The federal government has announced a new method of assessing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, set to begin in mid-2026. The change is aimed at simplifying what has long been considered a slow, complex, and costly process.
Under the new model, participants will take part in a semi-structured interview lasting up to three hours with in-house assessors from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The assessments will be conducted using a digital tool called I-CAN version 6, which records information about participants’ needs across 12 key areas, including mobility and communication.
A major shift is that participants will no longer need to provide supporting documents from doctors or allied health professionals, removing what has been a cost barrier for many. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister said the existing process often takes too long and costs too much, adding: “There is a better way.”
Mixed Reactions from Advocacy Groups
While the government sees the new system as more efficient and accessible, disability advocacy groups remain cautious. George Taleporos, chair of Every Australian Counts, raised concerns that participants could end up being “assessed by strangers” and that the process might be used to limit supports. He stressed that people with disabilities must not be reduced to “data points in a secret algorithm.”
Other organisations, including People with Disability Australia (PWDA), expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the government’s commitment to a person-centred, rights-based approach. PWDA board director Alexandra Bignell emphasised that “no one should be worse off” as a result of the changes.
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) also noted that while structured tools can be useful, they must be complemented by professional judgment and strong safeguards to properly reflect each individual’s circumstances.
Part of a Wider NDIS Overhaul
The new assessment model forms part of a broader overhaul of the NDIS, prompted by the 2023 review and aimed at ensuring the scheme’s long-term financial sustainability. With 717,000 participants, the scheme continues to grow rapidly, and the government has signalled plans to better manage its costs.
As part of this strategy, from mid-2027, children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism will transition to new foundational support programs rather than the NDIS. A separate program is also being developed for adults with severe and complex mental illness.
Looking Ahead
The success of the new needs assessments will depend on transparency, fairness, and genuine engagement with the disability community. Advocacy groups agree that reforms must ensure the NDIS remains focused on supporting participants to live fulfilling lives, rather than on reducing costs alone.