If you have a loved one living with a disability, or you yourself have a disability, you may be wondering, “What is the NDIS and how can it help me?” The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national initiative that supports people with a permanent disability, whether that is physical, intellectual, cognitive, sensory, or psychosocial. It provides Australians with disabilities access to a wide range of support services by funding and connecting them to appropriate services. This article provides an overview of the NDIS, who it helps, how it supports Australians with disabilities, and how to apply for NDIS support.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a government initiative that aims to provide support for Australians with permanent disabilities. The scheme provides funding for people with disability to access services and supports to help them achieve their goals. The NDIS is not a welfare system; it is designed to support people with disabilities so that they can improve their skills and independence.
Who Does the NDIS Help?
The NDIS helps an estimated 4.4 million people living with disabilities in Australia. People with disabilities want to be successful, independent, and happy and achieve a high quality of life. However, they often face challenges when pursuing their goals and need assistance doing things that many people take for granted. Currently, there are around 340,000 active NDIS participants, and the scheme estimates that it will grow to 500,000 participants within the next few years.
How Does the NDIS Support Australians with Disabilities?
NDIS participants receive funding to help them achieve their goals, which may include employment, education, healthier living, and more. The NDIS can provide assistance with daily needs, such as housework and yard maintenance, funding for assistive items that improve independence and mobility, support workers to aid participation in social and community activities, transportation to work, healthcare appointments, and more. The NDIS can also help participants find a suitable place to live, provide employment training to help them find and keep a job, assist with diet, exercise, and wellbeing, and provide funding for home modifications to assist with mobility and independence. It’s important to note that the services provided will depend on the participant’s specific NDIS plan, which will vary from one person to the next depending on location, age, residency status, and the nature of their disability.
How to Apply for NDIS Support?
If you think that you or your loved one may qualify for NDIS support, you can download application forms or contact the NDIS directly to inquire about eligibility. The NDIS Access Request Form (ARF) is available online for download. By filling this out, you can begin the application process. The next step is to work with your GP and other medical/Allied Health professionals to prepare and provide the information required for NDIS approval.
In conclusion, the NDIS provides essential support to Australians living with disabilities. It can help participants achieve their goals, increase their independence, and improve their quality of life. If you think you or a loved one may qualify for NDIS support, we encourage you to download the NDIS Access Request Form and begin the application process.