What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme or the NDIS is the first national scheme established to serve all eligible people with a disability in Australia.
Whereas in the past, the federal government would provide funding to agencies and organisations who work with disabled individuals, the NDIS funds individuals directly.
The NDIS represents a shift in how governments service-disabled people and put control back into the hands of individuals. It’s estimated that there are 4.3 million people in Australia who have a disability, and the NDIS will pay out more than 22 billion AUD over the next five years to over half a million individuals who live with a permanent and significant disability.
The NDIS is also a gateway for individuals who have never received support or services for disabilities throughout their lives. This support also includes bringing together community organisations and services that is available to people who may not be eligible for NDIS funding. By providing connections and pathways for all Australians to connect to services such as doctors, support groups, libraries, sports clubs, and schools, it’s never been easier for everyone to get the help they need.
The NDIS can also be a valuable resource for finding information on funding options provided by different states and territories that may not be available under that NDIS.
What do the letters NDIS stand for?
N = National
The NDIS is a countrywide scheme available everywhere in Australia
D = Disability
People living with a disability may be eligible for support and services funding. Support is also given to early intervention cases where a person or child with a disability or development delay.
I = Insurance
The NDIS means that every Australian has insurance when it comes to disabilities. Whether you or a loved one was born with one or developed over time, you will get the care and support needed.
S = Scheme
The primary goal of the NDIS is to help people develop their well-being through increasing their skills and gaining greater independence over a period. The NDIS isn’t a blanket payment, but a scheme designed to cater to individual needs.
What does the NDIS do?
Deliver funding and support on an individual basis to eligible participants
Individuals who are suffering from a permanent and significant disability may be eligible for funding under the NDIS. NDIS funding aims to provide support and services that enable people to improve their lives and reach their goals through careful planning and management.
What makes the NDIS different from previous initiatives is that participants can choose their supports and services that may help them reach their goals. A goal is something determined by a participant that they feel will help improve their life. Goals may include achieving greater independence at home, connecting with a sports club or learning a new skill. To reach these goals, the participant has access to funding, support and family members working with them.
However, the NDIS is not a blanket solution for all things pertaining to disabilities. State and local governments retain the responsibility of many services that are outside of the NDIS.
No one with a disability is left behind.
Regardless of whether you are eligible for the NDIS, there is support available. The NDIS helps everyone with a disability connect with community organisations, government services and individuals who may help.
Common NDIS terminology and phrases
Supports and Services
Supports and services are a term often used to describe the different assistance and help that a participant may receive through the NDIS. A support may be a carer, family member, or a community organisation, and services might be an organisation especially equipped to help your situation.
Eligible
For individuals wishing to receive funding and support through the NDIS, they need to be eligible. This means that they must meet specific requirements under the National Disability Scheme 2013. Visit the NDIS website for more eligibility information.
Permanent and Significant Disability
If you have a disability that significantly impacts your day-to-day living and/or is a lifelong condition, it is classified as a permanent and significant disability.
Early Intervention
The NDIS provides support and funding for children and adults at the early stages of their disability. This early intervention aims to reduce the impact a disability may have on one’s life and helps to build the skills needed to live a full life.