NDIS Minister Stuart Robert says there are no plans to halt controversial changes to the disability support scheme that peak groups warn will see participants viewed as a number, not individuals.
An alliance of 20 disability representatives, providers and advocates on Thursday urged federal politicians to stop independent assessments, saying the reforms undermine the integrity of the NDIS.
, including last month when another coalition of advocacy groups urging a halt and redesign of the process.
The flagged changes would see independent assessments occur for new participants and plan reviews, to determine what type of support people need.
The free assessments are done by healthcare professionals who do not know a participant, rather than their doctor of choice.
Asked by reporters in Tasmania on Thursday about whether there were plans to stop the rollout of the assessments, Mr Robert said: “Not at all, because it's recommended by the Productivity Commission."
“We've been running a number of trials now for over two years, so there's been a lot of input. There's been a lot of trials, and a lot of engagement and I look forward to continuing to work with the sector, as we build out what the Productivity Commission recommended.”
The assessment mainly consists of 'yes' or 'no' questions, which some fear does not allow added context or complexities to be taken into account.
Inclusion Australia chief Catherine McAlpine says the changes will fundamentally change the individualised nature of the NDIS.
"This is not the NDIS we fought for," she said. "People with disabilities must be treated as individuals, not numbers."
The concerned alliance of 20 disability representatives includes the Australian Autism Alliance, Deaf Australia, Brain Injury Australia and Down Syndrome Australia.
Dougie Herd, who campaigned for the NDIS nearly a decade ago, says bipartisan leadership is needed again to improve the system.
"We're people, not numbers," he said. "Independent assessment will put people living with disability back in boxes based on an automated process that doesn't account for our individual support needs at all.
"The NDIS was an idea that became a reality because of bipartisan leadership. People with disability are looking for that leadership again."
Mr Robert has previously said he wanted to cement the changes into law mid-year and that they will make access to the NDIS more consistent and transparent.
He said on Thursday "the beauty" of independent assessments "is no one's questioning your disability".
"It's all about your function and what support you need to achieve your goals," he said. "This is about equity. This is about saying your postcode should not determine what your package is."
While 500 people took part in the first pilot program to test independent assessments, only 145 provided feedback, prompting politicians last year to
Aaron* participated in a pilot for the assessments and had a physiotherapist tasked with deciding the support needed for his autism.
His occupational therapist and psychologist were not consulted.
"When I received the report, I was shattered," Aaron said. "The assessment conducted was not thorough, not in context, and not done by a suitable professional.
"It did not reflect my life or what my needs are."
In December, it was announced that a cross-parliamentary committee .
Additional reporting: Evan Young
*Last name not given
