Accessing the NDIS: signing deaf people’s experiences

Abstract

In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) seeks to ensure that disabled people can access the support they need to live an independent life. There is limited knowledge around the NDIS client experience of signing deaf people—people who use Auslan as their primary language. This article reports on a pilot study that explored signing deaf people’s experiences when accessing the NDIS to obtain a service package. Signing deaf people were invited to join a focus group and share their experiences. While all participants indicated that their initial contact with the NDIS and its provision of essential information through Auslan was adequate, they believed that access was difficult when they needed more detail. Also, all participants noted that NDIS staff members’ knowledge of signing deaf people’s life experience was an area for development. Overall, signing deaf people’s consumer experience of the NDIS did not appear to meet their expectations. Points of interest In Australia, signing deaf people can choose to be part of the new support system for disabled people - the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Signing deaf people in this study liked the way the NDIS gave them information through their sign language, Auslan, however, when they wanted to get more detailed information - they could not find it. NDIS staff could develop their knowledge of signing deaf people’s life experience. Better staff knowledge can improve signing deaf people’s NDIS experience. The research shares signing deaf people’s experiences of the NDIS and adds to future research and better knowledge.