On Friday 22 November the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) released new information on Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Respite. The NDIA’s information provides a broad overview of eligibility for STA and Respite and exclusions with further detail to be provided when the Agency’s operational guidelines are released in December.

The NDIA has stated that STA and Respite will be available to participants and informal supports but will not apply to those in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or living alone. Other restrictions on STA Funding mean transport to and from STA cannot be covered by this budget and it cannot be used for holidays and tourist travel.

PWDA is concerned that these changes will reduce the flexibility and choice and control of participants over how they participate in their communities and achieve their goals.