Organization
National Disability Services(NDS)
National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia's peak industry body for disability service organisations, representing over 1,000 member organisations that collectively operate thousands of services for Australians with all types of disability. NDS supports its members with NDIS navigation, workforce guidance, policy advocacy, and sector research.
About
National Disability Services (NDS) traces its origins to 1945 when the Australian Advisory Council for the Physically Handicapped was formed to coordinate national disability sector efforts. The Australian Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled was established in 1963, evolving over decades into NDS as it exists today. NDS maintains its national secretariat in Canberra with offices in every state and territory.
What They Do
NDS supports its more than 1,000 member organisations — ranging from small community providers to large national service operators — with policy advice, workforce development, NDIS navigation, governance support, and sector research. NDS represents the sector in major government consultations and is a key participant in NDIS pricing, quality, and safeguarding reform processes. It produces sector reports, workforce data, and practical resources for service providers.
Who They Serve
NDS primarily serves disability service provider organisations rather than people with disability directly. Its members operate services for Australians with all types of disability — physical, intellectual, sensory, psychiatric, and acquired — in residential care, community support, employment, therapy, and specialist disability accommodation. NDS also works with government to shape policy that improves service quality and sustainability across the sector.
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