Disability Support Services
In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for people with permanent and significant disabilities to live an ordinary life. The NDIS is responsible for funding and providing services to assist people with disabilities, their families, and carers to achieve their goals and live as independently as possible. The NDIS provides funding for a range of support services, including personal care, equipment and aids, and community access.
To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must meet certain criteria. They must have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to perform daily tasks and interact with others, or have a developmental delay that affects their ability to learn and communicate. The person must also be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected Special Category Visa.
Once a person has been assessed and deemed eligible for the NDIS, they will work with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator to develop a personalized plan. This plan identifies the person's goals, needs, and aspirations, and outlines the support and funding required to achieve them.
NDIS Plan Management
Once a person has an approved NDIS plan, they have several options for managing their funding and support services:
1. Self-Managed: The person or their nominee can manage their NDIS funding and choose their support providers. This option requires the person to have financial management skills and to be able to keep appropriate records.
2. Plan-Managed: The person can engage a plan manager to manage their NDIS funding and support services. The plan manager takes care of all financial transactions and ensures that all support services are paid for.
3. NDIA-Managed: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages the person's NDIS funding and support services. This option is only available to people who are unable to manage their own funds or choose their own support providers.
Regardless of the plan management option chosen, the NDIS provides funding for a range of support services, including:
1. Personal Care: Assistance with daily living activities, such as showering, dressing, and eating.
2. Equipment and Aids: Funding for equipment and aids, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication devices.
3. Community Access: Assistance to enable people with disabilities to participate in social, recreational, and community activities.
4. Therapy Services: Funding for various therapy services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy.
In summary, the NDIS is a significant initiative that provides support for people with disabilities to live an ordinary life. The scheme provides funding for a range of support services, including personal care, equipment and aids, and community access. Once a person has an approved NDIS plan, they can choose the plan management option that best suits their needs. Whether it's self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed, the focus is on achieving the person's goals, needs, and aspirations.
