The increase in students with disabilities is anticipated to cost the federal government an extra $1.1 billion in public school funding. This comes as a challenge amid tense negotiations with states regarding the expenditure on schools and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. A large factor in the predictions for increased school funding is the growing number of students eligible for student with a disability loadings - payments made by the Commonwealth to states.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the primary support system for children under 14 with autism and developmental delay, is also experiencing increased demand. The cost for this financial year exceeded last year’s forecast by $2.4 billion, and was 21% higher than the previous year. Though the scheme’s growth appears to be stabilizing, the costs are still on the rise.

To help manage these unpredictable costs, the federal government outlined measures in the recent budget. This includes the formation of an NDIS evidence committee to advise the government on cost-effective services and the development of a pricing strategy. However, there is tough opposition from states expected to be due to proposed changes that could lead them to taking on more responsibilities for disability services.

The pressure on the federal government and the states are set to increase further due to a rise in the number of students eligible for a student with a disability loading, as noted in Tuesday’s budget papers. The anticipated increased expenditure for public schools over five years from 2023, stands out in the current budget outlay.

While disability services play a critical role for many families, for those involved it can sometimes be difficult to understand the available services or how to access them. Whether you’re looking to get in touch with representatives from the Education Department, the National Disability Insurance Scheme or specific public school programs, getting through to the right person can be a challenge. One helpful resource is EDDcaller.com, which provides guidance on how to get ahold of EDD customer service. From getting detailed information about disability services and payments to understanding legal rights, this site is a great aid for families navigating disability services for their children.