What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is called the NDIS. The NDIS is a new way to help people under 65 with disability get care and support.
The NDIS also helps families and carers with information about services to support people with disability. When people get help from the NDIS they can enjoy an ordinary life now and as their life changes.
As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
To Become An NDIS Participant A Person Must:
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Have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to take part in everyday activities;
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Be aged less than 65 when they first enter the NDIS;
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Be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa; and
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Live in Australia where the NDIS is available.
Why Do We Need The NDIS?
People with disability have the same right as other Australians to determine their best interests and to have choice and control over their lives.
The NDIS recognises that everyone’s needs and goals are different.
The NDIS provides people with individualised support and the flexibility to manage their supports to help them achieve their goals and enjoy an ordinary life.
The NDIS replaces a disability system that was unfair and inefficient with a new, national system that is world-leading, equitable and sustainable.
This provides certainty and consistency for people with disability, their families and carers.
Australians will now have peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with or acquires a significant disability that is likely to be with them for life they will get the support they need, when they need it.
Why An Insurance Scheme?
The NDIS is social insurance, not welfare. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach to support, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
Applying For NDIS
The following link contains relevant information about accessing NDIS, along with the NDIS Access Request Form which can be downloaded and printed.
www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis
Source: ndis.com.au website and 'About the NDIS' downloadable PDF resource.
