Are you suffering with any type of impairments or are you caring for someone with an impairment? If you live in Australia, you may have heard of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is an innovative program that provides essential services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, community access programs and supported living.
However, understanding the system and the application and planning process can be complicated. That’s why professionals who offer disability care services in Sydney put together this guide to help you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Identify your major impairment
You will need to provide documentation of your major impairment (the mobility restrictions that most affects your daily life).
It should be recent (within the last six months) and completed by the health care provider who treated you.
It must list your major impairment and describe how it affects your life. The certificate must also describe your current treatment and its results, future capabilities, and expected outcomes.
Documents needed to prove your disability include:
Evidence of your underlying impairmentDate of diagnosisImpact on daily livingPrevious and current treatmentFuture impact and implicationsAre registered with the NDIS, so you can be sure they are providing the quality support you need. You should also find out if they can meet your individual needs.
As with any other industry, there are a small number of unscrupulous providers, so always research reviews on Google, ask for written references and talk to others involved.
Most NDIS disability care services near Sydney also offer a “try before you buy” option, where you can try out their program before committing to a long-term plan.
You should also check the bylaws on any documents you are asked to sign and know that you have the right to give notice to terminate services at any time and for any reason.
The NDIA has very clear guidelines for providers to ensure that you have full protection of your plan, funding and goals.
If you have a problem with a service provider, you can notify NDIA and they will handle the matter in your favor.
The goal of NDIS is to enable people with significant and persistent impairment to realise their full potential and access mainstream support services that they might not otherwise have access to.
Whatever your goals are — whether you want to become more independent, learn valuable life skills, get out into the community, or get therapy to improve your quality of life — NDIS can help you.
Author’s Bio: The author is a professional who offers Disability Care Services in and near Sydney, and this post has been written to educate the readers about the topic.