NDIS Services Adelaide

What is NDIS?

Many years ago, the concept of ‘disabled people’ is almost non-existent. People mock them for being ‘special’ or ostracise them from society just because they act, speak, and sense things differently. Worst, some would even tag these people as “demon-possessed” or cursed by witches or bad omens. But today, those acts are slowly vanishing as modern medicine technology tries to undermine the conditions and the remedies for those people. People are more educated and well-versed with disabilities. They no longer tag people with offending terms and instead bring them to clinics to identify the type of condition.

With the rising cases of persons with disabilities in Australia, the government decided to launch a system called ‘National Disability Insurance Scheme’ or NDIS, along with the National Disability Insurance Agency or NDIA. These two programs aim to help families cater to people with disabilities, not giving them lifetime help, but slowly help them live independently as time goes by.

Persons with Disabilities in Australia

According to a web report conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 6 people in Australia has a disability. This means that for every classroom of 30 students, there is a possibility that 5 of them are disabled at some level and a college of 1000 students may have 167 students with mild to severe cases of disability.

The article also found out that 32% of adults with disabilities experience high levels of psychological distress and comparing them with 8% without disability. This means that 3 out of 10 workers are most likely to experience mild to severe mental health issues because of the disability.

NDIS Movement in Australia

With the ongoing rise of cases of disability throughout Australia, the Australian government has decided to expand the NDIS program to each state. Ever since then, clinics in different states have started training professionals and psychologists that are equipped with skills to assess disabilities from people.

What services does NDIS include?

It is very helpful before applying for the NDIS program that the patient knows the services that he/she will get. This will make sure that wherever state you get your NDIS, the service is still the same.

The goal of the NDIS program varies from patient to patient. Depending on the goal that the patient wants to achieve, the budget allocated will also differ. However, the support and services for participants only fall into three categories: core, capital, and capacity building.

• Core includes assistance from NDIS which will help the patient complete daily tasks and normal life living activities.

• Capital, from the word itself, includes investments, monetary support, and equipment (including assistive technology, home/vehicle modifications) that will help the patient live a normal life.

• Capacity Building includes training the patient to return to being independent by training their basic skills.

All categories vary from patient to patient and patients may apply for two at a time if their NDIS assessment proves them eligible for it. Depending on the severity of the patient’s disability, his/her support may vary from:

• Basic Transportation training

• Consumables/ Supplies

• Socialising assistance/training

• Installation of assistive technology within their home/car

• Planned living arrangements

• Job Application

The NDIS also has its limitations. The program does not include funding anything not related to the patient’s disability, applying for multiple NDIS account and funding, reimbursing daily expenses not related to the disability, and other programs that are better provided by a different agency (ex. schooling, medical therapies)

How to get NDIS services in Adelaide?

Like any other service, one must apply first for NDIS eligibility. This is usually done by going to a local NDIS certified clinic and taking the needed assessments for evidence of disability. There are 4 main steps in applying for an NDIS program: eligibility verification, making an access request, answer access request questions, and provide information about the disability.

Eligibility Verification

Before a patient goes to his/her local clinic, it is good to know first whether the client is eligible for the NDIS. These questions may help to identify whether a patient is eligible or not:

• Is the person aged between 7 and 65? Is s/he taking care of someone below the age of 7?

• Does the person live in Australia? Is s/he an Australian Citizen?

• Does the client usually ask for support from their relatives because of the disability?

• Does the client use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?

• Does the person need support today to mitigate their future needs?

Making an Access Request

If clients were able to answer all these questions and discover that they are eligible for an NDIS, the next step is to do an access request by calling the NDIS government agency through this number 1800 800 110 or submit an Access Request form via email. Clients can also contact the local NDIA office to assist them in submitting the access request.

Answer Access Request Questions

The access request questions are needed by the NDIS to confirm the patient’s identity (or the patient’s representative), verify if the patient is qualified for the NDIS access requirements, and confirm the patient’s consent to enter the NDIS program. A patient can also be asked about their basic disability information and how it affects their daily life.

Provide Information About the Disability

This portion is where the disability is explained and elaborated. The effect of the disability on the patient’s daily life is also written in this portion and to prove that the patient is telling the truth, evidence is needed to back up this portion. There are 11 types of disability evidence that are accepted by the NDIS program:

• Primary Disability – Acquired Brain Injury

• Primary Disability – Autism

• Primary Disability – Cerebral palsy

• Primary Disability – Hearing impairment

• Primary Disability – Intellectual disability, Developmental delay, Global developmental delay, Down Syndrome

• Primary Disability – Multiple Sclerosis

• Primary Disability – Psychosocial disability

• Primary Disability – Spinal cord injury

• Primary Disability – Stroke

• Primary Disability – Vision impairment

• Primary Disability – Other

Each of these pieces of evidence is backed up by assessments done before applying for the NDIS. Adelaide citizens and residents may reach out to Positive Moods for assistance on any NDIS services by contacting 1300 001 470, emailing ndis@positivemoods.com.au, or filling out the contact form on https://www.positivemoods.com.au/contactus.