Recent weeks have seen growing concerns among National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and their families over reports of plans being generated by computer algorithms.

This shift towards automated planning is believed to be part of the NDIS’s strategy to manage its budget, which is anticipated to reach $52.3 billion by the financial year 2025-26.

The introduction of the I-CAN assessment tool, a key component of these computer-generated plans, raises questions about its operation and the timeline for its implementation.

Here’s what has been confirmed so far.

What if I disagree with my NDIS computer-generated plan?

Participants maintain the right to request a review of their NDIS plan. This can be done through an internal review or by appealing to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Should an internal review take place, it might involve a new assessment utilizing the I-CAN tool to ensure accuracy and appropriateness for the participant’s needs.

If a participant is still unsatisfied, they can request a review through the ART.

However, tribunal members will reportedly no longer have the power to directly amend an NDIS participant’s plan if they believe it’s incorrect.

More than 7000 new cases of participants appealing NDIA decisions were brought before the ART in the 2024-25 financial year alone.

That figure represented a 76 per cent increase year on year.