NDIS Explained
Creating Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities Through NDIS
Useful Information and Topics on the NDIS
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is an Australian government initiative providing personalised support for individuals with disabilities. It is administered by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency), and it offers tailored plans, funding therapy, vehicle and home modifications, transport, and employment services.
The NDIS eligibility is based on age, citizenship, disability severity, and residency. This type of funding isn't means-tested, and support plans are individually structured. The NDIS covers a range of disabilities that significantly impact daily life and require ongoing support.
To claim consumables with NDIS, eligible participants can purchase approved items like urinary catheters, continence products, and assistive technology under their NDIS plan. Purchases can be made directly from providers if the plan is self or plan-managed or from NDIS-registered providers if agency-managed. Consumables must align with the individual's plan and daily living needs to qualify for funding.
Capability Support Services offers NDIS therapy services nationwide to maximise funding and enhance participants' quality of life. Our therapy team delivers personalised interventions, including Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy. Through collaboration, we cater to individuals of all ages, ensuring meaningful outcomes for participants and families at every life stage.
PACE is the new participant portal for NDIS, offering enhanced control over funding and streamlined provider payments. Rolled out nationally from November 2023 after a successful trial in Tasmania, it introduces longer plan periods, interval-based funding releases, and a user-friendly interface. Participants transition gradually with their next plan, encountering terms like 'participant endorsed provider' for streamlined payments, particularly benefiting NDIA-managed participants and those with specific funding. Learn more about PACE.
As the NDIA gradually transitions participants onto PACE, they have made a few key changes with how participants can work with providers. As a participant/plan nominee/decision maker- you need to call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and tell them that you would like to endorse Capability as your service provider. We will send you a step-by-step document to outline this process for you.
An NDIS Plan Manager assists individuals in managing their NDIS funding. They support financial management, offering expertise in budgeting and provider payments. Plan management differs from NDIA management or self-management. Plan managers enhance financial skills, expand provider choices, and provide budget reports.
Funding for plan management is separate and can be requested at planning meetings. Plan managers can be found through various channels, including Local Area Coordinators or the NDIS portal. Changing plan managers is possible during the plan, facilitated by informing the current manager and initiating the transition process.
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) began in Australia following years of debate and discussions about disability care reform. In March 2013, the NDIS legislation was passed, marking its official inception. Trials commenced in July 2013 across Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria's Barwon region, and New South Wales' Hunter region, lasting until July 2016. The national rollout began gradually, concluding on July 1st, 2020, ensuring consistent access to support for all Australians with significant disabilities.
Preparing for the NDIS involves thoughtful reflection on your needs, strengths, and goals, including the following:
- Consider what's important to you, what's working, and what isn't.
- Identify your support network and how they can contribute.
- Reflect on your aspirations and what's required to achieve them.
- Document these insights and gather relevant information for your access request.
Our dedicated team of therapists will help you with each plan review by assisting with any assessments and a plan review report.
