The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new scheme designed to help improve disability services and provide greater control and decision making to Australians with disabilities.

Those people with disabilities and their families will be active participants in deciding what support, equipment and therapy services they require for all aspects of care. An eligible participant will meet with a support planner who will work together to identify what current and future supports you believe are most important.

An eligible participant is then funded to purchase services, aids and equipment from a variety of service providers that they choose with the assistance and guidance of the planner.

As a person’s circumstances or condition changes, they will be able to apply to have their funded plan adjusted to meet current and ongoing needs.

A person with a disability or anyone who requires early intervention from birth to 65 years of age who is an Australian citizen, resident or holder of certain classes of visa, and living in Australia. Currently you must reside in one of the launch sites to access the NDIS.

Firstly you and your child or the person you support meet with a “planner” from the National Disability Insurance Agency to confirm eligibility. From there the planner will discuss your goals, hopes and aspirations for the future which goes on to form a plan outlining the supports that will be required.