NDIS
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is for people under the age of 65 with a significant and permanent disability. It also helps support their families and the people who care for them.
Disability is something in the body or mind that can make it hard for a person to do the things they want.
Significant means the disability affects how you live every day
Permanent means the disability won’t go away
People with disability might struggle to:
- Move and get around; talk and learn; eat, see or hear; join in with things or look after themselves.
People with disability want the same things as everyone. They want to:
- get around
- be part of the community
- be connected to country
- learn
- get a job
- have fun
People who are eligible can apply for access to the NDIS and get help to make life easier.
Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their goals and the funding they have received.
NDIS Participant means the person eligible or receiving disability supports/services.
Access means a person “gets into the NDIS” or “becomes a NDIS Participant”.
The NDIS will provide the reasonable and necessary supports, services, equipment and products so they can live their best life with disability. NDIS participants use their funding to purchase supports and services that will help them achieve their goals.
Reasonable means fair
Necessary means something a person needs
The NDIS is set up to provide funding critical to people being able to live the lives they would like to live, in their communities.
Funding can assist in areas of life such as education, employment, social participation, independent living arrangements and health and well-being.
If eligible, The NDIS provides individual funding based on the person’s short-term and long-term goals.
How can it help your family and community?
You can apply for things that will make your life less complex and more enjoyable.
The NDIS will provide reasonable and necessary supports, services, equipment and products, for example:
- Allied Health Services (e.g. Speech therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy)
- Equipment you may need (disability related)
- Support you need at home (e.g. cook meals and help with washing)
- Support to go out (like go to the shops, community activities, get out on country, apply for a job or try something new)
What is an NDIS plan?
Once you have applied for access to the NDIS, they will tell you if you meet the access requirements and if you can get a plan. The Evidence, Access and Planning Coordinators at your community clinic will meet with you and help you prepare for a meeting with the NDIS Planner.
At the meeting you will yarn about the supports and services you may need, the types of support you get now, how you do everyday things, what you are good at and what is hard.
The plan will have your goals and what kind of support you need. You can choose who will give you help – it could be a family member, someone you know, or someone new.
The NDIS will pay for the services and equipment that is written in the plan. The money will be used for what is written in the plan and does not go into your bank account directly.
After about a year, you can review your plan to see what is working and what is not. You can also change your plan after this review.
How can Kimberley Supports get you on NDIS?
Contact your local Community Connector and they will set up a meeting with your Evidence, Access and Planning Coordinators or go to your local clinic.
Watch our video for more information.
What supports can you get?
Help around the house
eg. cooking, cleaning, gardening
Personal care
eg. showering; bathroom assistance; mealtime support
Education and Employment
develop skills in school, college, work or life
Therapy supports
occupational therapy; hydrotherapy; exercise physiology; physiotherapy; speech therapy; many other therapies
Out and about
go shopping; hunting; fishing
Specialised supports
What is specialised (complex) support?
catheter care; medication management; mealtime management; swallow/nutrition; bowel care; diabetes management; positive behaviour support
Transport
What is transport support?
getting to appointments or therapy support; day-to-day activities; transport on country; transport to family and community events (eg funerals)
Transport allows you to use your own vehicle or a support worker’s vehicle.
In Home Care
- supervising or assistance with meal preparation; help with morning and evening routines
Learn How to Use the Kimberley Supports Disability Services Map Here.