What is NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s unified approach to supporting people with permanent and significant disability. Its primary goal is to provide participants with funding for necessary supports that enhance independence and well-being.
As an insurance-based scheme, the NDIS provides tailored lifelong support. This ensures participants have choice and control over their lives, allowing them to decide who supports them and what goals they want to achieve.
At its heart, the NDIS provides peace of mind for all Australians. By investing in early intervention and personalized care, the scheme helps people with disability build the capacity to engage fully in their communities.
Eligibility and Access
Who is eligible for NDIS??
- Age: You must be aged between 7 and 65 years.
- Residency: You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Disability: You must have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities, or you need early intervention.
- Early intervention: If you or your child has a developmental delay or is likely to develop a permanent disability, you may be able to access early intervention support through the NDIS.
How to access the NDIS
- Check your eligibility: See if you meet the basic requirements for age, residency, and disability.
- Contact the NDIS: Reach out to the NDIS directly or find a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in your community.
- Complete an Access Request Form: Provide your personal details and consent for the NDIS to collect information.
- Provide evidence of disability: Share reports from your medical or health professionals that detail your disability and how it impacts your life.
Support Categories
Understanding NDIS Plans
If you are accepted into the NDIS, you will receive an individualised plan that outlines your goals and the funding allocated to achieve them. NDIS plans are divided into three supports budgets:
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Core Supports
Funding for everyday activities, consumables, assistance with daily living, social and community participation and transport.
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Capacity Building Supports
Funding to help you build your independence and skills, including support coordination, therapy, employment support and more.
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Capital Supports
Funding for higher-cost items like assistive technology, home modifications and Specialist Disability Accomodation (SDA).
SDA funding falls under the Capital Supports budget and is only available to participants who meet specific eligibility criteria for specialist housing.
SDA in the NDIS
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is purpose-built housing designed for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It focuses on fixed architectural features that make it easier and safer for you to live independently and receive the support you need at home. SDA funding is included in your plan as a capital support if specialized housing is deemed necessary and reasonable for your living situation.
- Independent Living: Empowering you to perform everyday tasks safely in a home that adapts to your needs.
- Specialised Design: High-standard accessibility features including wider doorways, ceiling hoists, and robust construction.
- Choice and Control: You choose where you live and which partner provides your daily shared supports.
- Support Efficiency: Homes designed to integrate assistive technology, making care more effective and less intrusive.
How to get SDA in your NDIS plan
Accessing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a collaborative process designed to ensure your housing meets your specific support and independence goals.
1. Complete a Housing Assessment
The first step is working with an Occupational Therapist to conduct a thorough assessment of your housing needs and functional limitations.
2. Provide Professional Evidence
Gather detailed reports from health professionals that demonstrate why specialized housing is the best option for your extreme functional impairment.
3. Meet with your NDIS Planner
Present your housing goals and evidence to your NDIS planner during a plan review or reassessment meeting to include SDA funding.
4. Assessment NDIS Outcome
The NDIS panel assesses the evidence. If successful, SDA funding is added to your budget, enabling you to secure a specialized home.
Your rights under the NDIS
We believe that every person has the right to live a life of their own choosing. The NDIS framework is designed to empower you by providing clear rights and safeguards, ensuring your dignity is upheld and your voice is central to every decision made about your support.
- Choice and Control: You decide which supports you receive and which providers deliver them.
- Safety and Protection: You have the right to feel safe and be free from harm, neglect, or abuse in your home and community.
- Respect and Inclusion: Your culture, identity, and individual goals are valued and respected at all times.
- Voice and Feedback: You have the right to provide feedback or raise a concern about your services without it affecting your care.
- Access to Advocacy: You can involve an independent advocate to help you speak up and represent your interests.
External Resources
Find more information through these official channels. These resources provide essential guidance for participants and families navigating the NDIS and SDA landscape.