December 2021 - June 2022
DSW’s discussing ideas, at the meet up pilot 
Smoking ceremony peformed by Aboriginal and Tores Strait Islanders at the DSW meet up
DSW at the support worker festival pilot, sharing methods and techniques For Department of Social Services (DSS), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) The NDIS is a scheme of the Australian Government that funds costs associated with disability.
Context
The systemic shifts brought on by the NDIS over the last five years have changed the landscape of disability support work significantly, leading to a critical shortage of skilled workers across Australia.
To address this we conducted a co-design process across Australia with Disability Support Workers (DSWs), industry representatives, and people with disability, to design and develop a series of professional network pilots to promote and support best practice in disability support work. Three professional networks that were piloted by DSWs.
Project intent
This project set out to uncover how improving connection between DSWs could motivate and encourage them to remain working in the industry. The professional networks needed to promote and support best practice in disability support work as well as play the role of a safe place to connect with other like minded DSWs.
The professional networks needed to accommodate for the diverse nature of DSWs, including people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds who practise care in unique and different ways and may not speak English as their first language; people who have disabilities themselves; people who identify as LGBTQIA+; Aboriginal and Torres Striat Islander people; people with varying levels of professional experience and commitment to the profession; and those who had ambition to grow professionally within disability support work.
Project approach
The co-deisgn project was led by Meld Studio’s in collaboration with Ninti One (First Nations engagement specialists) and Northcott Innovation (Disability engagement specialists). We engaged:
44 isolated DSW via interviews and small group sessions. Participants included individuals with lived experience of disability, people who support NDIS participants with complex needs, sole traders, CALD communities, geographically isolated people, First Nations peoples, and DSW managers.
46 industry representatives via workshops and small group sessions. Participants included: established providers, industry disruptors, peak bodies, academics, DSW representatives.
10 individuals who were NDIS participants or decision makers for NDIS participants.
Project impact and outcomes
The co-design process led to the detailed design of three pilots complementary in intent and approach. Collectively once implemented, these pilots will form a national support network for DSWs.
Online Hub Easy to access online forum dedicated to DSWs interested in meeting like minded DSWs, building practical skills, seeking immediate advice, sharing stories, experiences and relevant resources in a friendly environment. The online hub is about celebrating the bredth, diversity and professionalism of DSWs.
Support worker festival
Half day local festivals for DSWs to build and share practical skills, create new relationships and celebrate the sector in a relaxed outdoor festival environment.
Meet Ups
Informal face to face, sessions with like minded DSWs formed around your local community and interests. Sessions focus on building skills, knowledge networks and connections.
Context
The systemic shifts brought on by the NDIS over the last five years have changed the landscape of disability support work significantly, leading to a critical shortage of skilled workers across Australia.
To address this we conducted a co-design process across Australia with Disability Support Workers (DSWs), industry representatives, and people with disability, to design and develop a series of professional network pilots to promote and support best practice in disability support work. Three professional networks that were piloted by DSWs.
Project intent
This project set out to uncover how improving connection between DSWs could motivate and encourage them to remain working in the industry. The professional networks needed to promote and support best practice in disability support work as well as play the role of a safe place to connect with other like minded DSWs.
The professional networks needed to accommodate for the diverse nature of DSWs, including people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds who practise care in unique and different ways and may not speak English as their first language; people who have disabilities themselves; people who identify as LGBTQIA+; Aboriginal and Torres Striat Islander people; people with varying levels of professional experience and commitment to the profession; and those who had ambition to grow professionally within disability support work.
Project approach
The co-deisgn project was led by Meld Studio’s in collaboration with Ninti One (First Nations engagement specialists) and Northcott Innovation (Disability engagement specialists). We engaged:
44 isolated DSW via interviews and small group sessions. Participants included individuals with lived experience of disability, people who support NDIS participants with complex needs, sole traders, CALD communities, geographically isolated people, First Nations peoples, and DSW managers.
46 industry representatives via workshops and small group sessions. Participants included: established providers, industry disruptors, peak bodies, academics, DSW representatives.
10 individuals who were NDIS participants or decision makers for NDIS participants.
Project impact and outcomes
The co-design process led to the detailed design of three pilots complementary in intent and approach. Collectively once implemented, these pilots will form a national support network for DSWs.
Online Hub Easy to access online forum dedicated to DSWs interested in meeting like minded DSWs, building practical skills, seeking immediate advice, sharing stories, experiences and relevant resources in a friendly environment. The online hub is about celebrating the bredth, diversity and professionalism of DSWs.
Support worker festival
Half day local festivals for DSWs to build and share practical skills, create new relationships and celebrate the sector in a relaxed outdoor festival environment.
Meet Ups
Informal face to face, sessions with like minded DSWs formed around your local community and interests. Sessions focus on building skills, knowledge networks and connections.