The Disability sector constitutes one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be 1.3 million support workers in the country – an increase from 350,000 in 2012. These workers will need to be proficient in the delivery of quality person-centred services and delivery of services to clients increasingly complex needs.

There is also extensive evidence of increased demand for specific skills and changing roles.

According to the Environmental Scan 2016, industry stakeholders have identified the following key trends:

1. Increased scope of support worker roles
2. Emerging demand for care coordination roles
3. Continuing demand for workers to develop existing skills and acquire new ones (in some cases leading to the development of advanced care roles)
4. Increased demand for skills in business leadership, management and administration
5. Greater emphasis on technological knowledge and skills.

One of the main factors impacting on the disability sector today has been the roll-out of the NDIS.

Some Interesting Stats:

$19.3 billion are being invested over seven years to roll out the National Disability Insurance Scheme There are 4.3 million Australians with a disability – 18.3% of the total Australian population. There are approximately 2.7 million carers helping people with disability, or the aged. Over two-thirds of primary carers (70%) were women. 39% of complaints lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission are against businesses and related to disability What these statistics tell us is that as a society we still have a long way to go with education and inclusion. Taking responsibility at all levels from commercial and corporate to community and individuals. But we are definitely moving in the right direction implementing services and funding models that empower and give the client more control over their lives.