What is the NDIS Scheme?
There are currently more than 460,000 disabled residents Australia, whose lives have changed because of the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS. The NDIS scheme is devoted to empowering disabled people by providing them with the necessary supports and services. Through the help of the NDIS scheme, participants can have access to information, conditions, and institutions which can aid in their condition. This article will be giving a brief overview of the NDIS scheme; its services, its goals, its benefits, and its eligibility requirements for individuals who wish to become recipients.
What can the NDIS Scheme do?
The NDIS scheme operates through the joint governance and funding of the Australian government and the participating territories and states. Ever since it was introduced across Australia in July 2016, it has empowered the lives of people with disabilities, as well as their families and caretakers.
The main function of the NDIS scheme is to provide the patient with an individualised plan based on their condition and the goals they wish to achieve. The NDIS scheme bridges disabled people to mainstream and community services such as access to libraries, sports clubs, housing, education, and health care. More than that, the scheme also aims for the patients to maintain their informal supports, which are family, friends, sponsors, and caretakers so that they won’t have to go through their struggles alone.
The goals of the NDIS Scheme
The NDIS scheme is accessible to eligible individuals who have a permanent and significant disability. The first goal of this scheme is to facilitate the development of each patient by planning, funding, and providing the necessities of their condition. The services and supports are innovative and high-quality so that every participant will get the value for their money. The NDIS has a wide range of services that touch on the different aspects of an individual’s life- whether it is related to the patient’s home life, work environment, social wellbeing, or health matters.
The second goal of the NDIS scheme is to build their patient’s independence so that they can earn the self-confidence to overcome their disability. This is done by giving the patient full control and choice when it comes to building their plan. The patient gets to decide on their preferred provider, the delivery of their services, and when they can access their supports. After the assessment of how the participant’s disability affects their daily activities, they will now identify their needs depending on their personal goals.
The third goal of the NDIS scheme is to help the patient engage with social and economic activities. NDIS recognises that being part of the community is essential to a person’s wellbeing, that’s why part of their services is to aid the patient in accessing social activities. Some of the supports related to this goal are providing vehicular modifications, mobility equipment, or transportation to community events that are beneficial for the participant’s development.
Lastly, the NDIS scheme aims to give early intervention, particularly for disabled children. NDIS believes that individuals who receive treatment at a young age are most likely to experience positive long term effects on their health. That is why reasonable and necessary supports are readily available to those who are accepted as an NDIS participant. The best part of this scheme is, psychological disabilities are also included, which means that individuals with mental health disorders can also access NDIS services.
Benefits of the NDIS Scheme?
The good news is, NDIS’s goals for its patients are being accomplished. Progress reports from NDIS have shown positive feedback and a high rating from its participants with minimal areas of improvement. This means thousands of disabled Australian citizens are enjoying a life of comfort with the services that they continue to receive. As of now, NDIS facilitators are working to improve the quality of its services and continue developing their healthcare support.
Under the NDIS scheme, patients are given top priority and careful attention so that their particular needs are always met. These are the benefits that NDIS participants can receive from the scheme:
Participants can receive treatment that is considerate of their personal goals
Participants have a wide range of services that they can choose to receive
The scheme assists in finding employment opportunities so that each patient can reach their full potential and recognise their ability to give back to society
The programme is designed to encourage patients to be more included in social events so that they can feel a sense of community and gain more networks of support
Since the NDIS plan is fully controlled by the patient, their confidence, self-sufficiency, and freedom is exercised throughout the process
The equipment and supports that patients receive are efficient and up-to-date information and communications technology
The participant will enjoy lower medical costs and living expenses which can also help their family and caretakers
NDIS scheme gives importance to making their patients feel respected, valued, and appreciated
How to be Eligible for the NDIS Scheme?
Before being a full participant of the NDIS scheme, interested participants should make sure that they fit certain requirements. To meet the eligibility criteria, the person must be:
Aged between 7 and 65 years old
Either an Australian citizen or hold a Protected Special Category Visa or permanent visa
Have a developmental delay or a disability that is considered to be permanent and significant by the NDIS
Have a disability or delay requiring certain supports and equipment to perform everyday activities
If the participant has a child under 7 years old, you can still access the NDIS scheme through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI). The ECEI is a programme that dedicates its services to support children from ages 0 to 6, who struggle with disabilities or developmental delays.
On the other hand, people over the age of 65 can still receive the same services, but through a different provider. Patients over 65 years old can inquire with their service providers regarding the changes in their plan and how they can continue receiving their supports.
Read more about What Disability Does NDIS Cover?