NDIS funding can be used to purchase a range of disability-related health supports. These can include equipment, support workers, and mental health services.
The typical types of support available can be grouped into the following support-type categories, but this is not an exhaustive list.
Access to Assistive Technology
Two years ago, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched with a fundamental principle: that participants should have choice and control over how they receive their support. It aims to support participants to live the life they want, including greater independence, participation in their community, and employment.
While the NDIS is proving to be a great success, its rollout has faced significant challenges. One of the most significant concerns is around assistive technology.
Assistive technology is essential for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities. It can improve a person’s ability to participate in daily activities, such as cooking, bathing, and socializing.
However, many disabled people struggle to access assistive technology like https://www.rockinghamcpap.com.au/ndis/ because securing funding for them can be difficult. It is a problem that the Assistive Technology for All Campaign is trying to address.
It can be particularly challenging for older Australians who are not eligible for the NDIS. They may struggle to obtain funding for specialized, pressure machines, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and screen reading software. They’re at risk of going without these supports and becoming increasingly dependent on others for assistance. It is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by the NDIS and state governments.
Access to Mental Health Services
The NDIS is a national scheme that provides funding for disability-related health support to eligible Australians. It aims to help people with permanent and significant disabilities achieve their personal goals.
If you have a mental health condition that causes a disability, it may qualify you for NDIS funding. It is called a psychosocial disability, which means your mental illness significantly impacts your ability to live an ordinary life.
You must show that you have a psychosocial disability to be eligible for NDIS funding, and you need to show this through evidence from a mental health clinician or support worker.
The NDIS does not replace or fund mental health or treatment services already available through the state government or GPs. It takes a lifetime approach and focuses on helping you participate in work, society, and other aspects of your life.
The NDIS is an important tool for supporting people with psychosocial disabilities. It is a new system that places disability at the center of decision-making around what and how you buy services and support across your lifetime to achieve your personal goals.
Access to Dental Services
From 1 October 2019, participants can add disability-related health support to their NDIS plan if their need is directly related to their functional disability, and they can be purchased using NDIS funding.
It means existing NDIS participants do not need to request an unscheduled plan review to access these supports. They can flexibly use their unspent core support budget in their NDIS plan to purchase disability-related health supports (except Assistive Technology valued over $1500).
At their next plan review, participants can discuss the need for these supports, and if reasonable and necessary, funds for disability-related health supports will be included in their plan.
People with disabilities often struggle to access dental services. They may not have access to a family dentist or do not have the financial resources to pay for treatment.
NDIS funding is improving access to various disability-related health supports for people with disabilities across Australia. This support includes assistance with daily living, behavioral management techniques, and social relationships. It also includes mental health support, including medication. It can also help with housing and employment issues.
Access to Optometry Services
The NDIS funding system is designed to be flexible, so people with disabilities can choose the support they want to help them achieve their goals. They can also apply for internal reviews of their plan if they feel it isn’t meeting their needs.
Participants with a disability can get a range of medical and specialist services from optometrists, including eye tests and screenings, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and health care management. These services can range from preventive and rehabilitative to acute and emergency care.
Many participants with a disability want to improve their vision to enable them to function more independently. It can mean gaining independence with daily tasks such as changing light chores, shopping, and using public transport. People who have a disability can access a range of optometry services under the NDIS. They can find the right service provider through the NDIS website or by speaking to a support worker. These services can be based in a person’s home or the community. Some services provide specialist equipment and assistive technology, such as magnifiers or telescopes.
