21/05/2026
Following on from this important message from Down Syndrome Australia, Down Syndrome WA has today written to Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Disability Services WA, requesting urgent support and a meeting regarding the impact current and proposed NDIS changes are having on people with Down syndrome and their families in Western Australia.
In our correspondence, we raised concerns regarding:
• proposed reductions to Social and Community Participation funding
• significant cost shifting to State systems including health, mental health, housing and crisis supports
• increasing pressure on families and carers
• impacts on employment, micro-businesses, independence and community inclusion
• concerns regarding standardised assessments and formula-based planning
• requests for additional evidence of intellectual disability despite Down syndrome being internationally recognised as the leading chromosomal cause of intellectual disability
• the long-term impact of reducing supports that currently prevent isolation, segregation and family burnout.
Whilst the Government has stated these proposed changes are expected to be introduced progressively from October 2026, we also acknowledge that some individuals and families currently undergoing plan reviews are already experiencing significant impacts, including deep reductions to plans and requests for additional assessments and evidence.
We know many families are feeling worried, exhausted and uncertain.
If you are willing, Down Syndrome WA would like to hear from individuals and families regarding:
• recent experiences with the NDIS
• plan reviews and reassessments
• reductions to funding or supports
• requests for additional evidence or assessments
• impacts these changes are having on daily life, wellbeing, employment, education or independence.
All information provided will remain deidentified unless explicit consent is given to share your story.
These lived experiences are incredibly important in helping us advocate strongly and accurately for our community. Please email your situation to ceo@downsyndromewa.org.au .
Please reach out if we can support in any way. Cas.
Cassandra Hughes
CEO, Down Syndrome WA
ceo@downsyndromewa.org.au
Today, Guardian Australia reported that people with Down syndrome will be among those most impacted by the proposed NDIS cuts to social and community participation funding.
It is important to know that nothing has changed yet for individual plans or supports. These changes are expected to be introduced over several years, starting in October 2026.
The new NDIS Bill proposes a mechanism that will allow the Government to reduce social and community participation funding by 50%, and capacity building – improved daily living funding by 10% for all participants, regardless of how that funding is used.
People with Down syndrome will be among the most impacted by this change because, as a group, they receive higher social and community participation funding than the average NDIS plan.
Social and community participation and capacity building supports are essential. They help people to work, build relationships, attend important appointments, take part in the community and live with dignity.
Reducing these supports risks increased isolation, declining mental health, and more pressure on families and other informal supports. This change will cause risk to our community and increase segregation.
We will be opposing this change and will continue to advocate for our community and keep you updated as more information becomes available.
