The training is aimed at NDIS service providers assisting people who may be eligible to access, or are accessing the NDIS, under the psychosocial disability stream.

‘Applying for NDIS support and understanding the system can be very confusing and difficult to navigate’ said Ellisa Scott, Project Coordinator at IMHA. ‘This training aims to increase the skills of NDIS service workers, to be able to train others at their organisation to help people experiencing mental health issues to self-advocate for what they need’, she said.

‘Peer support workers from mental health services and carers were involved in every stage of the development to ensure the training provided real-world solutions for people, at any stage of the process of engaging with the NDIS’ she said.

The package builds on a 2019 co-designed workbook ‘Self-Advocacy for the NDIS (Mental Health)’, developed in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); Designated mental health services; VMIAC and Tandem. It covers everything from applying for the NDIS, to plans, appeals and reviews. Originally in-person trainings using the workbook were planned.

What is in the training?

In response to our changed environment due to COVID-19, the online training package includes two eLearning modules that participants can undertake in their own time, which focus on knowledge development. These will be followed by two interactive webinars that target skill development, co-facilitated with a peer support worker. Attendees at the training will also be given exclusive access to the Self-Advocacy for the NDIS trainer online hub, where they can share learnings with other participants of the training.

A pilot of the training was recently conducted. ‘This training was thought-provoking. Although I’m not new to advocacy, it gave me food for thought as I go forward in my role of supporting NDIS participants, and how I can support them, to best support themselves’, said one attendee.