In this edition
- Upcoming Training
- Revised High Intensity Support Skills Descriptor Frequently Asked Questions
- What do NDIS providers need to know about Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology?
Upcoming Training
We are very excited to announce that we are running some brand new short course online training sessions via Zoom. Take a look below to see what we have on offer!
1. Getting NDIS Mid-Term Audit Ready
4 August 2023 – 10:00am – 12:00pm AEST
Register Here
2. NDIS Incident Management Essentials
24 August 2023 – 10am – 12pm AEST
Register Here
3. Understanding NDIS Registration Groups
24 August 2023 – 1pm – 3pm AEST
Register Here
Revised High Intensity Support Skills Descriptor Frequently Asked Questions
The NDIS Commission recently updated the high intensity support skills descriptors (HISSD) which came into effect from 1 February 2023. These updates were made to align the descriptors with contemporary practice, expert advice, and a participant-focused approach.
High Intensity Supports are complex supports required by NDIS participants in order to manage their daily lives.
The high intensity support skills descriptors (skills descriptors) serve as supplementary guidance for NDIS providers and workers who support participants with high intensity daily personal activities (HIDPA). They outline the specific skills and knowledge that NDIS providers should ensure their workers possess when delivering supports to participants who rely on HIDPA.
In June 2023, the NDIS Commission released Frequently Asked Questions to guide NDIS providers in the implementation of the skills descriptors.
It is important for registered NDIS providers, particularly those registered for Module 1 HIDPA, to familiarise themselves with the revised skills descriptors and understand the compliance requirements. Some key points for providers to consider include:
- Registered NDIS providers must ensure that their workers meet the expectations outlined in the relevant skills descriptors.
- NDIS providers should conduct annual reviews to ensure that their workers possess the current skills and knowledge described in the skills descriptors.
- If a worker has not delivered support for a period exceeding three months or if a participant’s support needs have changed, it is recommended that the worker be reassessed and, if necessary, undergo refresher training.
To assist NDIS providers in assessing their workers’ skills and knowledge against the skills descriptors, EFA has developed a High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors Staff Audit. This audit provides a self-assessment checklist for each skill and knowledge area required for the respective individual descriptors. The completion of this audit should help identify areas where workers may require further training to ensure compliance with the NDIS requirements.
If you are interested in purchasing this staff audit or have any questions regarding your obligations in relation to high intensity skills descriptors please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.
What do NDIS providers need to know about Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact the disability sector by improving accessibility, enhancing assistive technologies, and promoting inclusivity.
NDIS providers need to be knowledgeable about how AI is being used in their organisation and how it could impact the ways they deliver services in the future.
AI technologies offer significant benefits to the disability sector. They can boost workplace effectiveness and efficiency, enabling NDIS providers to deliver better services to their clients. AI-powered assistive technologies have the capacity to enhance accessibility, empowering individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers and participate more fully in society.
Although AI technologies can be valuable in the workplace, responsible and ethical use of AI must be prioritised, in accordance with government approaches and organisational policies.
Presently in Australia, the Commonwealth Government and the NDIS Commission have released Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guiding Principles that provide a framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI, ensuring that AI systems prioritise human wellbeing, fairness, transparency, and accountability while promoting positive outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.
NDIS providers need to proactively consider the ethical framework within which they will employ AI in their organisation. This framework should align with the organisation’s values, respect privacy, promote fairness, avoid bias, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Your policies and procedures should be updated to include risk management considerations associated with AI technologies to minimise negative outcomes and ensure responsible AI use. They also need to ensure they are complying with relevant legislation including data protection, intellectual property, and privacy requirements.
NDIS providers should also provide guidance and training to their staff on responsible AI usage. It is crucial that employees understand their obligations and the potential risks associated with AI.
If you have any questions on how to properly ensure you have addressed AI in your documentation we can help. Please contact us on 0478 616 207 or info@engelsfloyd.com for a complimentary consultation.
