20/05/2026
Today, Guardian Australia reported that people with Down syndrome will be among those most impacted by the proposed NDIS cuts to social and community participation funding.
It is important to know that nothing has changed yet for individual plans or supports. These changes are expected to be introduced over several years, starting in October 2026.
The new NDIS Bill proposes a mechanism that will allow the Government to reduce social and community participation funding by 50%, and capacity building – improved daily living funding by 10% for all participants, regardless of how that funding is used.
People with Down syndrome will be among the most impacted by this change because, as a group, they receive higher social and community participation funding than the average NDIS plan.
Social and community participation and capacity building supports are essential. They help people to work, build relationships, attend important appointments, take part in the community and live with dignity.
Reducing these supports risks increased isolation, declining mental health, and more pressure on families and other informal supports. This change will cause risk to our community and increase segregation.
We will be opposing this change and will continue to advocate for our community and keep you updated as more information becomes available.
