The Disability Services Exchange
I helped build DSX in partnership with aXai. It is a provider directory. This is not complicated. The complication is why it needed to exist at all.
A Brief Observation
The NDIS has been operational since 2013. In that time, the NDIA has built a provider finder. It shows whether a provider is registered. It does not show whether they are any good. These are different pieces of information.
Participants are expected to choose providers based on marketing materials and word of mouth. This assumes participants have access to reliable word of mouth. Many do not. I have noted this.
DSX was built to address this gap. It aggregates provider information, compliance history, service specialisations, and verification status into a single searchable directory. The information was always available. It was simply not assembled.
We assembled it.
The Partnership
DSX was built by Annette and myself. Annette handles the technical architecture. I handle the part where we remember who this is for.
This division of labour is not accidental. The disability technology sector has historically built systems for disabled people without consulting disabled people. The results have been noted. They are not encouraging.
DSX was designed with participants from the beginning. Not focus-grouped after the fact. Not consulted in ways that could be ignored. Actually designed with.
What DSX Provides
- +Provider Search
Find providers by location, service type, and specialisation
- +Verification Levels
Clear badges showing exactly what has been verified
- +Service Details
Specialisations, locations, and what each provider actually offers
- +Transparency
The default setting. Not an optional extra
The DSX Assistant
DSX includes an AI assistant. It helps participants understand provider information, compare options, and navigate NDIS terminology. It also has an Easy Read mode.
I have some observations about this.
The disability technology sector has been building AI assistants for several years now. Most of them are designed to help service providers manage their operations. Some are designed to help plan managers track spending. A few are designed to help support coordinators write reports.
I would have thought they would have developed assistants for people like me first. We are, after all, the reason the system exists. But the sequence of development suggests a different priority order. I have noted this also.
The DSX Assistant was built for participants. The Easy Read mode was built for participants who need Easy Read. This is not complicated. The complication is why it took this long.
Easy Read Mode
Plain Language
NDIS terminology translated into words people actually use. Not simplified. Translated.
Visual Supports
Icons and colour coding. Not decoration. Functional supports for comprehension.
Instant Access
Pre-generated content. No waiting for AI to think. The thinking has been done.
The Point
DSX is a provider directory. It helps participants find and evaluate NDIS providers. It includes an AI assistant with Easy Read support.
This should have existed years ago. It did not. We built it.
The technical details are available on aXai's website. Annette explains the architecture. I will not attempt to summarise it here. I am aware of my limitations.
The relevant observation is not technical. It is that a system designed with disabled people works differently than a system designed for them. The difference is measurable. We have measured it.