Work out if you are eligible to be a participant of the N.D.I.S.
Do you live in Australia?
The N.D.I.S. is only for people who are Australian citizens or have a permanent or special category visa.
How old are you?
The N.D.I.S. is for people who are 64 and under. People who are 65 years and older with disability can get help through the Aged Care system. Click here for more information.
What is your disability? How does it affect what you do each day?
The N.D.I.S. will want evidence to show that you will always have a disability.
They will want evidence about the effect of your disability on your everyday life. They will consider if you need assistance from another person or persons and any special equipment. They will also consider if extra assistance or equipment you receive now may reduce the amount of support you will need in the future.
The N.D.I.S. will look at how your disability affects what you can do in the following areas:
– moving around – for example, walking or getting in and out of the car. This area is called mobility;
– getting your message across – for example, talking, signing or using pictures. This area is called communication;
– getting along with other people – for example, having friends and meeting new people. This area is called social interaction;
– being able to change how you do things – for example, making your lunch by yourself after being helped by someone. This area is called learning;
– being able to do things to look after yourself – for example, having a shower or cooking your dinner. This is called self-care;
– being able to make good decisions about your life – for example, knowing how much money you have and when to spend it. This is called self-management.
Have a look at List A
Some disabilities may not need detailed information on their impact as they are likely to meet the access requirements. This is known as List A – check it out here.
What about autism?
The current diagnosis standards for autism have different levels. The information the professionals use to assign a level is called the DSM5. The N.D.I.S. has Level 2 and Level 3 Autism as eligible.
If you have been diagnosed with autism under a different system – that is before the DSM5, you may need supplementary reports to ascertain the level of functional impact your autism has on your life. If this is the case, you can ask for funding to do updated assessments.
Not everyone who is eligible for the N.D.I.S. gets a plan
The Early Childhood Early Intervention approach for children under 9 years of age is about linking your child and family into existing services in the community that can help.
Read More
The NDIS website has much information on it, here are some important ones for families of people with disability when applying to the NDIS.
GET STARTED
To understand more about the N.D.I.S. take a look at their webpage Understanding the NDIS.
There are a number of ways to get started with your access request for the N.D.I.S. or Early Childhood Early Intervention.
You can phone the NDIS on 1 8 0 0 8 0 0 1 1 0.
OR
You can go to your local N.D.I.A., Local Area Coordination partner, or Early Childhood Early Intervention office.
To find the nearest office to you visit Offices and contacts in your area on the N.D.I.S. website.
If you need any help to understand and complete your access request, you can ask at these local offices, or ask family, friends and guardians.
You can also get an advocate to help you apply and come along to support you.
Get your reports together:
Good reports come from your doctor, specialist or therapist. They are clearly written, less than 2 years old and include your disability and how your daily life is affected.
If you are informed that you are not eligible to access the N.D.I.S. you can ask for a review of this decision.
See Service Providers below for advocacy and legal assistance providers in Tasmania.
ACTION STEPS
Here you can find a simple list of the best actions to take if you are interested in this topic:
1 .
Review the Read More section on this page to work out if you think you (or your child) meet the N.D.I.S. access requirements.
2 .
If you need some help with the process ask someone from your network of support such as family, friends, professionals, peer support organisations or the National Disability Insurance Agency and their partners.
3 .
Gather your paperwork together. Put professional reports about disability and its impact, birth certificate and evidence of Australian citizenship or visa status (if applicable) in a folder or envelope.
4 .
Phone the N.D.I.S. or visit local agency, Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood Early Intervention office. Take your folder or envelope with you. Ask for an access request form and help to complete the form if you need it.