The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing support for people with disability and their families. It provides better access to services, more choice and control over plans, and better coordination of support.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a scheme that provides funding for people with disability. It was established by the Australian government in 2013, and replaced the previous scheme, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS operates on an individual basis to provide support for people with a disability of any age who require assistance with education, employment or social participation.
The NDIS provides funding to eligible participants through two levels: national and state/territory level funded plans. Participants can choose how they want this money spent—for example on equipment like wheelchairs or computers; assistive technology such as voice-to-text software; services like home care help; community programs such as day care centres; respite care so you can take time off from caring for your child at home; or even travel costs if you need to attend appointments at another location outside of your home suburb.
How does it work?
So, how does the NDIS work?
The NDIS is a new way of providing support. It's a single, comprehensive and flexible system that works with people to make sure they get the right services at the right time in their lives. The NDIS is built on an individual-based approach with an emphasis on self-determination and choice, as well as integrating care and support around a person's goals and aspirations.
In order to be eligible for the NDIS, you must have a permanent disability or long-term health condition such as brain injury or spinal cord injury which has stopped you from doing some things that most people take for granted such as walking or talking or seeing normally again after having something traumatic happen like being hit by a car while crossing the road near your home where there isn't enough safe places for pedestrians so they have no choice but walk into danger even though there are better options available within walking distance if only they could see them clearly enough through their damaged eyesight (if this sounds like something your loved one might need help with then please contact us today so we can talk more about how we can help them).
If someone doesn't meet these criteria but still needs assistance managing their finances due to mental illness such as anxiety disorder/depression/bipolar disorder/OCD etcetera then they may still apply under another scheme called "NDIS Lite" which provides similar services but offers less flexibility than full "NDIS". This program was created specifically for those who don't qualify under full scheme yet still want some assistance managing their finances without having access however limited it may seem compared against what others receive under full scheme thanks largely due entirely to various restrictions placed upon providers' ability to offer any sort of service outside certain narrow parameters set forth by law makers here in Australia (the ones who made these rules). If someone doesn't want any help whatsoever then don't worry! You'll probably be fine without either option since nobody else uses it anyway
What kind of services are available under the scheme?
The NDIS supports a range of services, including:
Supports for people with disability (e.g. personal assistants).
Transition support (e.g. helping people go from school to the workforce).
Employment support (e.g. providing job coaches).
Access to health and community services, such as speech pathology and physiotherapy services.
This list is not exhaustive! The NDIS is also open to supporting access to assistive technology—such as hearing aids or wheelchairs—as well as independent living support like advocacy, information and referral services, which can help you find out about other government programs that may be available to you in your area if they're not included in the NDIS at this point in time (ahem...like disability parking)
What do I need to apply for funding in the scheme?
In order for you to be eligible for the NDIS, you must have a plan. This is the document that outlines what support will be provided for your disability and how much funding will be available. You also need an approved provider who can provide services under your plan, as well as a referral from a medical professional such as a doctor or psychologist. If you are eligible for the scheme and wish to apply, it's best to do so with help from an experienced NDIS Advocate like ourselves!
In addition to these requirements, there are others which may affect whether or not you qualify:
You must be over 18 years old at the time of application (or 16 if still in school).
You must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency status in Australia (for example: New Zealanders who have held permanent residency status for more than five years).
Who are all the people involved in my plan?
The NDIS is a massive, complex system that involves many different people and organisations. Here are some of the key people involved in your plan:
Planner or planner team: The planner is usually a qualified social worker or specialised NDIS-trained professional who has worked with people with disabilities for many years. They will help you to create your participant statement, which outlines what supports you need and how they will be delivered. They may also coordinate support services for you or refer you to other service providers if required.
Plan manager: Your plan manager can be an independent contractor (the most common), but it's also possible that they're employed by an organisation such as Centrelink or Access Industries (formerly DEEWR). If so, there are strict rules about who they can provide advice to - mainly just those living in supported accommodation run by them (if any). This person's role is primarily administrative - helping participants access the services they need while working with the plan coordinator and provider team on behalf of their clientele at large
An NDIS blog can be a good link if you're looking for more information.
It's important to know that it is not compulsory for children with disabilities to use the NDIS. It is an optional scheme, but if you choose to apply for funding through the NDIS and are approved, it could be worth your while.
Getting funding through the NDIS scheme is a great way to get the care you deserve. The scheme has been designed so that it's easy to access, and there are many different types of services available under it. You can apply for funding at any time if you think you may need support in the future.
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