NDIS set to boost to innovation
The $22 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme will lead to a boom in science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs as people spend about $1bn a year on devices and applications for accessibility.
“Today the government has outlined our assistive technology strategy,” he said. “It outlines the role that technology will play in improving the lives of people with disability at home, in the community and the workplace. Technology ranged from modified eating utensils to sophisticated artificial limbs, he said, or “even … breakthroughs like thought-controlled wheelchairs”.
Social Services Minister Christian Porter said jobs would be created to support the NDIS.
Once fully operational, about $372 million would be spent on assistance products, almost $400m on personal mobility equipment and $137m in home modifications, he said.