This study aimed to assess the accessibility, usability, reliability and readability of those websites most likely encountered by Australian mental health consumers when using the internet to find information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Websites were systematically identified with 127 deemed relevant for assessment in 2018. The LIDA instrument, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level were used to evaluate the quality of information provided to mental health consumers. The study identified mediocre results for the accessibility, usability, reliability and readability of websites as they pertain to the needs of mental health consumers. Furthermore, it was identified that mental health support websites did not provide a more appropriate online experience for mental health consumers than general information websites, despite their focus on this demographic. These findings suggest a lack of understanding regarding the needs of mental health consumers and their experience of the online environment, which may in turn affect their access to information, agency and, ultimately, their uptake of the NDIS. The establishment of guidelines around enhancements to the online environment for mental health consumers would provide an experience that instils confidence, returns dignity and aids this group in realising their personal recovery journey.

Currently there is limited understanding of how people living with severe and persistent mental health issues use and experience the internet when searching for information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This study aimed to investigate what information mental health consumers want about the NDIS and how they would find this online. A small exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a naturalistic inquiry approach. Brief semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from nine mental health consumers living in Hobart, Australia. Three emergent themes were identified, (1) knowledge about the NDIS; (2) internet usage; and(3) the importance of language. The findings highlighted that individuals accessed NDIS information from a variety of sources with a preference for obtaining information from people rather than the internet. Of those who had searched online for NDIS related information, their level of understanding of the scheme was quite limited suggesting that information provided online was not adequately meeting their needs. More generally, participants reported difficulty navigating NDIS literature due to language complexity. Participants also reported confusion regarding specific aspects of the NDIS scheme and a misunderstanding of the roles and functions of the NDIS and Centrelink. These findings suggest that the information provided to potential NDIS psychosocial participants does not meet their needs, and individuals want simple guidance as to what the NDIS is, how it works, and what funding opportunities it offers people. Access to clear and easy to understand information for mental health consumers may support recovery via improved uptake of the NDIS.

Currently there is limited understanding of how people living with severe andpersistent mental health issues use and experience the internet when searchingfor information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Thisstudy aimed to investigate what information mental health consumers wantabout the NDIS and how they would find this online. A small exploratoryqualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a naturalistic inquiryapproach. Brief semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data fromnine mental health consumers living in Hobart, Australia. Three emergentthemes were identified, (1) knowledge about the NDIS; (2) internet usage; and(3) the importance of language. The findings highlighted that individualsaccessed NDIS information from a variety of sources with a preference forobtaining information from people rather than the internet. Of those who hadsearched online for NDIS related information, their level of understanding of thescheme was quite limited suggesting that information provided online was notadequately meeting their needs. More generally, participants reported difficultynavigating NDIS literature due to language complexity. Participants alsoreported confusion regarding specific aspects of the NDIS scheme and amisunderstanding of the roles and functions of the NDIS and Centrelink. Thesefindings suggest that the information provided to potential NDIS psychosocialparticipants does not meet their needs, and individuals want simple guidanceas to what the NDIS is, how it works, and what funding opportunities it offerspeople. Access to clear and easy to understand information for mental healthconsumers may support recovery via improved uptake of the NDIS.