What is the NDIS

There are around 4.3 million Australians who have a disability. Within the next five years, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide more than $22 billion in funding a year to an estimated 500,000 Australians who have permanent and significant disability. For many people, it will be the first time they receive the disability support they need.

The NDIS can provide all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as information about what support is provided by each state and territory government.

NDIS – What does it mean?

National: The NDIS is being introduced progressively across all states and territories.
Disability: The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible people with disability or children with developmental delay.
Insurance: The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
Scheme: The NDIS is not a welfare system. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.

What types of supports are funded?

The types of supports that the NDIS may fund for participants include:

daily personal activities
transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
workplace help to allow a participant to successfully get or keep employment in the open or supported labour market
therapeutic supports including behaviour support
help with household tasks to allow the participant to maintain their home environment
help to a participant by skilled personnel in aids or equipment assessment, set up and training
home modification design and construction
mobility equipment, and
vehicle modifications.