RESOURCES

Understanding the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially when things change. We’ve brought together helpful information and links for participants, families, carers and support workers to better understand the NDIS.

The NDIS funds eligible disability-related supports to help participants with everyday activities, build independence and work towards their goals. It works alongside other services, such as health, education and housing, which each have their own responsibilities.

The NDIS does not replace these services or generally cover everyday living costs such as groceries, rent and household bills. For example, it may fund disability-related assistance to prepare meals, but the cost of the groceries remains an everyday expense. Understanding these responsibilities can help you know where to seek the right support.

Advocacy

A support coordinator is not an independent advocate. In line with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), an independent advocate cannot be:

  • A staff member of the NDIA

  • A staff member of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

  • A registered or unregistered NDIS provider, including support coordinators.

As your Support coordinator we cannot act as a formal advocate, however we can refer and connect to advocacy services where neeeded.
See more details and links below

  • The Disability Advocacy Fact Sheet outlines what disability advocacy is, why it is important and why independence matters. 

  • As per NDIS website: Here are some questions which might help identify when a support coordinator might be moving into the role of an advocate include:

    • Have I done all I can to help the participant make their needs clear to the provider, worker or government system through the established processes?

    • Is the participant entering into a dispute, especially where there is legal involvement or escalation to administrative appeals?

    • Have I fallen into dispute in a way that undermines my role and effectiveness as a support coordinator?

    • Does my involvement in an NDIS review process create a conflict of interest, especially if I am requesting more support coordination funding at the participant’s plan reassessment?

    • Is the level of complexity or time required to adequately represent the person beyond the level of support allocated to support coordination?

    • Is the level of representation required beyond my skills and capacity, and the participant would benefit from an experienced advocate?

    • Is there an appropriate formal advocacy service to refer the participant to?

    If the answer to some of these questions is ‘yes’, then as your support coordinator we should consider whether you might benefit from formal advocacy and we will assist you to find a suitable advocacy service. 

  • The National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) supports people with disability to access effective advocacy that promotes, protects and ensures their full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in our communities. 

  • Find Advocacy services below

    See link here

Does the NDIS fund it?

NDIS supports help you have the same things in life as people without disability and help you work towards your goals.

They can help you to:

  • complete daily living activities

  • build independence and skills

  • buy assistive technologies, equipment and home or vehicle modifications

  • pay for capital costs, like specialist disability accommodation.

    Please see the link here regarding what the NDIS funds?
    Also see the link here for “Would NDIS Fund it?”

    All supports must related to your NDIS accepted disability and meet the reasonable and necessary criteria
    See here for more details.

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