How many NDIS providers are there in Australia?

In Australia, there are thousands of NDIS providers, As of March 31, 2023, 19,124 NDIS providers had assisted users, Since the programme’s launch in 2013, This number has increased dramatically and is willing to expand even further in the upcoming years due to forecasts indicating a rise in the need for community and disability services.

Despite the increasing number of certified disability support workers, Participant needs aren’t always met, One contributing factor is the variation in NDIS provider availability between different areas, There is a shortage of disability support workers in many rural locations, and participants in these programmes are frequently placed on waiting lists, Regrettably, This may negatively affect their quality of life as they wait for a provider to become available.

It is crucial to have a strong, Diversified network of NDIS providers to accommodate Australia’s increasing need for disability assistance services, Such a network ensures participants have access to a variety of support options tailored to their individual needs, Additionally, it encourages innovation and competition in the market for disability services.

• What is an Unregistered NDIS Provider?

Australians who are permanently disabled or have serious disabilities are covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Programmes from NDIS Providers that specialise in disability care are available to approved participants.

NDIS Providers are an essential component of the programme, Without them, The system would not function.

To obtain their designation, Registered Providers must complete a rigorous registration process, However, This process is expensive and time-consuming, And not all service types require it.

This is why many organisations find it appealing to be an unregistered NDIS provider, Let’s examine what it means to be unregistered in more detail.

An unregistered NDIS Provider delivers services to individuals with disabilities, These providers are not listed with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Meaning they have not completed the registration and audit procedures required to monitor the quality and safety of NDIS services and supports.

Although unregistered providers can offer a wide range of services, There are limitations. For example, NDIA-managed participants are not permitted to use unregistered service providers, In contrast, Participants who are self-managed or plan-managed can use both registered and unregistered providers.

Some service providers offer support services but do not specifically focus on caring for people with disabilities, Such as non-disability domestic and gardening services, There are specific situations in which registration for these organisations is required.

• NDIS Code of Conduct and Unregistered Providers

The NDIS Commission’s Code of Conduct must be adhered to by providers, Both registered and unregistered and their employees, This ensures that providers consistently meet quality standards, Regardless of their collaborative partners, The following seven components are:

• Respect each person’s right to express themselves freely.
• Respect privacy.
• Deliver services safely and competently.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and transparency.
• Address issues promptly.
• Avoid abuse, violence, and neglect.
• Take appropriate action to prevent sexual misconduct.