The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a transformative program that provides funding and support for people with a permanent and significant disability. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. However, navigating the NDIS can be a complex process, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of the scheme and how to access its benefits.
What is the NDIS?
NDIS logo The NDIS is an Australia-wide scheme that provides financial assistance and support services for people with a permanent and significant disability. It is designed to help people with disabilities live independently and participate in their communities.
Who is Eligible for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must:
- Be an Australian resident
- Be under the age of 65
- Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to participate in everyday activities
A disability is considered permanent if it is likely to last for at least two years, and it is considered significant if it limits a person’s ability to function in one or more of the following areas:
- Self-care
- Mobility
- Communication
- Learning
- Social interaction
How to Apply for the NDIS
The first step in accessing the NDIS is to apply for an access decision. This involves completing an Access Request Form and providing supporting documentation, such as medical reports and assessments. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will then assess the application and make a decision about whether or not the person is eligible for the NDIS.
What Happens After I am Approved for the NDIS?
If the person is eligible, they will then work with a planner to develop a NDIS plan. This is a personalized document that outlines the person’s goals, needs, and the supports that will be funded to help them achieve their goals. The plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that it is still meeting the person’s needs.
What is Planning and Coordination of Supports?
The NDIS provides funding for planning and coordination of supports (PCS). This includes:
- Assessment and planning: Helping people with disabilities to identify their goals and needs, and to develop a plan to achieve those goals.
- Service coordination: Working with people with disabilities to find and access the services they need, and to coordinate the delivery of those services.
- Case management: ProvidingOngoing support and advocacy to people with disabilities throughout their involvement with the NDIS.
What Types of Support Can I Get with My NDIS Funding?
NDIS funding can be used to purchase a wide range of supports, including:
- Assistance with personal care and daily living: This includes help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Therapy and rehabilitation services: This includes services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology.
- Assistive technology and home modifications: This includes assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, as well as modifications to homes to make them more accessible.
- Employment support: This includes services such as job training, placement, and support.
- Social and recreational activities: This includes support to participate in activities such as sports, hobbies, and social groups.
- Respite care for family carers: This includes support for family carers to take a break from caring for a loved one with a disability.
What are the Benefits of the NDIS?
The NDIS has a number of benefits for people with disabilities, including:
- Increased independence: The NDIS helps people with disabilities to live more independent lives.
- Improved quality of life: The NDIS helps people with disabilities to access the supports they need to improve their quality of life.
- Greater social participation: The NDIS helps people with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities.
- More choice and control: The NDIS gives people with disabilities more choice and control over the supports they receive.
Why is the NDIS Important?
The NDIS is an important program because it helps to address the systemic inequities that people with disabilities have faced for too long. The NDIS provides people with disabilities with the support they need to live full and productive lives.
How Can I Learn More About the NDIS?
There are a number of resources available to help you learn more about the NDIS, including:
- The NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
- The NDIS phone line: 1800 800 110
- The NDIS local area coordinator (LAC) network: https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations
How can Eragon Disability Support Help me with NDIS?
We are NDIS approved services in Adelaide, and our focus in on providing compassion and care for your loved ones.
Recognizing everyone’s unique needs and goals is the basis of our services and that’s why we take the time to understand you as an individual and create a tailored plan that meets your specific requirements.
You can know more by calling 08 7078 6505 or sending an email to admin@eragon.com.au