National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides tailored support to Australians with disabilities, as well as their families and carers

Launched in July 2013, the NDIS was created in response to a Productivity Commission Inquiry Report, Disability Care and Support. The report identified that disability care and support in Australia was ‘underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient’.

The scheme aims to enable people to exercise more choice and control in their lives, through an individualised funding model that correlates with their ongoing disability support needs.

The NDIS is a significant change to the government’s existing disability support system.

How does it work?

The NDIS is organised into three tiers of investment.

– Tier 1 works with the community to help with programs to build capacity and foster inclusion for people with a disability.
– Tier 2, named ‘Information, Linkages and Capacity Building’ (ILC), is where the Mito Foundation is likely to sit. This tier links people with a disability to mainstream support.
– Tier 3 focuses on people suffering with a disability that are eligible for an ‘Individualised Funding Package’.

Patients suffering from mitochondrial disease (mito) can apply for funding under Tier 3.

To qualify for an individualised funding package, a patient must:

– be under 65 years of age at the time of applying for funding
– be an Australian resident, hold a Permanent Visa or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
– have a permanent disability which reduces their functional capacity
– have evidence that the needs are lifelong

The national roll out began on July 2016. To receive updates directly from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) about the NDIS, click here.

How do I apply?

To receive an Individualised Funding Package from the NDIS you must complete an Access Request Form. This enables the NDIA to determine your eligibility. To receive an Access Request Form contact the NDIA 1800 800 110.

The NDIA also requires evidence of your disability. This can include reports or assessments from your doctor or specialist, alternatively they can complete the Professional’s Report section of the form. You can also request copies of your diagnosis or medical assessments from Centrelink or your current service provider.

You must arrange for evidence of the impact of your condition on your life. This can include impact on your mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, self-care and self-management. This can be submitted as a written document from your specialist. Alternatively, your specialist or an allied health professional can complete the Professional’s Report section in Part F of the Access Request Form.

Once deemed eligible, you can start the planning and assessment process. This will help determine the informal, community and mainstream services you need.

An NDIS Planner will help you choose the most appropriate plan management option, including the possibility of self-managing budgets.

Prior to your initial planning appointment, the Getting Plan Ready form should be completed.

A support person, such as a family member or carer, can attend appointments with you. The needs, strengths and capacities of your carers are also considered as part of the planning and assessment process.

Once your plan is in place you will need to find the right providers for your situation. The NDIA have developed a tool to assist in finding registered service providers.

What is the Mito Foundation’s role?

The Mito Foundation is working to understand the NDIS and what it means for mito patients. Relevant updates will be uploaded here and shared with the mito community via Facebook as they become available.

The Mito Foundation can advocate for members of the mito community to ensure they receive the support they are eligible for.

Where can I get more information?

Several states are holding information sessions on the NDIS. Please check the NDIS events page for upcoming information sessions.

 

 

 

 

Useful Links

• • • • NDIS Glossary – definitions of NDIS concepts
      • National Disability Insurance Scheme – the official government page
      • Carers NSW – information on the NDIS for carers