What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is transforming the way healthcare is provided to people with disability across Australia. The NDIS is a Government funding model aimed at improving the lives of individuals who acquire a disability prior to the age of 65.

Funding under the NDIS

Funding under the NDIS is provided under three different support clusters:

Core Supports – The Core support budget is made up of four different categories. These include:

Daily activities – for example: assistance with self-care activities or household tasks.
Social, community and civic participation – for example: supports to enable you to engage in social or recreational activities.
Consumables – for example: prosthetic liners, lotions and gels.
Transport funding (if you are unable to use public transport because of your disability)

Capital Supports – Capital supports have two support categories:

Assistive Technology: for example prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, shower stools, readers etc.
Home Modifications: ramps, handrails etc.

Capacity Building Supports – Capacity building funding includes categories such as:

Daily activity
Choice and control
Employment
Social Community and Civic Participation
Health and Well Being
Home Living
Lifelong Learning
Relationships
Support Coordination

Examples of Capacity Building Supports could include things like: gait training from a Physiotherapist, support from an Occupational Therapist to teach you how to use a one-handed mouse.

Things to consider when transitioning into the NDIS

There are a number of things that you need to consider when transitioning into the NDIS:

• Don’t forget to allow for repairs and prosthetic maintenance in your plan.
• Have a think about the number of liners and/or stump socks you may need over the course of one year.
• Are you considering trialling a different prosthetic devices like: a foot, hand or knee unit? If so, you will need to allow for clinical trials in your plan. Make sure you have a discussion about your needs with your prosthetist so that they can include the cost of trials in your plan. You should also discuss this with your Planner or Local Area Coordinator.
• The NDIS uses the term ‘Assistive Technology’ or (AT) when referring to prosthetic devices and equipment.
• As a participant of the NDIS it is very important that you can clearly outline your goals, how you will achieve your goals, and how your goals will assist you to live an ordinary life.

More Information:

How to complete your NDIS Access Request – Lower Limb

How to complete your NDIS Access Request – Upper Limb

How do i Access Orthotic/Prosthetic Services within the NDIS

Accessing the NDIS

Contact the NDIS