Living with a disability is undoubtedly tricky. Consistent aid is required for such people, and many other psychosocial factors affect how one feels about themselves and their disabilities. Furthermore, it is essential to note that disabilities and illnesses can be acquired in many different forms. And not all of them are genetic, as some are incidental, some are targeted, and some are rare. In the meantime, disability prevalence in Australia is about 18 – 22%.
Disabilities cause a halt in many activities an individual carries out, and this can adversely affect mental health, income or family structure. The Australian government is well aware of this and instated the NDIS. Today, many NDIS service providers make eligible candidates beneficiaries of this program, and it confers much easier.
What Is the NDIS?
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an insurance scheme established by the Australian government to provide funds to cover disability-related costs. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) works closely with other NDIS service providers as a statutory agency to implement the NDIS wherever it is applicable.
But, not everyone with a disability can apply for an NDIS. It has specific selection criteria that help filter out people who are eligible for it from the rest. And despite the eligibility criteria, people from ages 7 – 65 are immediately eligible to apply for the scheme. Other criteria specifications include:
- The applicant must be an Australian citizen who is a permanent visa holder.
- If the applicant needs personal assistance due to their disability or uses special equipment because of permanent disability, they are eligible.
- Most importantly, if the applicant requires help to meet future needs, they can apply.
In the meantime, some documents and proofs need to be submitted to complete this process. But worry not; NDIS service providers are available to assist people with this process.
How Does NDIS Work?
Out of the 22% populace with disabilities in Australia, 10% are of working age. This means that these people face unemployment. Statistics show that not only do 1 out of 6 Aussies have some disability, but those of the working-age are twice as likely than others to face unemployment and financial problems. So, the NDIS provides funding to make up for the cut in income. The scheme funds doctors’ consultations, support groups, libraries, education, sporting clubs etc. Meanwhile, NDIS is not a welfare scheme but a scheme that wishes to promote self-sufficiency by taking a lifetime approach.
Although the criteria specify NDIS for children above 7, early childhood interventions are also provided. These work differently and utilise early childhood partners. These are allied organisations that provide support to the family and the child, and these supporters are usually professional educators or health workers. The NDIS also works closely with the local area coordinators to tailor-make funding processes according to locality. This is why the insurance scheme is rolled out differently in different parts of Australia.
Budgets and Additional Information
The NDIS helps in providing funds to the disabled. And these funds are split into two categories: Core Support needs (consumables, transport, etc.) and Capacity Building needs (employment, education, etc.)
Here is where NDIS service providers step in; these services offer provisions that assist an applicant to quickly reach out to their local area coordinator or support coordinator and enquire which type of funds they are eligible for. After acquiring a service agreement, these providers can offer services in the following areas:
- Life skills training for employment.
- Community participation and innovative events.
- Transport allowances and support coordination.
- Everyday assistance with activities.
