How To - What is the NDIS?

Summary

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a vital program in Australia, administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), aimed at supporting individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. It provides tailored funding for services that help participants achieve personal goals related to daily living, communication, and independence. Community partners, including Local Area Coordinators and Early Childhood partners, play a crucial role in assisting individuals in navigating the NDIS and accessing necessary supports. Even those not eligible for NDIS funding can find support through community services, with further information available on the NDIS website or via their helpline.

Takeaways

• 😀 The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports eligible Australians with permanent and significant disabilities.
• 😀 A 'permanent disability' is expected to last a lifetime, while a 'significant disability' greatly affects daily activities.
• 😀 The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports and services to help participants achieve their personal goals.
• 😀 Local Area Coordinators and Early Childhood partners assist individuals in accessing NDIS services and navigating the disability sector.
• 😀 Individuals aged 7 to 64 should contact Local Area Coordinators for information about NDIS supports.
• 😀 Parents of children under seven with developmental delays can seek help from Early Childhood partners, regardless of NDIS eligibility.
• 😀 NDIS participants receive funding tailored to their unique goals, which may include therapy, daily living assistance, and job support.
• 😀 Service providers such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists deliver the supports outlined in an individual's NDIS plan.
• 😀 If someone does not meet NDIS eligibility requirements, they can still access community and government services through available resources.
• 😀 For more information about NDIS, individuals can visit the NDIS website or call 1800 800 110.

Q & A

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) that provides support for eligible Australians with permanent and significant disabilities.

What constitutes a permanent disability?

A permanent disability is one that is likely to be lifelong and affects a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.

What are reasonable and necessary supports under the NDIS?

Reasonable supports are those that are most appropriately funded through the NDIS, while necessary supports are those needed by a person that relate to their disability.

Who can assist with accessing NDIS information?

Local Area Coordinators and Early Childhood partners can assist individuals in navigating the NDIS and accessing local supports and services.

What is the role of Local Area Coordinators?

Local Area Coordinators help individuals aged 7 to 64 find information about the NDIS and connect them with supports in their local government area.

How do Early Childhood partners assist families?

Early Childhood partners help parents of children under seven with developmental delays or disabilities access support services, regardless of whether they are NDIS participants.

What is the significance of becoming an NDIS participant?

Becoming an NDIS participant means receiving funding tailored to support the individual's specific goals, which can include improving skills or gaining independence.

What types of services can NDIS funding be used for?

NDIS funding can be used for various services, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, support workers, assistive technology, and home modifications.

What should individuals do if they do not meet NDIS eligibility requirements?

Individuals who do not qualify for NDIS funding can still receive support through community and government services, with assistance from NDIS partners.

Where can individuals find more information about the NDIS?

More information can be found on the NDIS website at ndis.gov.au or by calling 1800 800 110. For information in another language, they can contact TIS National at 131 450.