Funding to Financially Empower People with Disability
The Australian Government has announced new funding aimed at helping people with intellectual disability take greater control over their financial decisions.
A one-off grant of $1.42 million will be provided to Inclusion Australia over two years to develop practical and accessible resources focused on supported financial decision-making.
The goal is simple: helping people with disability make informed choices about their finances while still receiving support from trusted people when needed.
What Is Supported Decision-Making?
Supported decision-making means helping a person understand information, weigh options, and make decisions for themselves rather than having decisions made for them.
This support can come from:
- family members
- carers
- trusted supporters
- advocates
- professionals
Importantly, the person with disability remains at the centre of the decision-making process.
For many people with intellectual disability, financial systems, paperwork, budgeting, and services can feel overwhelming. Having the right support can make these processes easier to understand while still protecting independence and autonomy.
Why This Matters
The Disability Royal Commission highlighted the need for stronger support systems that help people with disability make decisions safely and confidently, especially around finances.
Financial decisions affect everyday life, including:
- budgeting
- paying bills
- managing supports
- understanding service agreements
- planning for future needs
- avoiding financial exploitation
Accessible resources and clearer guidance can help people feel more empowered and informed when navigating these areas.
What Will the Funding Be Used For?
The funding will allow Inclusion Australia to co-design practical resources specifically for people with intellectual disability and their support networks.
The project will focus on:
- easy-to-understand financial information
- guidance around supported decision-making
- practical tools and resources
- identifying where people can access help and advocacy
The initiative will run from May 2026 through to June 2027 under the National Disability Advocacy Program.
Why Accessible Information Matters
As the NDIS and disability sector continue evolving, accessible information is becoming more important than ever.
People should be able to:
- understand their rights
- understand their supports
- make informed choices
- feel confident asking questions
- access support without confusion
Good support is not about taking control away from someone. It is about helping people make decisions with the right information and guidance around them.
Supporting Independence Through the Right Care
At DisabilityCo, we believe independence looks different for everyone.
Sometimes independence means learning new life skills.
Sometimes it means building confidence.
Sometimes it means having trusted people around you to help navigate important decisions.
What matters most is that participants feel respected, supported, and involved in decisions that affect their lives.
As conversations around supported decision-making continue growing across Australia, we welcome initiatives that promote autonomy, accessibility, and genuine participant empowerment.
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