In pursuit of systemic change for a fairer society, BSL undertakes research to understand the impact of current and proposed policies on disadvantaged people to inform the development of policy alternatives, and we advocate for change accordingly.

One of our policy focus areas is disability . We aim to contribute significantly towards the nationwide achievement of all objectives of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) , for all people with disability, their families and carers.

The NDIS is still developing to fully meet the expectations of people with disability. In September 2019, the Commonwealth Government commissioned a Review of the NDIS Act to identify ways to make NDIS processes more straight-forward and improve participant experiences. Read the BSL and Baptcare submission to the Review (PDF, 486KB)

A person-centred approach

Diane Brown is the BSL Principal Fellow Policy and Research for Inclusive Communities. In collaboration with the BSL NDIS Services team, Diane leads BSL’s disability research and policy efforts, which are centred on ways to embed the expertise and voices of people with a disability and their families at all levels of policy design and delivery.

This includes work on the ongoing implementation of the NDIS and the Partners in the Community program, as well as the new National Disability Strategy.

“The NDIS is a world-first policy reform, and the Review was an important opportunity for BSL to inform its ongoing implementation,” says Diane. “We want to help get it right, to ensure the Scheme enables all people with disability and their families and carers to fully participate in their communities.”

Using a person-centred approach to policy development reflects BSL’s broader commitment to amplify the voice of people with disability, their families and carers, as well as service staff, to improve the NDIS as it evolves.