WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing disability support and care and is delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The scheme is available to Australians with disability, their families and carers.
The NDIS provides those under 65 years old who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life. The NDIS recognises that everyone is different and works to provide people with disability more choice and flexibility in the way support services are provided to them. The NDIS will help people with disability achieve their goals, including independence, community involvement, education, employment and health and well-being. The NDIS also provides people with disability, their families and carers with information and referrals to existing support services in the community.
The NDIS aims to help people with disability to:
- Access mainstream services and supports
Services from people like doctors or teachers through the health and education system. - Access community services and supports
Activities and services available to everyone in a community, such as sports clubs, community groups, libraries or charities. - Maintain informal support arrangements
Help people get from their family and friends. - Receive reasonable and necessary funded supports
Supports that are related to a person’s disability and are required for them to live an ordinary life and achieve their goals.
Why do we need the NDIS?
People with disability have the same right as other Australians to decide their best interests and to have choice and control over their lives.
The NDIS recognises that everyone’s needs and goals are different.
The NDIS provides people with individualised support and the flexibility to manage their supports to help them achieve their goals and enjoy an ordinary life.
The NDIS replaces a disability system that was unfair and inefficient with a new, national system that is world-leading, equitable and sustainable.
This provides certainty and consistency for people with disability, their families and carers.
Australians will now have peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with, or acquires a significant disability that is likely to be with them for life, they will get the support they need, when they need it.
Information Source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
The NDIA began the National Disability Insurance Scheme initiated the formal roll out across Australia in 2016. The NDIS was introduced in stages to ensure its ongoing success and sustainability. It is important to note that the NDIS support and funding replaced the disability service funding that was available.
As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
At United Disability Care, we understand that at times new systems and change can be difficult to navigate. Our website contains relevant information to help you understand the new scheme and how it might affect your current situation and support your future goals.
We have a Plan Manager on staff and we also have Supports Coordinators in our offices in NSW, QLD and SA.
Need More Information?
Visit the National Disability Insurance Scheme website www.ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.
For people with hearing and speech loss, TTY: 1800 555 677.
Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727.
For people who need assistance with English, TIS: 131 450
