Understanding and Accessing the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), designed to support people with a disability, uses an insurance approach (a bit like Medicare) to share service and support costs across the wider community. All Australian tax payers contribute to the scheme and it’s administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), a commonwealth level government agency.

The NDIS is designed to achieve two main goals:

• Cover the costs of the reasonable and necessary supports that a person with disability requires based on their personal circumstances, needs and goals.
• Give people with a disability greater choice and control over the support they receive.

Who is eligible for NDIS funding?

Everyone is assessed individually, but broadly speaking, you must be:

• Under 65 years old when your local area joins the NDIS.
• In need of support for everyday tasks because of a permanent impairment or condition.
• An Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen holding a Protected Special Category Visa.

What does it mean to me?

In simple terms, it means that as a person under the age of 65 living with vision loss or an impairment, you will receive allocated funds to access the supports you need to enhance your independence and quality of life.

As an example, you can receive funding to purchase assistive technologies that support you at school.

We encourage every person who is eligible for the NDIS to obtain funding. It is our belief that early intervention is essential and that the NDIS provides an opportunity for greater access to support and services that meet your needs.

Early Intervention Example: If a person is working with a doctor for depression and or anxiety they could be eligible for funding.

How can I apply for the NDIS?

Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the NDIS, can download an Access Request Form (ARF), and a Supporting Evidence Form (SEF), work with their GP, allied health, and specialist medical professionals to prepare and provide the information required. To find out more, and to download the forms required, you can find them at https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis

How can Footsteps Community Services help me?

Our services are designed around your individual circumstance. We customise programs to meet your specific needs, in order to help you reach your personal potential.

Similarly, the NDIS is designed to help you choose the most relevant supports and services for you, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. We welcome the new reforms.

We are here to help you navigate the NDIS, and assist you to understand and access the scheme. We can help you in the following ways:

• Assist you to understand the NDIS.
• Provide you with tools to help you prepare for the NDIS.
• Identify goals that the NDIS will consider to be funded.
• Assist you to understand your plan.

What sorts of NDIS services can Footsteps Community Services provide?

Our experienced staff are registered to provide a range of supports to children and adults .

We understand that everyone’s NDIS plan is different. Footsteps Community Services can ensure our supports will assist you to meet your NDIS goals. Examples of the ways we can support you through your NDIS plan include:

• Building your independence in the home and community (e.g. developing skills to support activities such as cooking, shopping, using public transport).
• Increasing your participation in social and community activities.
• Providing links with other services to help you maintain your independence.
• Supporting you to achieve your life goals, such as living independently.
• Prescription and training in aids and equipment for the home and community, including workplace modifications if you are currently employed or seeking work.

Footsteps Community Services can support you during the NDIS planning process, giving you confidence that your plan will help you meet your individual goals.

If you wish, you can nominate Footsteps Community Services as your preferred service provider and for your supports on your NDIS plan. You may wish to speak with your planner to request Footsteps Community Services undertake a Specialised Assessment to ensure your identified needs are included in your NDIS plan.

Getting started

Footsteps Community Services is here to support you. The best time to get in contact with us, is before you meet with your NDIS Planner. We can provide assistance with the NDIS process regardless of whether you are preparing for your NDIS planning meeting, already have your plan, or are transitioning over from an existing support program.