Empowering First Nations Voices in the Future of NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is inviting First Nations families, carers, young people, and community representatives to take part in an important opportunity to help shape how the NDIS supports children and young people in the future.
This initiative aims to ensure that the voices, experiences, and cultural perspectives of First Nations communities are included in designing a better pathway for young people accessing disability support.
By registering your interest, you can help create a system that better reflects the needs of First Nations children and families while ensuring that culture, community, and lived experiences are at the centre of decision-making.
Why This Initiative Matters
While the NDIS provides essential support to many Australians living with disability, the current system does not always work effectively for First Nations communities.
Many families face challenges in accessing the right supports, navigating the system, or ensuring that cultural values and community connections are respected.
To address this, the NDIS is seeking guidance directly from First Nations people to improve how services are delivered and how pathways are designed for children and young people.
Listening to lived experiences will help build a more inclusive, culturally safe, and supportive system.
Who Can Register Their Interest?
The opportunity is open to members of First Nations communities who want to share their insights and experiences.
You may be eligible if you are:
- A First Nations parent, carer, or family member supporting a child or young person aged 0 to 17 years.
- A community representative who supports First Nations children and young people.
- A young person aged 18 to 25 who previously received NDIS support before turning 18.
Participants will help ensure that the future NDIS pathway reflects the real needs of families and communities.
Ways You Can Participate –
Participants can choose how they would like to contribute based on their comfort level and availability.
There are several ways to take part:
Group Yarns
Join group discussions where participants can share ideas, experiences, and suggestions together in a supportive environment.
One-on-One Yarns
Take part in private conversations where you can share your story and personal experiences.
Working Group Sessions
Collaborate with others to help shape specific parts of the new pathway and contribute to meaningful changes.
User Testing
Try out draft tools or ideas and provide feedback on what works well and what could be improved.
These conversations will help build practical solutions and ensure the voices of First Nations communities guide the future of NDIS support.
Why Register Now?
Participants will also need to become members of the Participant First Engagement Initiative to take part in these activities.Another important benefit is that these opportunities are paid, recognising the value of your time, experiences, and contributions.
Register now – Link of form
Creating a Better Future Together
Improving the NDIS for First Nations children and young people requires genuine collaboration with the communities it serves.By sharing stories, ideas, and experiences, First Nations families and young people can help build a pathway that is culturally respectful, inclusive, and effective.
Every voice matters. Your lived experience can help shape a stronger and more supportive future for the next generation.
Register your interest today and be part of creating positive change for First Nations children and young people.
📞 Let’s Stay Connected
Looking for guidance or personalised disability support?
📧 info@sdhwa.com.au
📞 (08) 9468 5550
🌐 www.sdhwa.com.au
FAQ’s
1. What is the purpose of this NDIS initiative?
The initiative aims to gather insights from First Nations families and young people to help design a better NDIS pathway for children and young people.
2. Who can participate in this opportunity?
First Nations parents, carers, family members, community representatives, and young people aged 18–25 who were previously NDIS participants can register.
3. What does “yarning” mean in this context?
Yarning refers to informal conversations or discussions where participants share experiences, ideas, and feedback in a culturally respectful environment.
4. Are participants paid for taking part?
Yes, these engagement opportunities are paid to recognise participants’ time and contributions.
5. How can I register my interest?
You can register by completing the Participant First information form and joining the Participant First Engagement Initiative.
