People with disability deserve supports and services that are designed for their situations, needs and goals. Data can provide useful information for doing this. Data can be created when someone engages with government. This can include things such as what disability supports people access and the education and work outcomes they achieve.
However, many of these data sets are disconnected, as it is organised around different government agencies and services. This can make it difficult to see the outcomes of policies and services that are aimed at improving inclusion and opportunity for people with disability.
During the National Disability Data Asset (NDDA) pilot, governments tested how to best link data to understand outcomes of people with disability – while protecting people’s privacy.
The NDDA pilot tested how people with disability, the disability sector and governments could use this linked data to:
- understand what works for different people in different situations, and where things can be improved
- understand what is going on, and where better data is required
- assist people with disability to access supports and services that are right for them by providing them with better information.
For example, the NDDA may help governments to better deliver targeted education and employment services, so that more people with disability can find fulfilling jobs. Read more about who the NDDA could help
The pilot also explored the best options for people to search for information and access insights.
The NDDA pilot trialled how to link data through five public policy test cases. Read more about the test cases
The disability community was engaged throughout the pilot to understand the needs and aspirations of people living with disability. This engagement provided insight into the next phase of the NDDA. The pilot has now ceased. Governments are working together to design the next phase of the NDDA and will continue to engage with the disability community.
Privacy
Safeguarding data and protecting privacy is a priority for the NDDA.
The NDDA will not use data to identify individuals. As part of the pilot:
- The linked data from the pilot and any future linked data will not used by government in any way to intervene in the life of a specific individual or family
- Secure systems ensure that only authorised people can access data
- Data experts who analyse the data cannot see names and addresses and must follow strict ethical rules.