NDIS

NDIS Overview

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a scheme that provides access to personal care, equipment, aids and appliances, support services and other health-related services to people with disability. The NDIS was introduced in July 2013 and is a significant reform of Australia’s long-term services and support system. It is based on the principle of self-determination: people with disability should be able to make decisions about their lives, including who provides their support, how they receive it, and when they get it.

The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of support services, including but not limited to assistance with daily living tasks, therapy and rehabilitation services, modifications to homes and vehicles, and technology and equipment. The support and services provided through the NDIS are tailored to meet the individual needs of each participant, with a focus on empowering them to live their lives to the fullest.

The NDIS operates on a participant-centred approach, with individualised plans developed in collaboration with the participant and their support network. Participants can choose their support providers, allowing them to build their network of support tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Types of Support Funded by NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for a wide range of support services for individuals with disabilities in Australia. Some of the types of support funded by the NDIS include:

  • Assistance with daily living includes personal care, domestic tasks, and transport.
  • Therapy and rehabilitation: This includes funding for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation.
  • Modifications to homes and vehicles: This includes funding for modifications such as wheelchair ramps, bathroom adaptations, and vehicle modifications to accommodate a person’s disability.
  • Technology and equipment: This includes funding for assistive technology and equipment, such as hearing aids, communication devices, and mobility aids.
  • Respite care: This includes funding for short-term care to provide a break for a person with a disability and their primary carer.
  • Home modifications and equipment: This includes funding for modifications to a person’s home, such as adding wheelchair ramps or modifying bathrooms, and funding for equipment such as wheelchairs or hearing aids.
  • Specialist disability accommodation: This includes funding for supported accommodation for people with disabilities who require a high level of support.
  • Support for community, social, and leisure activities: This includes funding for activities such as joining a sports team, participating in social clubs, or going on holidays.

 

Note: The specific types of support funded by the NDIS can vary depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances, and the funding available for each support category may also vary.

NDIS Eligibility

To be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Permanent and significant disability: The individual must have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to participate in everyday activities.
  • Citizenship or residency status: The individual must be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa, or be a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
  • Age: The individual must be between 7 and 65 years of age, as the NDIS is designed to support people with disabilities under this age.

 

It is important to note that the NDIS is not means-tested, so eligibility is not based on a person’s income or assets. The NDIS also operates on a participant-centred approach, with individualised plans developed in collaboration with the participant and their support network. The NDIS provides support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, intending to improve their quality of life and help them to live more independently.