NDIS- National Disability Insurance Scheme is an initiative by the Australian government to empower disabled individuals to lead happy, independent, and reliant life. But how? How does NDIS promote independent living?

At Achieve care disability,  we delve deep into this topic helping you understand the NDIS concept and how you can achieve greater independence with it.

So let’s get started.

Understanding the NDIS

NDIS by the Australian government offers support to individuals with a severe and permanent disability. Each disability is unique and each requires a unique care. A common approach for all doesn’t work. And that is why NDIS offers customization within its functional areas allowing individuals to avail effective care.

To be eligible for NDIS, you need to be below 65 years of age at the time of registering. Once the application is submitted and approved, you can plan your custom NDIS with your NDIS planner.

3 main support budgets in NDIS

Now, NDIS offers its support by offering a budget in 3 categories:

• Core: Offers support in everyday living
• Capacity: Helps gain confidence and independence by pursuing your goals
• Capital: Offers support in the purchase of expensive and one-off purchase

Under each of these support categories, there are a variety of support items. You will receive funding for different support items depending on your individual NDIS plan.

Want to gain more independence with your NDIS plan?

Here’s how:

1. Bear the driving wheel.

Always keep the participant- the disabled in the driving seat while choosing an NDIS plan. A participant making their own choices is always more fruitful and beneficial for them.

As a family or caretaker, one might want to make decisions on behalf of a participant. However, refrain. No one understands the needs of the participants more than the person themselves. When a person is in full control of making decisions, they are likely to avail maximum advantage of the NDIS plan.

As a family member, find ways to give away control. Instead, start offering support to the disabled in decisions that empower them. After all, greater reliance is the primary purpose of NDIS.

2. Define independence for yourself.

Independence isn’t the same for any two-person. Define what independence means to you.

While independence for some is getting to learn new skills, independence for others might mean moving to a new place and living independently.

Each level of independence requires different support. Now when you sit and plan the NDIS support with your NDIS account manager, you can offer the necessary inputs and justify why certain expenses and support are essential for you.

3.Step into a meeting with clarity

Step into the NDIS planning meeting with clarity. Write down everything you require clearly before the meeting. This will make things easier for the planner as well as you.

The planner does not know you. The better you explain your needs, the better the chances of you getting support in core areas needed. NDIS planners are there to help you achieve your goals. Being clear will help you map out the policy in a better way.

4. Take it slow

Nothing is going to change overnight. Take a series of small steps and figure out important things for you. In a matter of time, you will realize the changes you require to live a more empowered life.

Independence and decision-making might be too overwhelming for disabled individuals. They have lived in an overprotective environment for the longest. However, NDIS flexible plans allow you to figure out your journey by choosing from different core, capital, and capacity aspects.

Are you eligible for NDIS?

There are more than 4.3 million people with disability in Australia. NDIS aims to fund at least 500,000 people with its progressive planning.

To be eligible for NDIS you need to meet the eligibility criteria. The foremost criterion is to have a severe and permanent disability that hampers your everyday living. If a disability impacts your ability to carry out everyday tasks efficiently, NDIS can favor you.

Secondly, you must be between 9 to 65 years of age at the time of registration. In any other case, you would not be eligible.

Lastly, you must be a citizen of Australia or a permanent visa holder to avail NDIS scheme.

Congratulations, if you are eligible for NDIS. Now, submit your application and lead your life to an independent future.

All in all, here are a few points to keep in mind to gain more independence with NDIS:

• Understand your needs and define independence
• Be proactive in decision making
• Be extremely clear in planning meetings
• Choose a slow pace

Achieve care disability is a licensed NDIS service provider for NDIS participants. Contact us now and let’s figure out a plan for you to lead a more nuanced and independent life.