The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the way disability services are delivered in Australia, providing individuals with the opportunity to choose and control their care.
However, following the 2023 NDIS Review, 2024 updates, and the changes to come, it's crucial for support workers and service providers to maintain quality care and remain compliant.
That's where training comes in. Let's explore how continuous training can achieve this.
Disability support is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices is essential for ensuring that care meets the highest standards.
Whether it's the introduction of new assistive devices, advancements in therapy techniques, or the development of new care models, NDIS training helps support workers stay informed.
For example, historically, restrictive practices were often used on people with disability. This stripped away their agency and right to control. However, positive behaviour support emerged and focused on improving a person's quality of life and understanding the reasons behind behaviour and ways to meet a person's needs.
By continually updating their skills through NDIS training, support workers can use emerging technologies and tools to enhance care delivery. Additionally, understanding new evidence-based practices enables workers to adopt more effective methods of care, leading to better outcomes for people with disability.
Note: restrictive practices are still used today but are heavily regulated by the NDIS. Any use of such practices must be documented in a person's care plan.
NDIS compliance isn't static; it evolves as practices improve and regulations change. Training plays a crucial role in maintaining compliance.
Through the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct, support workers and service providers must demonstrate their commitment to delivering and maintaining high standards of care and support.
Regular training ensures that all those who provide support are well-versed in these standards and can apply them effectively in their daily work.
Training also ensures that support workers and service providers are audit-ready. NDIS compliance-specific training—i.e. training mapped to the NDIS Practice Standards—provides updated information on best practices and safeguarding measures, which helps prevent compliance breaches.
Read more: 5 Steps to Passing Your NDIS Audit
Additionally, a learning management system (LMS) is a valuable tool in helping organisations ensure compliance with regulations. Through an LMS, service providers can provide, track, and monitor employee training and development, giving them full control and accountability. Reporting capabilities allow service providers to generate reports to auditors and provide evidence of compliance.
Similarly, employees can use an LMS to store all their qualifications and certifications, making it easier to demonstrate compliance.
Data from the 2022 NDIS Workforce Retention Survey found that 8% and 14% of respondents highlighted a lack of training and skilled staff as key challenges of working in the disability sector. This data highlights that there’s both a desire and need for training—which is why fostering a culture of continuous learning is vital for both support workers and service providers.
Quality training helps workers develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional care while improving their ability to handle challenging situations.
Training not only supports the personal growth of employees but also contributes to creating a positive organisational culture. Support workers who feel confident in their knowledge and abilities are likelier to deliver better outcomes for those they support.
Continuous learning also reinforces a workplace culture that values learning, adaptability, and professional growth—key ingredients in delivering quality care.
Moreover, a culture of learning helps service providers ensure that their teams are ready to meet the evolving needs of people with disability.
Support work can be emotionally and physically demanding. Comprehensive training helps build a more resilient workforce by:
Quality training also helps prevent burnout by ensuring support workers have the tools and knowledge they need to manage their responsibilities effectively.
People with disability deserve high-quality care. But for them to receive the care they deserve, they need support from knowledgeable, well-trained workers.
NDIS training ensures support workers and service providers understand their compliance obligations and recognise the importance of providing person-centred care. By prioritising ongoing, specific training and development, we can create a more capable and confident workforce that is ready to meet the needs of those they support.
How do you feel about the current state of the disability sector after the changes in 2024 and its readiness for 2025?
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