Vision Australia has applauded the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for taking a major step in making information accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
Following ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the blind and low vision community by Vision Australia, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants can now request for information and their NDIS plans to be made available in their accessible format of choice.
As a result of a partnership between the NDIA and Vision Australia, people who are blind or have low vision can now have their plan and supporting information made available to them in braille, electronic text, large print and audio.
The service is free of charge, and clients should expect their preferred format within seven days from the approval date of their plan.
Michael Simpson, Vision Australia General Manager NSW and ACT Client Services, said the new arrangement will give people who are blind or have low vision greater independence and control over the support services they choose to receive.
“Accessible information is the touchstone of independence. For NDIS participants who are blind or have low vision, access to their plan in the format of their choice is a basic right. We’re pleased that the NDIA has recognised this, and ensured that people who are blind or have low vision can take control of their NDIS journey,” Mr Simpson said.
“Participants who are blind or have low vision will no longer have to depend on their family, friends and their service provider to access their NDIS plan – they can finally make informed decisions around the services they want to access, and the supports they need,” he said.
To arrange a copy of your plan in an accessible format or for further information please contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or submit your request online at: https://www.ndis.gov.au/form/contact-form.html.
Vision Australia is the leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. We work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them achieve the possibilities they choose in life.
We support more than 27,500 people of all ages and life stages, and circumstances.
