If you’re living with a physical or psychological disability, it’s important that you have the right support and NDIS plan in place so you can live your life, your way.
Help is not far away! The National Disability Insurance Scheme (or NDIS for short) is a government-funded initiative developed specifically for people just like you, so that specialist services tailored to your needs are in place when you need them.
What is an NDIS plan?
By being recognised as an eligible participant of the NDIS, you’re provided with an NDIS plan that connects you with the services and resources specific to your needs so you can kick your goals, and have peace of mind.
Designed to give you as much choice and control as possible, an NDIS representative will meet with you to find out exactly what you need. This is a friendly conversation and a great opportunity to talk about your goals, what you’d like to work towards, your likes and dislikes and the life you’d like to lead.
Once you’ve received your NDIS Plan, that’s where we come in! You or your caregiver have the option to sign up with a plan manager. Recommendations may have been made to you by your LAC or Planner during the initial phases of establishing your plan, but at the end of the day, it’s completely your choice who you wish to work with in managing your NDIS plan. To view the different ways you can manage your NDIS Plan, have a read of our ‘What is NDIS Plan Management’ article which breaks down the different options.
Who can benefit from an NDIS plan?
To be eligible for an NDIS plan you must be:
● Living in Australia
● Aged between 7 and 65 years
● An Australian citizen or hold a Permanent or Special Category visa
● Have a permanent and significant disability
If you started receiving NDIS services before turning 65, you’re able to continue to receive funding beyond your 65th birthday. If you fall outside of this timeline, the NDIS has put together a document that can help you find the support you need, which you can access here.
If your child is younger than 7 years of age, the NDIS early childhood approach is there to help give your child the best start in life.
What does the NDIS fund?
Supports provided by the NDIS are based on your individual needs and goals, as well as things such as your living arrangements and your family and carer network.
Types of supports that can be included in your NDIS plan are categorised into three areas:
Core Supports budget
● Consumables (disability-related items such as continence products)
● Self-care and daily hygiene activities
● Social and community participation
● Transport if unable to drive or use public transport
Capacity Building budget
● Choice and control through plan management services
● Employment
● Health and wellbeing (e.g. exercise and nutrition therapies)
● Home living (e.g. supported independent living accommodation)
● Relationships
● Improved Daily living
Capital Support budget
● Assistive technology for mobility, personal care, communication, and recreation
● Home modifications
How can an NDIS plan support you?
Now that you know how an NDIS plan works, it’s time to customise it to suit your goals!
Education
Are you a student studying at TAFE or university? Or plan on studying in the future but are worried about how you can manage it? Supports such as these can give you a positive learning experience:
● Personal care and support at school
● Transport to and from school
● Specialist support needed to transition to higher education, training, or work
Health
If your daily functional capacity is limited, these supports can help you navigate these obstacles:
● Maintenance supports, given or supervised by qualified healthcare professionals
● Ongoing supports that help you manage your body’s functions and abilities
● Long-term therapy to improve your abilities over time and prevent regression
Employment
Thinking about starting a job, or wanting to progress in your current role? These supports might be just what you need:
● Personal care and support in the workplace
● Transport support to and from work
● Resources to help you find and keep a job
● Transition into work or change of workplace
How can an NDIS plan help your caregivers?
Not all heroes wear capes, which is why it’s important that caregivers are supported by the NDIS too.
Your NDIS plan may provide a helping hand to those caring for you such as providing your caregiver with respite services, so they can take a break from their everyday responsibilities and recharge their batteries.
If your NDIS plan doesn’t include carer supports, the NDIS have put together a resource for carers that includes a range of services available to them.
We’re here to help
We’ve got your back at every stage of your NDIS journey. Get in touch with our experienced team of Plan Mentors to find out more about the support available to you and your loved ones.
For more information about our NDIS Plans or any NDIS enquire, please check out this NDIS resource.