6 Reasons why the NDIS is awesome

Trying to understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme can feel like stepping into a system with unfamiliar language, processes, and paperwork. You may be exploring support for yourself, supporting a family member, or trying to understand how therapy and disability services fit together.

The NDIS changed the way disability support is funded in Australia. Before its introduction, disability services were delivered through a range of state, territory, and Commonwealth programs. The NDIS introduced a national funding model designed to provide eligible participants with individualised support based on their needs and goals.

Experiences with the NDIS vary from person to person, and participants may have different priorities, support needs, and experiences navigating the system. Understanding how the NDIS works can help you make more informed decisions as you explore available supports.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding and support to eligible people living with permanent and significant disability.

The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency, commonly known as the NDIA.

If you're eligible, your support plan may include funding related to your functional needs and goals. Depending on your circumstances, supports can include areas such as assistive technology, therapy, support workers, transport assistance, and community participation.

The NDIS states that its purpose is to support people with disabilities to spend more time with family and friends, increase independence, access new skills, and participate in employment and community life.

Why many people like the NDIS

1. Individualised support centred around your goals

No two people experience disability in exactly the same way. People with similar diagnoses can have different support needs, circumstances, and priorities.

The NDIS uses an individual planning approach. Participant goals and circumstances are considered during planning discussions and funding decisions.

Support plans may include goals related to areas such as daily living, social participation, education, employment, or skill development.

2. Greater choice and control

Choice and control are formal principles of the NDIS. Participants may have opportunities to make decisions about areas such as selecting providers, identifying goals, and determining how some supports are managed.

The degree of flexibility available can depend on funding arrangements and plan structure.

The NDIS framework was designed to give participants a greater role in decisions affecting their support.

3. Improved access to support services

The NDIS provides funding for supports considered reasonable and necessary according to legislative criteria. Depending on your approved plan, funding may include services such as psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, support coordination, or assistance with community participation.

Available supports differ according to individual needs, eligibility, and funding decisions.

4. Support for independence over time

The NDIS includes funding categories referred to as capacity-building supports.

These supports are intended to assist participants in developing skills and increasing independence over time.

Goals and supports vary between participants and may relate to areas such as communication, daily living activities, social participation, education, or employment.

5. Opportunities for community participation

The NDIS may include supports related to social and community participation where these align with participant goals and approved funding. Examples can include assistance that supports access to education, recreational activities, volunteering, or community programs.

Participation goals differ across individuals and are determined through the planning process.

6. Support planning that considers future goals

Participant plans often include short-term and longer-term goals. Planning discussions may involve areas such as education, employment, independence, relationships, health needs, and participation in community life.

The supports included in a plan depend on individual circumstances and funding decisions.

Final thoughts

The NDIS introduced a national approach to disability support centred around individualised funding and participant goals. People's experiences with the system differ, and questions about planning, therapy services, psychosocial disability, and available supports are common.

If you're exploring therapy through the NDIS or looking for information about support options, speaking with a therapist or qualified professional may help you better understand the pathways available to you.