Empowering Diversity

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents a novel approach to supporting Australians with substantial and enduring disabilities, along with their families and caregivers. This initiative guarantees that individuals with disabilities will receive essential assistance to lead an ordinary life.

By investing in people with disabilities from an early stage, the NDIS aims to enhance their long-term outcomes. The primary focus lies in nurturing their skills and capabilities, enabling them to actively engage in the community and seek employment opportunities.

To be eligible for funding under the NDIS, you must meet specific criteria, which are outlined as follows:

• Residency: You must reside in Australia and be either an Australian Citizen, Permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa.
• Age: The eligible age range is from 0 to 65 years. However, existing participants who reach 65 years can choose to either continue with the NDIS or transfer to the aged care support system available to all Australians in that age group.
• Disability: You should have a disability that is either permanent or likely to be permanent, and it must significantly impact your functional capacity in areas such as communication, social interaction, mobility at home and in the community, or the ability to manage personal care and affairs (e.g., banking, bill payment, etc.).

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The NDIS encompasses an extensive array of disability services, support, and equipment that are reasonable and necessary. These encompass various therapies, behavior support, transport assistance, home support, educational aid, living arrangements, modifications for homes and vehicles, communication assistive technology, mobility equipment, community participation activities, personal care assistance, funding for training and events attendance, and employment support.

The supports provided by the NDIS are designed to help individuals in the following ways:

• Achieving personal goals
• Enhancing and sustaining independence
• Developing essential skills for daily life
• Facilitating active participation in the community
• Assisting in gaining and maintaining employment opportunities.

The NDIS provides funding for reasonable and necessary disability-related support, ensuring participants receive the assistance they need to meet their requirements and reach their objectives.

Certainly! If you are 65 years or older, you are ineligible to access the NDIS; however, this doesn't imply that you won't receive any support. If you are in this age group and already receiving disability supports, rest assured that you will continue to receive the same level of assistance as before, albeit not through the NDIS services.

NDIS funding allows you to cover reasonable and necessary supports and services aimed at enhancing your skills and independence progressively.

The supports are categorized into three types:

1. Core budget supports: These are designed to aid you with daily living activities.
2. Capital budget supports: Intended for investments, such as assistive technologies, equipment, home or vehicle modifications, and funding for capital costs, including specialist disability accommodation.
3. Capacity building budget supports: Geared towards assisting you in developing your independence and skills.

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If you or your child is eligible, you have several options to apply for NDIS membership:

• Contact the NDIS at 1800 800 110 and request a Verbal Access Request.
• Fill out the NDIS Access Request Form and email it to NAT@NDIS.gov.au.
• Reach out to your nearest Local Area Coordinator or NDIS office. You can find NDIS offices or contacts in your area through a search.

Certainly! You can request an early review of your NDIS plan, which is typically scheduled every 12 months, only in the event of a significant change in your needs or circumstances. This process, known as a plan variation, can be facilitated with the assistance of the NDIS support or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

A situation where you may need to contact the NDIS for a plan variation is if your parent, who usually provides care for you, needs to be hospitalized for an extended period. As they won't be available to support you at home during this time, alternative fun

Effectively managing the funds in your NDIS plan involves determining how service providers and supports will be paid. During your planning meeting, you will be asked to specify your preferred method of fund management. You have the following options to choose from:

• Self-managing: You take personal responsibility for managing your funds and paying service providers directly.
• Financial intermediary: You designate a third-party intermediary to handle the financial aspects of your plan and payments to service providers.
• NDIS-managed (Agency managed): The NDIS takes on the responsibility of managing the funds and paying service providers on your behalf.
• Combination of the above options: You can opt for a mix of different management approaches, tailoring it to your specific needs and preferences.

During the development of your NDIS plan, it's essential to communicate your desire for support in implementing the plan effectively.

The NDIS may involve a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or allocate funding for Support Coordination in your plan.

An LAC is an individual from the NDIS or a partnering organization who assists in implementing your plan at a basic level. However, if your plan requires additional help due to its complexity, you may receive funding for a Support Coordinator. There are three types of support coordination available:

• Support Connection: This entails short-term assistance in locating services and establishing service agreements. It is typically provided by an LAC.
• Coordination of Support: This level of support can also aid in finding services and creating service agreements, but it may involve dealing with some extra complexities.
• Specialist Support Coordination: This level is intended for participants with highly complex needs that necessitate coordination by specialists.

If you are dissatisfied with your current service provider, you have the option to switch to a different one. Keep in mind that each provider may have specific notice periods outlined in your service agreement, so it's essential to review those details. Once you decide to make a change, inform your current provider about your decision, and they will guide you on the necessary steps. If you have already chosen a new provider, get in touch with them, and they will be more than willing to assist you through the process.