What is it:
NDIS aims to support people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their everyday life, taking a whole-of-life approach involving families and carers.
Am I eligible?
To access the NDIS you need to:
- have a permanent disability that significantly affects your everyday activities
- be under 65 when you first use it
- be an Australian citizen, live in Australia and hold a permanent visa, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Where first?
The NDIS will be rolled out in NSW over two years, servicing 140,000.
July 2016:
Central Coast
Hunter New England
Nepean Blue Mountains
Northern Sydney
South Western Sydney
Southern NSW
Western Sydney
July 2017:
Illawarra Shoalhaven
Mid North Coast
Murrumbidgee
Northern NSW
South Eastern Sydney
Sydney
Western NSW
Far West
How to prepare:
Before your area moves to the NDIS, you will be contacted to discuss the transition if you already receive support. If you don’t receive support, go to .
USEFUL INFORMATION:
NDIS: 1800 800 110
For people with hearing or speech loss: TTY 1800 555 677
For people who need help with English: TIS 131 450
People with Disability Australia in NSW and QLD and can refer in other states and territories.
Call: 1800 422 015
TTY: 1800422 016
‘The trial has changed my life’
The NDIS has already been trialled in the Hunter and Blue Mountains for 2000 children and young people aged 17 and some other parts around New South Wales.
Tania Lewis is one of the disabled clients involved with the early trial of the NDIS. The 44 year old was confined to nursing homes for two years after a severe stroke left her paralysed. She says the NDIS changed her life, helping her get back home to her family.
The Point spent time with Tania and her family and NITV News caught up with her three months on.
“Since the trials, I’ve started work with the Aboriginal disability network in NSW, It’s called the First Peoples Network. I go out and meet up with mob and talk to them about NDIS and to help them understand it.
“I’m working with about five clients now. All I wanted to do is help people.
“The trial has changed my life.
“Since I moved home I’ve cooked so many dinners I’ve lost count.
I’ve gone shopping and bought some new clothes and threw out all my old ones which makes me feel better when I go to work. I’ve even been to the movies.
“When I was in the nursing home, I didn’t leave the bed very much but now I get out and about with my support worker.
“I feel normal.”
