Conversation Kit
What is the NDIS, and
what does it mean for me?
endeavour.com.au
About the NDIS
WHAT IS THE NDIS?
“NDIS” stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS
will replace our existing funding system. It will give you the freedom to
choose where you buy your services. The priority is to make sure you
get the support you need.
WHO IS THE NDIA?
“NDIA” stands for National Disability Insurance Agency. The NDIA
implements the NDIS.
IT’S A NATIONAL SCHEME
The NDIS is a national funding scheme, managed by the federal
government. It replaces existing state funding systems.
WHY IS IT CALLED AN “INSURANCE SCHEME”?
At the moment there are lots of people with a disability in Australia
who don’t get the assistance they need. If a person is eligible, they will
receive supports the NDIA considers to be “reasonable and necessary”.
We’ll tell you what the NDIA considers to be “reasonable and necessary”
later.
This means the NDIS is a safety net for any Australian who
has a disability.
WHEN WILL THE NDIS HAPPEN?
In Queensland, the scheme will be rolled out from 2016 and be
implemented by 2019. In preparation for the roll out, the scheme is
being trialled in other states of Australia.
What will you have to do?
YOU DON’T NEED TO CONTACT THE NDIA
As soon as we know when the NDIS is starting in your area, we’ll let you
know. Because you’re already receiving services from us, the NDIA will
contact you. You don’t need to contact the NDIA directly.
ACCESS TO THE NDIS
To access the NDIS, you’ll start by going through the “Access
Requirements” process. You’ll need to provide some information to
the NDIA about yourself so they can make sure you meet the Access
Requirements. This is an easy process for people who already
use state services.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
Once you’ve met the Access Requirements, you’ll have a meeting with a
Planner from the NDIA. At this meeting you’ll be asked to talk about your
current supports and your goals. Before your meeting we’ll assist you to
think about your goals.
WHAT DOES “REASONABLE AND NECESSARY”
SUPPORT MEAN?
The Planner’s job is to work with you to identify the supports that will:
help you achieve your goals
increase your independence
increase your social and economic participation
help you actively take part in the community.
Notes:
The Planner needs to make sure your supports:
are related to your disability
are value for money
are effective and beneficial to you
take
into account your informal supports from families, carers,
networks, and the community.
EVERYONE GETS A PLAN
You’ll get a plan which will list your informal, mainstream and funded
supports. This plan will tell you how much of each funded support you
can access.
There might be some supports on the plan you don’t currently get. It will
be up to you to choose where to get these supports. We’d be happy to
talk with you about how we could assist you access your new supports.
The NDIA will make sure you have the level of help you need to
implement your plan.
What does it mean for
your current supports?
NO DISADVANTAGE
The NDIA says you will be able to access supports that allow you to
achieve at least the same outcomes as now. This doesn’t always mean
the amount of funding you will receive in the future will be exactly the
same as it is now. It could be lower or higher, depending on
your situation.
The “no disadvantage” commitment means the NDIA will make sure you
have enough funding for the core supports you need, plus the supports
that will help you achieve your goals.
It’s important to know the NDIA will not fund supports for day-to-day
living costs that aren’t related to your disability support needs, such
as rent and groceries.
What happens next?
TIMELINE FOR CHANGES
We don’t yet know exactly when all the changes will happen. It’s
expected the implementation will start in Queensland sometime in 2016.
In most other states, the implementation has started in just one region,
and then gradually expanded. We’re not yet sure if that’s how things will
work in Queensland.
WE’LL KEEP YOU UPDATED
We’ll communicate with you as the changes happen, in the way you
prefer.
WE’LL HELP YOU PREPARE
Closer to the NDIS starting in your area, we’ll help you plan for your
meeting with the NDIA.
ASK US QUESTIONS
Please contact us if you have any questions.
We’re here to make this change easy for you.
Notes:
“
Together we can create our own future
by ensuring that people with a disability
remain at the core of all that we do.
David Barbagallo
CEO Endeavour Foundation
”
CONTACT DETAILS:
1800 363 328
[email protected]
endeavour.com.au