What is the NDIS?

The NDIS is a national support system that helps people with significant disability achieve their goals and aspirations. It is based on insurance principles and aims to give participants choice and control over their funded'reasonable and necessary' support services.

NDIS Sydney focuses on supporting independence and personal growth through safe accommodations and focused skill development. It also offers a range of SIL services for those looking to move out of home.

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS is an Australia-wide scheme that provides funding for support services to help people with disability achieve their goals. This includes helping them gain independence and participate in their community. The NDIS provides participants with tailored plans that help them identify their goals and reach them. These goals can include pursuing further education, finding a job or joining social groups.

Eligibility for the NDIS is based on whether you have a permanent and significant disability that impacts your daily life. The NDIA assesses your eligibility and prepares a plan that sets out how much funding you'll get for the supports you need. This plan will also detail the types of supports that are considered reasonable and necessary.

You can choose to self-manage your NDIS plan or hire a professional NDIS plan manager. A professional plan manager can manage your NDIS funds, find providers for you, and ensure they charge within the NDIS price guide limits.

Who is NDIS?

To be eligible for the NDIS, you must live in an area where the scheme is available and have a permanent disability that affects your daily life. You must also be under 65 years of age and an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder or protected special category visa holder.

Once you're a participant, your NDIS plan will outline the support and funding you need to work towards your goals. You can choose who provides your support and have flexibility in how you spend your Core Supports budget.

PWDA encourages the NDIS to take a holistic approach to disability and consider how other aspects of society contribute to disabling factors like lack of access or environmental barriers.

It is important to start preparing early for your NDIS planning meeting. MS Queensland can help you understand the NDIS, prepare for your meeting and provide service coordination. Find out more here.

What are the benefits of the NDIS?

There are many benefits to the NDIS, including fostering independence and improving quality of life. It gives participants freedom to choose their support workers and build practical skills at a pace that suits them. It also supports them to pursue employment and education goals, enhancing their self-esteem and sense of fulfilment.

NDIS also funds community participation activities, such as day programs, to help people meet other participants and socialise, which can improve mental and emotional wellbeing. It also helps participants gain access to community venues, including sport clubs, by funding their companion cards.

The NDIS also provides training and courses to enhance the parenting or caring skills of participants, as long as it's consistent with their goals and supports them to overcome barriers. It is not responsible for psychological services, however, which are captured by Medicare Australia's universal healthcare scheme. NDIS participants are also able to self-manage their plan, which provides them with complete control over which providers they use and how much they spend.

How do I apply for the NDIS?

The NDIS offers vital support for people with disabilities, but the application process can feel complicated. That's why it's important to work with NDIS registered partners and service providers who are experienced in the process. They can help you understand available supports, explain the planning process, and even assist with the NDIS application itself.

Once the NDIA receives all of the necessary information and evidence, it will make a decision about whether or not you're eligible for the scheme. If you are, you will then attend a planning meeting with an NDIS planner. This is a great opportunity to discuss your goals and outline the types of supports you will require.

At the end of the planning process, you will receive your NDIS plan. This will detail the supports you have been allocated and how much funding you will receive. You can then choose to manage your own funds, or work with a registered NDIS plan management provider like Disability Support Management.