Abstract
Background
The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to provide person- centred care for individuals with disabilities, promoting independence and participation in society. Young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) benefit from Capacity Building supports, which are critical for developing skills necessary across the lifespan.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using publicly available NDIS Participant and Payment datasets from the June 2023 Quarter. Data were extracted for young adults with CP aged 15–34 years and characteristics and funding allocation for Capacity Building goals examined. Comparisons of Capacity Building characteristics were made between NDIS participants with CP and NDIS participants with Down syndrome and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
Results
Overall, 99.5% (n = 6,273) of NDIS participants aged 15–34 with CP identified at least one Capacity Building goal, totalling 110,234 goals. Average annual payments for Capacity Building supports for NDIS participants with CP increased with age, from $27,000 for 15-18-year-olds to $59,000 for 25-34-year-olds. The most frequent Capacity Building goals identified by young adults with CP were ‘Daily Living’, ‘Social and Community Participation’, and ‘Health and Wellbeing’. The analysis highlighted variations in the type and funding allocation of Capacity Building supports accessed by young adults with CP compared to their peers with Down syndrome and SCI.
Conclusion
This study emphasises variations in NDIS funding allocation for young adults with CP during the transition into adulthood; tailored funding strategies are required to meet the evolving needs of people aging with CP. Individualised goal setting and personalised supports align with international best practices for disability supports, fostering independence and enhancing quality of life. Further research is needed to explore the short and long-term outcomes of NDIS-funded supports, ensure equitable resource distribution, and advance global discussions on inclusive policies that enable full participation for people with disabilities.