NDIS Meaning in Australia
Many people often ask us what does NDIS stand for? Most times the individuals asking this question are either new immigrants to Australia, or Australians who are not familiar with the term. This is perfectly understandable as the fact of the matter is that there is a relatively low percentage of people who actually know the proper NDIS meaning in Australia. But if you are an Australian citizen, most especially if you have a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is living with a disability, it is very important that you know the definition of NDIS in Australia, and most importantly, what it provides.
So, what does NDIS stand for? NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a jointly governed and funded initiative by the Australian and participating state and territory governments that provides individualised packages of funding to support eligible Australians with disability along with their families and carers. The goal of the NDIS is to help the hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.
When Was The NDIS Established & Who Is In Charge?
The NDIS was established under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act in 2013 (NDIS Act). The NDIS Act also established the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) the independent statutory agency responsible for administering the NDIS. The NDIA holds all funds contributed by the Commonwealth, States, and Territories in a single pool, manages scheme funds, administers access to the scheme, and approves the payment of individualised support packages for eligible Australians with disability.
What Are The Goals of The NDIS?
As outlined by The Parliament of Australia, the goals of the NDIS are to –
- Support the independence and social and economic participation of people with disability,
- Provide reasonable and necessary supports, including early intervention supports for participants,
- Enable people with disability to exercise choice and control in the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their support,
- Facilitate the development of a nationally consistent approach to the access to, and the planning and funding of, supports for people with disability, and
- Promote the provision of high quality and innovative supports to people with disability.
The NDIS also has a broader role in helping people with disability to access mainstream and community services as well as maintain informal supports such as family, friends, and carers.
Who Is Eligible To Get Support From The NDIS?
Australians of all ages, male and female, who are living with a disability can be eligible to get support from the NDIS. According to the NDIS Act, eligibility requirements for the NDIS include that the disability is caused by an impairment, likely to be permanent, and if the permanent impairment substantially reduces the individual’s functional capacity, affects their ability to work, study, or take part in social life, and that the individual is likely to need support under the NDIS for their whole life.
According to The Australian Government, the types of disability can include but are not limited to –
- Acquired brain injury
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psychosocial disability
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Visual impairment
- Other neurological disabilities
- Other physical disabilities
- Other sensory and/or speech disabilities
If you want to know if you or another individual is eligible for NDIS support, you can get in touch with us, and we will provide you with relevant information.
Can I Get NDIS Support Through Ability Assist?
The answer is YES. Ability Assist is a highly experienced, fully registered, and compliant provider of NDIS services in Melbourne. Trusted by families across Melbourne for over 30 years, we offer a diverse range of high-quality, person-centred services tailored for individuals of all ages – adults, adolescents, and children – with disabilities or complex care needs.
Our passionate and caring team at Ability Assist has devoted their lives to making a difference. We are committed to helping individuals achieve fuller, happier, and more meaningful lives. In collaboration with the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing (DFFH), we provide secure and supportive residential care for at-risk children and adolescents.
Now you know the definition of NDIS in Australia. So, if someone asks you, what does NDIS stand for? You can give the proper NDIS meaning in Australia. If you or someone you know is living with a disability and needs NDIS support, reach out to us. Our team will be more than happy to discuss eligibility requirements.
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