Guiding the way: building common principles for navigators
Overview
The implementation of Navigators as outlined in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review(Opens in a new tab/window) holds the potential to significantly enhance the way people with disability access and navigate the supports available to them. This report draws on a project to hear directly from people with disability about what they want to see from the proposed Navigators and provides a guide to the Federal Government.
Establishing common principles helps create a consistent framework that ensures Navigators work independently, focus on the individual, and support broader human rights objectives. These principles aim to make the system more connected, transparent, and responsive, fostering greater inclusion and equity across the disability sector.
Looking forward, the successful integration of Navigators into the disability support landscape will require continued collaboration among governments, service providers, and advocacy groups. Key areas of focus should include:
- securing sustainable funding models
- ensuring widespread availability in rural and remote areas
- refining training and accountability mechanisms for Navigators.
Moreover, ongoing consultation with people with disability, their families and service providers will be essential to refine and adapt the Navigator role to meet evolving needs.