What is the NDIS?

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is also called the NDIS. The NDIS helps with everyday supports for people with disability to live their life and achieve their goals.  

As a registered NDIS provider, Ability Options can help you access disability services that meet your needs and that are right for you.  

What does NDIS cover? 

The NDIS can help you gain greater independence and covers a range of factors. This includes learning new skills, finding and securing employment, volunteering in the community, and providing the necessary support to help you achieve your goals and live your best life. 

If you are eligible for the NDIS, you’ll also have improved access to important services within your community, including doctors, local libraries, schools, specialist support, and sporting groups. 

Who is eligible for the NDIS? 

The NDIS supports thousands of Australians with disability every day.

If you’re wondering if you may be eligible for an NDIS plan, you can review the criteria below:  

• You must be between the ages of seven and 65.
  
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
  
• You must be living in Australia.
  
• You are a person with a disability caused by a permanent impairment
  
• You require disability-specific support services to complete day-to-day activities
  
• You require current support to lower your need for future assistance
  
• Your family needs to learn and build on their skills to support you better.

If you do not meet these requirements, other services are available that you may qualify for. While Ability Options is an NDIS provider, we can help you access alternative support and funding networks that may be better suited for you. If you’d like some help with this, contact us on 1300 422 454 or fill out the form below.

How does the NDIS work? 

Disability can affect anyone and if you meet the eligibility criteria you can receive NDIS funding to access support services.  

How to apply: 

1. First, you need to complete an Access Request Form to begin your application for the NDIS. 
2. Then, you will be invited to a planning meeting to help develop your NDIS plan. Your  NDIS plan will show the types of supports you need and the funding you will receive to access them. This plan is used to access service providers, like Ability Options, who will provide you with the supports to live more independently. 
3. If your circumstances change, you can have your plan reviewed at regular or agreed times during the year.  

Getting the most out of your NDIS plan 

Knowing how to manage your NDIS plan is important. The funding you receive will depend on your disability, needs and goals. Ability Options can help you navigate the process and ensure the funding you receive meets your needs and goals. Three different funding categories can be funded in your NDIS plan:

Core Supports 

This is the most flexible budget and includes your day-to-day living expenses, such as:

1. Consumables — This refers to everyday items you need to manage your disability, such as equipment to improve your independence and mobility.
2. Daily activities — This assists with any self-care activities you participate in during the day or night. 
3. Assistance with social and community participation — This provides support to help you engage in any recreational activities.
4. Transport — If your disability prevents you from accessing public transport, the NDIS will help you access appropriate transportation.

Capacity Building Supports  

Allocated across eight sub-categories, you can choose how to spend these funds to purchase any approved individual support within the category. Remember, your funding is matched to the goals in your plan and cannot be transferred from one category to another.

1. Choice and control — Training regarding plan management.
2. Daily activities — Therapy to build your skills to participate in activities.
3. Employment — Assessment and counselling regarding employment.
4. Health and wellbeing — Exercise advice due to the nature of your disability.
5. Home living — Support so you can obtain appropriate accommodation.
6. Lifelong learning — Support to move from school to higher education.
7. Relationships — Behavioural strategies to reduce potential concerning behaviours.
8. Social and community participation — Life skills and development training across community, recreational and social interaction.

Capital Supports   

This includes supports such as assistive technology or modifications to your home, which depends on quotes from suppliers: 

1. Assistive Technology including equipment items for mobility, personal care, communication and recreational inclusion 
2. Home Modifications such as the installation of a handrail in the bathroom or building an accessible ramp 

Understanding your NDIS plan will help you manage it well and make the most of your funding. Our Support Coordination team can also help you to navigate the NDIS and get the best out of your plan. To find out if you can access this service, simply check whether you have funding allocated in the “Capacity Building” budget within your NDIS plan. 

To find out more about how we can help you better understand the NDIS, contact us on 1300 422 454. You can also visit the NDIS website for more information: ndis.gov.au