What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Its hailed as the biggest health policy since Medicare.The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to provide the nearly half a million Australians who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.Set up by the Labor government in 2012, the NDIS is being introduced progressively around Australia from July 2016. Yet, service providers say more work needs to be done to make the scheme accessible for people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Here are 7 facts you need to know about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS is being introduced progressively around Australia from July 2016

Set up by the Labor government in 2012,it is estimated the full rollout will be completed by 2019.  For example, in 

NSW

 the majority of people currently receiving specialist disability supports will be able to access the NDIS in the first six months of each of the two year rollout periods, using a simplified access process.

 

 

 

The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life

An 

NDIS plan

 tailored to your individual needs will be developed to help you achieve your goals. First think about what you need then meet your NDIS planner and develop your plan.

 

 

 

Jack - an early enlister in the National Disability Insurance Scheme

 

To be eligible to enter the scheme you must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities

 

 

 

You must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or Protected Special Category visa

 

 

 

Australian Visa

 

You must be aged less than 65 and live in Australia where the scheme is available

 

 

 

A participant in the NDIS

 

The NDIS is being implemented by the Commonwealth’s National Disability Insurance Agency

For example, in 

Victoria 

if you currently access services you will be contacted by the NDIA to discuss the process of entering the NDIS.

 

 

 

You need to get in touch with the NDIA directly in your local area

The Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities

 is one of the organisations registered to deliver the scheme. It also offers an 

advocacy support program

 where people can get support directly for the pre-planning process.

 

 

 

Aran, a participant in the NDIS

For more on preparing the 

NDIS in Victoria

 and 

NDIS in NSW

. To find out more about the rollout in your area visit 

NDIS 

or call 1800 800 110. Information is also available in 

different languages

.

For people with hearing or speech loss TTY: 1800 555 677

Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727

For translation and interpreting services TIS: 131 450

Find on Facebook/NDISAus or on Twitter @NDIS