‘A day in the life’ of young people with mental health issues in receipt of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) packages
Prior to this study, little was known about the experiences of the NDIS among young people with mental health issues, or the everyday life experiences of those receiving NDIS packages.
Who is involved
Monash University Department of Occupational Therapy and Neami National
Project status
Complete
Summary
Using a qualitative descriptive exploratory approach, adopting participatory principles, this Honours project explored the impact of the NDIS on the everyday life experiences of young people with mental health issues.
Background
The NDIS aims to provide greater choice and control for participants with a permanent or likely to be permanent disability. Prior to this study, little was known about the experiences of the NDIS among young people with mental health issues, or the everyday life experiences of those receiving NDIS packages. Additionally, issues had emerged regarding the early implementation of the NDIS in the mental health sector. These included limited knowledge of the scheme among consumers, issues regarding accessing the NDIS and few alternatives for ineligible participants and those choosing not to access the scheme, and speculation about whether the NDIS was meeting the needs of consumers.
Four young people with mental health issues participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences receiving an NDIS package.
Findings
Participants described both positive and negative experiences with the NDIS. Participants’ experiences focused on increased independence and social and community engagement, more access to supports, and reduced financial stress. Some participants indicated that the NDIS positively supported their recovery journeys, while others did not notice a difference. All participants reported that they preferred the NDIS over previous arrangements but suggested that the provision of information and support could be improved.
Overall, participants experienced more choice and control, greater access to supports and increased independence since the NDIS. However, participants believed that improvements are required in order to make the NDIS truly client-centred.
Publications
Awaiting thesis
Contact
Professor Ellie Fossey
Priscilla Ennals