Media statement

Media reporting on the ABC network today regarding Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), requires clarification.

It is wrong to link state hospital wait times with access to the NDIS ECEI Approach and doing so could cause unnecessary worry for families. 

Diagnosis is not a requirement for support provided by the NDIS’s ECEI Approach.

This means children aged under seven years with developmental delay or disability can receive ECEI supports tailored to their individual needs.  Support will be in line with best practice to increase functional outcomes and social participation.

It is also important to clarify that State hospital services, including wait times for diagnosis, are the responsibility of state governments.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) wishes to reassure participants and their families that access times to the NDIS remains a key focus and is an area in which the Agency has made significant improvement.

New COAG Quarterly Report figures released yesterday shows 51,000 children aged 0-6 have an approved NDIS plan as of December 2019. The Report also shows the average wait time for children aged 0-6 years to meet NDIS access has reduced from 43 days in June 2019 to an average of 3 days in December 2019.

While the NDIA is aware there is still more work to be done, this represents a significant improvement and is reflective of the commitment from the Agency and our ECEI partners.

The NDIA encourages families to contact their ECEI Partner in their local area, who can assist them in completing an NDIS Access Request Form.