Australia has seen big changes recently in health and mental health service funding with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS is a new way for people to access support funding, giving them more choice and control over their support services. After helping consumers, families and service providers all around Australia to better understand this new scheme, here are five key things you need to know about the NDIS.
1. Mental health conditions maybe covered
You don’t have to have a physical disability to access the NDIS, some mental health conditions that are likely to be permanent can be covered too. On the NDIS, you’ll have access to a range of support services to meet your daily needs and build skills and capacity, so you can become independent and participate in the community and employment.
2. Your life, your plan
As an eligible NDIS participant, you will have input into your plan. Considering your own goals and what you would like to achieve will assist you in your planning session, where you will also get to choose your service providers. Your plan will undergo a yearly review and you can change service providers at any time.
3. Help is available to assist you
Applying for the NDIS can be a confusing process but help may be available to assist you with testing your eligibility and developing a plan, depending on the area you live in. Experience in gathering the right evidence can make a big difference. Long-serving mental health organisations like Richmond Wellbeing offer expert knowledge and understanding of the NDIS, to make navigating the process simple and effective. Find a step-by-step guide here.
4. The NDIS does not replace mainstream health services
Even after full roll-out of the NDIS, clinical and community mental health services will still operate, as they offer different services to the NDIS.
You can find more resources available on the National NDIS at www.ndis.gov.au or WA NDIS at http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/wa-ndis-my-way/wa-ndis-my-way/
Not sure if the NDIS is currently available in your suburb? Visit here to find out more about access and eligibility.
Updated July 2017
