Value Added: Volunteer-Supported Services and the Challenge of the NDIS (2019)
11/10/2019
Authors: University of Melbourne and Interchange Incorporated
Published by: University of Melbourne and Interchange Incorporated
The research identified seven models of volunteer-supported programs in the disability sector in Victoria and their alignment with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) framework.
Findings are based on a review of the literature; two surveys (one on service delivery and the other on volunteer-supported services and the ILC framework); interviews with participants, volunteers, and service providers; and case studies.
The report calls on Government at local, state, and federal levels to take urgent action to fund and support volunteer-supported programs that provide critical support to people with a disability, their families, and carers.
- The foreshadowed changes to funding arrangements and increased regulatory controls have already caused a reduction in volunteer-supported programs.
- If funding does not extend to volunteer-supported programs, there is a substantial risk to people with a disability, their families, and carers.
- The report calls for Government to use the taxonomy of the seven volunteer programs to help guide more informed discussion about the place and value of volunteer services in the community care sector and to influence policy developments, refine funding mechanisms, and manage quality and safeguards.
- The research found that the value volunteers bring to people with a disability, their families, and carers is distinct from the support offered by specialists and paid staff.
Executive Summary: Final Report – Executive Summary