Problematising Disability: A Critical Policy Analysis of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Abstract

ABSTRACT The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the most significant social and disability service reform in Australia since Medicare. It has received significant funding from national and state governments and received support across a diverse range of competing interest groups. Social work research in the area of disability can make a significant contribution to progressing a rights-based agenda in disability policy. This article provides a critical analysis of the NDIS using the “What's the Problem Represented to be?” (WPR) framework developed by Carol Bacchi. The WPR analysis identifies ableist assumptions and principles informing the problematisation of disability in the NDIS, reinforcing the marginal status of specific groups of people with disability. The WPR approach can contribute to social work knowledge in the field of disability because it deconstructs policy discourses and social barriers facing people with disability and it provides for a more inclusive approach to acknowledging silences in policy and voicing differences. IMPLICATIONS The NDIS is promoted as the main plank of disability reform in Australia and considering core social work values about social justice and human rights, it is critical that social work critically engages with the NDIS. Ongoing social work engagement with disability reform and the NDIS will be essential in highlighting the silences in disability policy and working alongside people with disability as critical participants in advocating for the voices of marginalised groups of people with disability.