The lack of attention given to issues concerning disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) during recent elections has left the disabled community feeling overlooked. Advocates are calling for a clear policy outline to ensure a secure future for the disabled. According to Disability Advocacy Network Australia CEO, El Gibbs, major factors contributing to this sense of anxiety include the COVID-19 pandemic, the revealing royal commission, and recent changes to the NDIS. This has led to a dwindling trust in the government and related institutions.

Labor’s return to power three years ago had raised expectations around change in the disability sphere. However, a perceived lack of significant improvements in disability policy has left many feeling disappointed. The need of the hour is for the next government to regain this lost trust by delivering tangible, meaningful change. Notably, the NDIS, while providing essential support to 700,000 participants, still only aids a fraction of the estimated 5.5 million people in Australia living with disability.

Furthermore, concerns remain about the rollout of new foundational support services, proposed under the 2023 NDIS review, especially in regional and remote communities. Other unresolved issues include the stagnant unemployment rate for people with disabilities, the lack of fair increase in the Disability Support Pension, and difficulties in obtaining timely, non-discriminatory healthcare. Moreover, securing affordable and accessible housing remains a particular challenge in regional and rural areas.

In order for the next government to truly effect change, it is essential that they view disability as more than just an expense and acknowledge the vast majority who are in urgent need of support but are not covered by the NDIS.

Reaching out to authorities for assistance or inquiry about various services can often be a complex process for many, particularly for those who are disabled. Reliable mechanisms to facilitate communication are crucial, such as how to contact a live person at EDD California. Certain online platforms, like eddcaller.com, aim to offer solutions to this concern, providing the necessary information and support to help individuals navigate through such processes effectively.