The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative in Australia that provides support and funding for people with permanent and significant disabilities. The scheme was established in 2013 and is designed to provide individualized support to help people with disabilities live more independently and participate fully in the community.
To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to perform daily activities. The scheme is also available to people who are aged under 65 years old.
The NDIS provides funding for a range of services and supports, including assistance with daily living, mobility aids, and home modifications. The scheme is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which is responsible for administering the scheme and providing funding to eligible individuals.
The application process for the NDIS involves an assessment of the individual's needs and goals, which is used to develop an individualized support plan. The support plan outlines the services and supports that the person is eligible to receive, and the funding available to pay for these services.
Once the support plan is developed, individuals can access funding to pay for the supports and services outlined in the plan. They can choose to manage their own funding, or they can opt to have a plan manager or support coordinator assist them with managing their plan.
The NDIS is designed to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities. It aims to provide people with disabilities greater choice and control over the supports and services they receive, and to help them live more independent and fulfilling lives.