NDIS provider shutters day program as federal cuts loom

Canberra disability advocates and participants say they are concerned by Carers ACT's decision to close its Hub Disability Day Program and NDIS support coordination services by early October.

Citing rising operating costs, financial pressures, and upcoming funding changes, the provider says it can no longer afford to subsidise the programs

The closure has raised alarm across the sector that more local disability service providers will follow suit, which could leave vulnerable Canberrans without critical support.

Canberra community members are concerned that the closure of a local NDIS program does not bode well for the disability community ahead of looming federal cuts to the scheme.

Carers ACT will close its hub disability day program and NDIS support coordination service at the start of October, citing operating costs and funding arrangements, with advocates worried it may not be the last.

The NDIS overhaul will result in many being kicked off or prevented from accessing the now-$50 billion scheme, and being moved to yet-to-be-built state- and territory-run supports.

The overhaul is expected to save an estimated $37.8 billion over the next four years.

The Carers ACT hub program aimed to help with independent living skills and daily activities including household chores, music and social outings.

Benjamin Zarew, a disability advocate and NDIS recipient himself, said he attended the ACT Carers day program to improve his mental wellbeing and spend time out of the house.

"I feel sad, but there's opportunity with other agencies [for me]," he said.

"I'm worried about the other people who may not be aware because of their disabilities … some people have to have a constant routine, and that change is going to feel that effect."

The federal government's NDIS bill passed after a deal between Labor and the Coalition, but not without heavy criticism from the Greens and ACT senator David Pocock.

Mr Zarew said he was very "disappointed in the politicians for basically allowing this bill to go through".

The now-passed bill includes a detail that has been heavily criticised by those living with a disability, their advocates and others in the disability sector.