We thought it might be of use to you, our readers, some of whom are coming to terms with the scheme and/or trying to figure out if it applies to you.

So here it is: 

To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must meet the disability requirements specified in the NDIS Act. The NDIA has contracted arrangements in place with Partners in the Community nationally. These partners fall into two categories – LACs, and Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) services.

LACs (Local Area Co-ordinators) are suitably experienced and qualified organisations (such as Live Better Community Services in Nambucca Heads) with strong local knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with disability or developmental delay.

When an NDIS plan is approved, participants can work with their LAC to put it in to action. LACs have three key roles;

·         linking participants to the NDIS,

·         linking participants to information and support in the community, and

·         working with the local community to make sure it is more welcoming and inclusive for people with disability.

The development of a participant’s plan involves exploring the individual’s goals and aspirations for their future as well as a detailed discussion on current and future support needs. Information and evidence from medical and allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, paediatricians and medical practitioners relating to the participant’s disability-support needs also contribute to the plan approval process.

NDIS plans can only be approved by NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) employees.  This is because only NDIA employees have delegations under the NDIS Act 2013 to approve plans. These delegates include and are supported by a range of specialist technical experts across the NDIA who provide advice on topics including, but not limited to, psychosocial conditions, sensory conditions, assistive technology and early childhood. These specialists both make decisions and provide specialist technical advice to support other delegates in their decision making process.

The NDIA conducts regular plan reviews, usually every 12 months, to ensure participants are receiving the most appropriate supports, based on their individual needs and circumstances.

The NDIA Technical Advisory Team (TAT) provides specialist advice and coaching to staff and partners in relation to unusual or complex service delivery matters as requested during the planning processes.

The health system remains responsible for the diagnosis of health conditions, clinical treatment and supports, as well as nursing and palliative care. Where medical interventions are required to sustain life, or to treat health conditions, the health system provides these supports.

The NDIS funds the reasonable and necessary disability-related supports for people to increase their social and economic participation. Supports may include personal care and support, access to the community, therapy services and essential equipment. 

The lines of responsibility between the NDIS and other mainstream services were agreed by governments in the NDIS (Supports for Participants) Rules 2013.

Further information is available on the NDIS website: www.ndis.gov.au/operational-guideline/planning/appendix#health

A spokesperosn from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) explained that Local Area Co-ordinators (LACs) assist participants in the pre-planning and implementation process of their plans.

“Working closely with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), they build and improve the way the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is delivered to make sure it works for people with disability in the best possible way,” she said.

“Under the Act, NDIS plans can only be approved by NDIA employees.  Delegates who approve plans are supported by a range of specialist technical experts across the NDIA who provide advice on topics including, but not limited to, psychosocial conditions, sensory conditions, assistive technology and early childhood.

“Our employees have skills and knowledge from the allied health, mental health and disability support sectors, and include a mix of Commonwealth and former state government employees, private sector and Not for Profit staff.

“We also conduct ongoing training for planners and partners in relation to areas of particular expertise, to ensure nationally consistent standards.

“Approximately 15 per cent of our employees identify as having a disability.”

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