Most people with disabling mental health conditions can’t access the NDIS. Here’s a better way to provide support

The pathway to reforming the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is littered with obstacles.

Among the biggest challenges is the federal and state governments agreeing on responsibility and funding for “foundational supports”. These are disability-specific services for people who don’t qualify for individual NDIS funding.

There has been some progress on foundational supports for children with developmental delay and autism. The federal government’s Thriving Kids initiative is due to begin mid-2026.