Challenges and adaptations of an intermediary: an exploration of support coordination in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Abstract

Support coordination for people with disability and complex needs should assist in personalising and implementing individualised funded supports in a coordinated manner. Yet, this also relies on policy and organisational arrangements being conducive to good practice. Designed according to street-level policy research, this study sought to explore challenges and adaptations associated with the implementation of support coordination in Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme through interviews with 20 support coordinators and front-line personnel. Findings suggest that more explicit oversight of, and attention to, norms of practice and capacity to work collaboratively with choice and control are warranted to enhance support coordination.