NDIS
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NDIS EXPLAINED
Creating Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities Through NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a significant reform in the way Australia supports individuals with disabilities. Established to provide a more inclusive society, the NDIS ensures that people with disabilities have access to the services and support they need to live a fulfilling life. It aims to give individuals greater control and choice over the supports and services they receive, tailoring these to meet their unique needs and goals.
Principles and Objectives of the NDIS
- Empower individuals with choice and control.
- Promote inclusivity and community participation.
- Ensure access to necessary support.
- Foster independence and skill development.
Integrating Mainstream Services
The NDIS serves as a facilitator, enabling individuals with disabilities to access and make full use of mainstream services. By incorporating and aligning these services within NDIS participants' support plans, the NDIS ensures that crucial services like healthcare, education, and employment are easily accessible and available.
Embracing Community Involvement
The NDIS supports active engagement with community services and activities through its various initiatives. This involvement not only enhances the lives of NDIS participants but also nurtures a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Supporting Informal Care Networks
The NDIS acknowledges the crucial role of informal support networks, including family and friends, in the lives of individuals with disabilities. It aims to sustain and bolster these networks by providing complementary formal support services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care and assistance.
Learn more about your NDIS
The NDIS provides a wide range of support to help participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Here are three major types of support:
- Core Supports
Core Supports help participants with everyday activities and essential tasks. They are designed to enable participants to live as independently as possible.
- Capital Supports
Capital Supports are investments in assistive technologies, equipment, and home modifications to improve participants' mobility and independence.
- Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building Supports are designed to help participants develop skills and independence. These supports focus on long-term development and personal growth.
To access consumables through the NDIS, eligible participants can buy approved items such as urinary catheters, continence products, and assistive technology as specified in their NDIS plan. Purchases can be made directly from providers for self or plan-managed plans, or through NDIS-registered providers for agency-managed plans. Consumables must meet the participant's plan goals and daily living requirements to be eligible for funding.
Ability to Achieve specialises in delivering NDIS services tailored to empower individuals with disabilities in Australia’s Northern Territory. Their offerings include Supported Independent Living (SIL) for independent living support, Community Access for enhancing social participation, Respite Services for caregiver relief, and Explore Services aimed at skill development and meaningful activities. These services are crafted to promote independence, improve quality of life, and provide comprehensive support across various aspects of daily living and community engagement.
PACE is the latest participant portal for the NDIS, designed to provide participants with greater control over their funding and simplify provider payments. It was launched nationwide in November 2023 following a successful trial in Tasmania. ACE features longer plan durations, funding released at intervals, and a user-friendly interface. Participants transition gradually with their next plan, encountering terms like 'participant endorsed provider' to streamline payments, which is especially beneficial for NDIA-managed participants and those with specific funding needs. For more information about ACE, visit the NDIS website.
As the NDIA gradually shifts participants to PACE, they have introduced changes in how participants can engage with service providers. If you are a participant, plan nominee or decision-maker, please contact the NDIS at 1800 800 110 to indicate your preference to select Ability to Achieve as your service provider. We will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step document outlining this procedure.
An NDIS Plan Manager supports individuals in handling their NDIS funding by providing expertise in financial management, including budgeting and managing provider payments. Plan management stands apart from NDIA management or self-management options. Plan managers help improve financial capabilities, widen provider options, and deliver detailed budget reports.
The NDIS planning process involves meeting with an NDIS planner to discuss your goals, needs, and the support required to achieve them. Together, you'll develop a personalised plan that outlines the funded supports and services to help you live your life and achieve your goals.
Preparing for the NDIS requires careful consideration of your needs, strengths, and aspirations. This includes:
- Reflecting on what matters most to you and evaluating what is and isn't working.
- Identifying your support network and understanding how they can assist you.
- Setting goals and planning the steps needed to achieve them.
- Documenting your thoughts and gathering the necessary information for your access request.
