Commission staff and service provider representatives engage with key stakeholders and present at information sessions on a regular basis. Other strategies include information and awareness campaigns, electronic and hard copy material, website updates and the regular engagement activities which My Way Coordinators undertake as part of their role. New events are routinely added to the Commission’s website at: Initiative Objective Audience WA NDIS My Way general information sessions Introductory information sessions which describe the WA NDIS My Way trial and objectives in detail People with disability, families and carers Disability and mental health service providers Mainstream providers Community sector WA NDIS My Way individualised planning and funding forums In-depth walk through of the WA NDIS My Way planning process and plan-management options to prepare key stakeholders and maximise understanding People with disability, families and carers Disability and mental health service providers WA NDIS My Way targeted and customised information strategies. Information is shared through forums, peer led discussions, e-newsletters, social media, radio broadcasts, and targeted conversations with individuals, families and community groups. Tailored information on the WA NDIS My Way trial to suit the specific requirements and interest areas of a range of audiences Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) groups People with psychosocial disability Parents and carers of children under 18 years Carers and support workers WA NDIS My Way workshops for service providers Information workshops for service providers who may be interested in becoming endorsed to operate within the WA NDIS My Way trial Disability and mental health service providers Sector Capacity Building sessions Working with service providers to ensure staff are aware of the changes required to operate effectively within the WA NDIS My Way trial as well as anticipate future market capacity Disability and mental health service providers WA NDIS My Way Support Clusters and Pricing Framework forums Working collaboratively with service providers to develop appropriate pricing frameworks for the WA NDIS My Way trial Disability and mental health service providers
Conclusion This report concludes the first 12 months of the WA NDIS My Way trial. Growth The fourth quarter has shown continued growth in the number of individuals found eligible for supports and services, plans approved and total expenditure in the WA NDIS My Way trial. By the end of the fourth quarter there were 777 individuals found eligible of whom 688 had an approved plan. This is an increase compared to the third quarter of 10% in individuals and nine per cent for those with plans. Total expenditure of $14 million has been incurred for the first 12 months of operation, principally in cash payments ($12.2 million). Consolidation across the trial site There is increasing stability in trends relating to the primary disability type of eligible individuals (intellectual disability - 35%, autism - 19%, physical disability - 14% and psychosocial disability - 12%). The rate of growth for new individuals joining the trial has slowed marginally. Only one additional service provider became endorsed to provide services in the Lower South West region during the last quarter, indicating a period of consolidation in terms of service provider capacity. Efficiency and sustainability Trial outcomes to date demonstrate the efficient management of funding under the WA NDIS My Way approach. The operating expenses ratio (a comparison of administrative expenses to overall costs) is 21% declining from 23% in the third quarter. The average (mean) annualised cost of all 688 plans is $26,014 with a median of $14,393 (which means that half of all plans are funded at $14,393 or less). The average cost per plan at the end of this quarter is $550 less than at the end of the third quarter. The average annualised cost of funded-only plans is $27,834.The average annual plan cost across all plans is currently trending at around the same level across quarters. General Comments The fourth quarter results show that the WA NDIS My Way trial is progressing smoothly and there are positive and consistent trends across a number of key areas, including the large number of individuals achieving their plan goals (91%) and the high uptake of of individual plans (35%). Intellectual disability and autism continue to be the most common primary disability types, whilst psychosocial disability is the most commonly identified primary disability for new people entering the trial.