from the NDIS.
Each unique, personal story is told through the art of a different First Nations artists, illustrating the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia and the diversity of people’s experiences, needs and goals with the NDIS.
The campaign has been co-designed with the NACCHO Communications Initiative Working Group which includes representatives from ACCHOs from all jurisdictions, as well as several NACCHO Affiliates and the First People’s Disability Network.
The campaign is part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communications Initiative, a component of the NDIS Ready project, funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS).
Campaign Films
Our storytellers
NACCHO would like to thank Shanice, Kallara, Jason, Warren, Momo and Sarah for generously sharing their stories.
Their stories have been brought to life by:
NACCHO would like to thank Carbal Medical Services, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Moorditj Koort and Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre for their contributions to this campaign.
Campaign Social Media Tiles
Click on the images to view and download.
Campaign Posters
Click on the images to view and download.
Our impact
NACCHO actively contributes to the Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officer (ADLO) program, which is supported by the NDIA. We have worked with over 40 ACCHOs to employ more than 50 ADLOs dedicated to providing culturally safe and community-led support. These ADLOs assist clients through the NDIS application process, connect and support them with accessing to local service providers in a culturally safe and appropriate manner. Their commitment often extends beyond their official responsibilities, highlighting the program’s crucial role in the successful rollout of the NDIS.
Recognising the importance of this initiative, we advocate for the ADLO program to become a permanent fixture, ensuring sustained support for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
We collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders—from government officials and health workers to community leaders and families. An important element of our approach is building genuine partnerships where the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not just heard but valued equally in decision-making. Our work aligns with the principles of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, paving the way for significant improvements in the wellbeing of our communities.
Resources
NACCHO’s disability program resource library offers publications and tools to support communities and health professionals.
ACCHO locations
NACCHO oversees a network of 146 members, each running Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across urban, regional, and remote Australia. These ACCHOs range from large facilities with multiple healthcare professionals providing comprehensive services to smaller centres focused on preventive care and health education, primarily delivered by Aboriginal Health Workers and nurses.
NACCHO’s Aged Care programs are delivered in selected locations across its network, ensuring culturally appropriate care reaches Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in diverse urban, regional, and remote communities.
Contact
For any inquiries or assistance, please contact the Disability Team here: naccho.adlo@naccho.org.au.
