FAQ

Yes, the NDIS considers individuals eligible for access regardless of whether their impairment is a result of birth, disease, injury, or accident.

For NDIS funding to be applicable, the medical condition or disease must lead to a permanent impairment, encompassing physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, visual, hearing, or psychosocial aspects, resulting in a significant disability.

For instance, a stroke causing hemiparesis (substantial reduction in mobility) or severe emphysema resulting in irreversible lung damage (chronic dyspnea significantly reducing mobility, self-care, and community participation) are scenarios where individuals may qualify for NDIS support.

The NDIS does not allocate funds or support for conditions that are time-limited or non-ongoing. For instance, cases of reduced mobility arising from acute injuries like a lower limb fracture do not fulfil the NDIS disability criteria, as these conditions are expected to resolve over time.

Additionally, chronic health conditions unrelated to a person’s disability are not eligible for NDIS funding or support. It’s crucial to distinguish between the management of chronic health conditions and their associated comorbidities and the realm of disability.

For instance, the NDIS may provide financial support for disability services for someone who underwent a lower limb amputation due to peripheral artery disease linked to diabetes (physical impairment leading to disability due to a health condition), provided they meet all access requirements.

However, the NDIS will not cover expenses related to medication or medical care for the treatment of diabetes or peripheral artery disease.

For individuals with mental health conditions, eligibility for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support is contingent on the presence of a severe, longstanding, and impactful psychosocial disability resulting from their condition. It’s important to note that not everyone with a mental health condition automatically qualifies for NDIS support, but for those with a psychosocial disability, NDIS is designed to provide assistance. The focus of NDIS support is on functional ability and long-term recovery, rather than clinical interventions. This means NDIS may fund supports to enhance capabilities related to daily activities and those affected by the disability. Whether it’s aiding in daily living activities, fostering community participation, or rebuilding skills and confidence, NDIS is dedicated to supporting individuals in various aspects of their lives affected by mental illness or psychosocial disability.

Engage in Activities of Daily Living: This involves supporting individuals in navigating their daily routines, ensuring they can independently manage tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and household activities.

Participate in the Community, Social Life, Study, and Work: NDIS aims to facilitate active involvement in various aspects of life, including community engagement, social interactions, educational pursuits, and employment. This support extends beyond the individual’s immediate needs to promote a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

Recover and Build Skills and Confidence in Daily Activities: NDIS is committed to assisting individuals in recovering and enhancing skills that may have been impacted by their disability. This includes rebuilding confidence in routine activities, fostering a sense of independence, and promoting long-term self-sufficiency.

These points encapsulate the diverse ways in which NDIS focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with mental health conditions, addressing their specific needs in both practical and holistic dimensions.

If you’re between the ages of 9 and 65, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is accessible to you with the assistance of a local area coordinator. They can guide you through the NDIS application process, help you understand the system, and connect you with other government and community supports. On the other hand, if you have a child younger than 9, an early childhood partner is the key support figure. Early childhood partners not only provide assistance to children before applying for the NDIS but also assess whether the NDIS is suitable for the child, keeping families informed about the eligibility process. This age-specific approach ensures tailored support structures for individuals and families at different stages of life.

To confirm your eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you’ll need evidence of your disability. Work with your treating health professionals, who can provide the necessary documentation. Common treating health professionals include:

• General Practitioner (GP)
• Paediatrician
• Orthopaedic surgeon
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Pathologist (Therapist)
• Neurologist
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Physiotherapist

The treating health professional who provides the evidence of your disability should:

• Relevance: Be the most appropriate person to confirm evidence of your primary disability.
• Duration: Have treated you for a significant period, typically at least six months.

Choosing the Right Treating Health Professional:

Refer to the Types of disability evidence information to help decide the most suitable treating health professional for your primary disability. If you encounter challenges gathering the required evidence, Local Area Coordinators (LAC) or early childhood partners are available to assist you.

Understanding the documentation and assessments needed for NDIS eligibility is crucial. Collaborate with your healthcare professionals and support services to ensure a smooth application process.

If your child has a disability, developmental delay, or developmental concerns, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide valuable support. Here’s how NDIS can assist your child and your family:

• Goal Achievement: NDIS support can help your child work towards their life goals despite their disability.
• Family Support: The NDIS is not just for individuals; it extends support to families. This includes funding for necessary support services required due to the child’s disability.
• Financial Assistance: The NDIS may fund various forms of support, such as therapeutic and behavioural interventions, additional respite, and essential aids and equipment.
• Caring Role Maintenance: The support provided can assist families and carers in maintaining their crucial roles in caring for the child.
• Community Participation: NDIS support ensures that your child can actively participate in the community, fostering a sense of inclusion and engagement.

Understanding the scope of NDIS support for children is essential. If your child has a disability or developmental concerns, exploring the NDIS can open avenues for comprehensive assistance tailored to their specific needs.

NDIS eligibility is determined by the presence of a disability caused by a permanent impairment. This impairment can take various forms, including but not limited to:

• Intellectual Disability: Conditions affecting cognitive function.
• Cognitive Impairment: Disorders impacting mental processes and comprehension.
• Neurological Conditions: Disorders affecting the nervous system.
• Sensory Impairments: Issues with sight, hearing, or other sensory functions.
• Physical Disabilities: Limitations in mobility or motor functions.
• Psychosocial Impairment: Mental health conditions affecting social and psychological well-being.

Individuals diagnosed with List A medical conditions are likely to meet NDIS disability requirements. These conditions, inherently causing permanent impairment, lead to substantially reduced functional capacity.

Understanding the diverse range of disabilities and conditions covered by the NDIS is crucial for individuals seeking eligibility. If your condition falls within these categories, you may qualify for the support provided by the NDIS.

To ascertain your eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), consider the following criteria:

• Citizenship/Visa Status: You must be an Australian citizen or hold a Permanent or a Special Category visa.
• Age Range: Eligibility is applicable to individuals aged between 9 and 65.
• Disability Criteria: To qualify, you should have a permanent and significant disability.

This straightforward checklist helps you understand the basic requirements for NDIS eligibility. Ensure that you fulfil these criteria to access the support provided by the NDIS. For more information please visit Am I eligible | NDIS

The process for enrolling in NDIS disability support services involves the following steps:

Determine Eligibility:  To get started, check if you’re eligible for NDIS . The checklist is a helpful tool to gauge whether you meet the criteria for NDIS support.

Application Options:  If you believe you are eligible for NDIS support and wish to apply, you have two primary options:

1. Verbal Application:  You can initiate the application process by calling the NDIS on the toll-free number 1800 800 110 . During this call, you can provide essential information and express your intent to apply for NDIS services.
2. Fill in a form: Alternatively, you can opt to complete an  Access Request Form . This form gathers comprehensive details about your needs and circumstances. Once filled out, you should submit it to the NDIS as part of your application.

Seek Assistance:  If you require assistance or have questions during the application process, it is advisable to reach out to relevant sources for guidance. You can contact:

• Local Area Coordinator:  These coordinators specialise in helping individuals navigate the NDIS application process. They can provide information and support tailored to your specific region.
• Early Childhood Partner:  If your application involves services for early childhood, early childhood partners are available to offer specialised assistance.
• NDIA Office: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has offices that can assist with your application process and address any queries you may have. Please contact us for any advice on the process, however, please note that we are unable to make an application on your behalf.

ADEC’s has been a leader in supporting ethnic communities for over 42 years.

Decades of Experience:  ADEC has been a trusted provider of disability services since 1982. With over 4 decades of experience, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities from ethnic communities.

Multilingual Team:  Our dedicated staff members are proficient in more than 33 different languages, ensuring that we can effectively communicate and provide support to a diverse range of individuals. This commitment to linguistic diversity enables us to cater to the specific cultural and language needs of our clients.

Personalised Engagement:  We offer a free meet-and-greet service, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking our support. This initial interaction allows us to get to know our clients and understand their specific requirements better. Moreover, our transportation costs are kept at a minimum, making it more accessible for those in need.

Collaboration with NDIS:  ADEC works closely with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This collaboration ensures that our services align with NDIS standards, guaranteeing that clients receive the highest quality of care and support.

Our support workers not only speak your language but also aid in various aspects of daily life, including:

Community Access:  Enabling individuals to participate in community activities and events, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.

Personal Care:  Assisting with personal hygiene, grooming, and other essential self-care activities to maintain well-being and dignity.

Independent Living Skills:  Empowering clients with the skills and knowledge needed for independent living, promoting self-sufficiency and confidence.

Cooking and Nutrition:  Assisting with meal preparation and nutritional choices for a healthy lifestyle.

Recreational Activities:  Encouraging engagement in recreational pursuits that promote physical and mental well-being, fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.

The NDIS offers funding for various types of disability support services, including:

Daily personal activities: Assistance with daily living activities to promote independence.

Help with household tasks: Aid in managing and maintaining one’s home environment.

Transport to enable participation: Support for community engagement and participation in social, economic, and daily life activities.

Workplace help: Assistance to secure and maintain employment in the open or supported labour market.

Therapeutic supports: Inclusive of behaviour support and other therapeutic interventions.

Aids and equipment assessment: Evaluation, setup, and training related to aids and equipment.

Home modification design and construction: Adaptations to the home environment to enhance accessibility.

Mobility equipment and vehicle modifications: Support to improve mobility and vehicle accessibility.

Absolutely, we offer tailored services and programs for children with disabilities in Melbourne. It’s important to note that NDIS participants are eligible for support from the age of 9 and continue to receive assistance through their NDIS Plan until they reach retirement age. Our dedicated team is here to ensure that young participants receive the care and support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.