Assistance animals are an important support for individuals living with disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. The inclusion of assistance animals in the lives of people with disabilities can have significant positive effects like improved mental and emotional well-being. Assistance animals are not pets but specially trained animals that provide crucial support to people with disabilities, helping them to perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult to do on their own. Under the NDIS, the assistance animal is disability-related support that is funded only if it meets the NDIS
funding criteria.
Assistance animals most commonly funded for disability support are dog guides. The NDIS has made it mandatory that the assistance animal must be trained by an accredited provider and the animal has passed the Public Access Test. To be considered for funding, the assistance animal must be capable of actively performing at least three specific tasks that directly address the participant’s disability-related needs. A lot of importance is given to the safety of the assistance animal as well. The funding for an assistance animal will be withheld by the NDIS if there is a potential threat to its well-being and safety. The participant needs to pass a suitability assessment before being able to access support from assistance animals. These suitability assessments are carried out by accredited assistance animal providers. Once the assistance animals support is included in a participant’s NDIS plan, the NDIS will also cover the cost of the animal’s upkeep.
Aastha Community Services understands the positive impact of assistance animals on the lives of those with disabilities. As a registered NDIS service provider, we can help you access the NDIS Assistance animals including dog guides support through which you can enhance your independence and enrich your life. Contact us today to know more about our support and services.
https://www.aastha.com.au/blog/enhancing-independence-the-significant-role-of-assistance-animals/
https://www.aastha.com.au/blog/enhancing-independence-the-significant-role-of-assistance-animals/
