What Is NDIS? A Simple Guide for Participants and Families

Originally Published by ORS Group

Author: Peter Scott – Executive Chairmen, BPsych, GradDipPsych, MRehabCouns, MA, GAICD

This article was originally published by ORS Group and has been republished on DiversAbilities with permission to support disability awareness and accessible community education.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, commonly known as the NDIS, is an Australian government scheme that provides funding for eligible people with disability to access reasonable and necessary disability-related supports.

NDIS supports can help participants:

The supports included in an NDIS plan are based on an individual’s disability-related needs, goals and circumstances.

Not everyone with a disability automatically qualifies for NDIS funding. Eligibility depends on requirements set under NDIS legislation.

Generally, the NDIS considers factors such as:

If someone is not eligible for an individual NDIS plan, they may still be able to access other community, mainstream or early intervention supports depending on their circumstances.

Eligibility can be complex, so families who are unsure about their options may benefit from obtaining information and guidance from appropriate professionals or the NDIS.

NDIS funding is intended for disability-related supports rather than ordinary living expenses.

Depending on a participant’s individual plan, NDIS supports may help with:

The NDIS currently groups funding into support budgets, including Core, Capacity Building, Capital and Recurring supports. Participants do not necessarily receive funding in every budget; their plan is based on their individual needs.

Core supports are designed to help participants with everyday activities and participation in the community.

Depending on the participant’s plan, Core supports may assist with things such as:

Core funding can be flexible in some circumstances, but participants still need to follow the rules that apply to their plan and the relevant support categories.

Capacity Building supports are focused on developing skills, independence and the participant’s ability to work towards their goals.

Examples may include:

The purpose is not simply to provide assistance in the moment. Capacity Building supports can help participants develop skills and confidence that may improve their participation and independence over time.

Capital supports generally relate to higher-cost items or equipment that can support a participant’s independence and accessibility.

Depending on individual circumstances and the participant’s plan, this may include:

Capital supports are generally subject to specific funding rules, so participants should check their plan and the relevant NDIS requirements before purchasing an item or arranging a modification.

An NDIS plan describes the supports and funding available to an individual participant.

A plan can include:

The amount of funding is based on factors such as the types of supports required, their expected costs, how often they are needed and whether some supports are shared.

Every participant’s plan can look different because disability-related needs and personal goals are different for each person.

One of the most important concepts to understand when talking about NDIS funding is reasonable and necessary.

For an NDIS support to be funded, it must meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria. This can include requirements that the support:

NDIS supports also cannot simply replace ordinary day-to-day living costs or services that should be provided through another system.

Participants need to use their NDIS funding in accordance with their plan and the applicable NDIS rules.

A support generally needs to:

The NDIS has lists explaining what are and are not NDIS supports. If funding is used incorrectly, the participant may be asked to repay the money.

When you are unsure whether something can be purchased using NDIS funding, it is better to check before spending the money.

Families and carers can play an important role in helping participants understand and use their supports.

Helpful strategies include:

The participant should remain at the centre of decision-making as much as possible, with support from family, carers or representatives where appropriate.

For families of young children, understanding the NDIS and early childhood supports can be particularly important.

The NDIS Early Childhood Approach supports children younger than 9 who have developmental delay or disability. It aims to help children build skills and capabilities, participate in everyday activities and be included in their communities.

Families can also receive early connections to information, community and mainstream services and other supports. A child does not necessarily need to be an NDIS participant to receive early connections.

The approach recognises that families play an important role in supporting children’s development and participation.

Choosing a support provider is an important decision for participants and families.

When comparing providers, consider:

The right provider should support the participant’s goals, choices, independence and dignity.

NDIS support is not only about receiving assistance. For many participants, supports can also be used to build skills and increase independence.

This may include learning how to:

The type and amount of support needed will depend on each person’s individual circumstances and goals.

NDIS rules and individual plans can sometimes be difficult to understand.

If you are unsure whether a particular support can be funded, it is important to check the participant’s plan and the current NDIS guidance before making a purchase.

Families may also seek assistance from appropriate professionals, such as support coordinators or other qualified disability professionals, depending on the participant’s circumstances.

The aim should be to make informed decisions that keep the participant’s needs, goals and safety at the centre.

Professional guidance may be helpful when:

Getting help is not a sign that you are doing something wrong. The NDIS can be complex, and appropriate guidance can help participants and families better understand their options.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government scheme that provides funding for eligible people with permanent and significant disability to access reasonable and necessary disability-related supports.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

Eligibility depends on requirements set under NDIS legislation, including disability or early intervention requirements and relevant age and residence requirements. Having a disability does not automatically mean a person will receive an NDIS plan.

What can NDIS funding be used for?

NDIS funding can be used for eligible disability-related supports included in or consistent with a participant’s plan and the applicable NDIS rules. Examples can include personal support, therapy, skill development, assistive technology and certain equipment or modifications.

What are Core Supports?

Core Supports help participants with everyday activities and community participation. Depending on the plan, they can include assistance with daily life, social and community participation and certain consumables.

What are Capacity Building Supports?

Capacity Building Supports are intended to help participants build skills, independence and capacity. They can include certain therapy, employment and support coordination services, depending on the participant’s plan.

Does every participant receive the same NDIS funding?

No. NDIS plans are individualised. Funding is based on a participant’s disability-related needs, goals and the supports that meet the relevant funding criteria.

Can children receive NDIS support?

Children may receive NDIS support if they meet the relevant requirements. The NDIS also has an Early Childhood Approach for children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability, as well as early connections for families who need information and support.

Can I use NDIS funding for anything I want?

No. NDIS funding must be used according to the participant’s plan and the applicable NDIS rules. Supports need to meet the relevant criteria and be related to the participant’s disability.

What should I do if I don’t understand my NDIS plan?

If you are unsure about your plan or how funding can be used, review the information in your plan and seek clarification from your NDIS contact or an appropriate disability professional. It is better to clarify funding rules before purchasing a support.

Understanding the NDIS can make it easier for participants and families to make informed decisions about disability supports.

The NDIS is designed around individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. A participant’s supports should help address disability-related needs, build independence, encourage participation and support their personal goals.

Most importantly, the participant should remain at the centre of their supports. With the right information, planning and support, families and participants can make more confident decisions about their NDIS journey.

Important: NDIS rules, funding arrangements and guidelines can change. Always check the current information from the official NDIS website before making decisions about eligibility, funding or purchasing supports.Stimming is something many parents hear about for the first time when learning about autism, and it can come with a lot of questions. What is it? Is it something to worry about? Should it be stopped?

Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour, refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that help a person feel calm, focused, or regulated.

When we talk about autism stimming, we’re describing a natural and meaningful way many autistic children (and adults) respond to the world around them.

Written by: Peter Scott