Assistance and benefits are available from the government through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our MND Advisors/Support Coordinators will discuss your eligibility for the NDIS in one of their first meetings with you.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, and improved quality of life. The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community.
It has been described as the biggest social reform in Australia since Medicare.
The NDIS is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to recognise the ‘right’ of people to live as ‘ordinary’ a life possible and that support related to disability is an entitlement not a privilege. This ‘right’ however is extended only to people who acquire a disability and apply for the NDIS before they turn 65 years of age. People 65 years and older may be able to access some support through Commonwealth Aged Care programs.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the NDIS you need to be:
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident,
- aged under 65 years,
- have a permanent disability that significantly impacts everyday functioning
- and participation in social activities and work OR
- a person who the NDIS believes would benefit from early intervention.
What if I am over the age of 65?
If you do not have an NDIS plan or are not eligible, don't worry. MND Victoria will still provide you with the same service, at no cost to you.
If you are already an NDIS participant, when you turn 65 you will have a choice of continuing with the NDIS or transferring to the aged care sector for your support.
MND Victoria & NDIS
MND Victoria is a registered NDIS support provider. We can provide:
- support coordination through our MND Advisor Service and
- assistive technology (the NDIS preferred name for aids and equipment) via our equipment service.
- For more information about MND Victoria and the NDIS please talk to your MND Advisor, or contact us below.
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NDIS Resources:
The NDIS have created a series of booklets that provide detailed information about various aspects of the planning process, click on the links below to access these:
2. Creating your NDIS plan
Your plan is a written agreement worked out with you. Everyone's plan is different. The NDIS will ask questions about how you are going in different areas of your life, what goals you would like to pursue and what kind of help and support you need. This will help us to develop a plan that provides the right support for you.
To learn more about how you can can create your plan download the booklet here: www.ndis.gov.au/media/333/download?attachment
Participant Plan
Your NDIS Plan will be developed by an NDIS Planner. A planning meeting will be scheduled with yourself, support people such as family or friends and the NDIS planner. MND Victoria strongly recommend that you have your MND Advisor present at your meeting, whether this is held in person, via video or phone.
During the planning conversation the planner will work with you and your family to identify your support needs and how you wish to live your life. These supports can be what is needed immediately and may also include supports that are likely to needed in the foreseeable future. Some supports may address safety issues for you, your family and carers, such as the need for certain types of equipment. With planning comes a budget to purchase the supports and services documented in your plan.
To ensure the plan is appropriate, it is important that you think about and discuss your situation and how you wish to live your life with the relevant people, prior to the planning conversation. These people may be your family and significant others. It is important that it also includes the MND Advisor as she/he, with considerable experience, understands MND, its impact and the importance of planning for the future.
Note:
Participant - is used by the NDIS for individuals who meet the NDIS eligibility and access criteria and commence on the scheme.
Support provider - is a person or an organisation that delivers support to NDIS participants. The participant can choose the agencies or people that they want to deliver the supports documented in the plan.
For further information about the NDIS, including access, please contact your MND Advisor or the NDIS.
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