Living with any type of disability comes with a plethora of unique challenges, while the Australian government is committed to ensuring that people who are living with disabilities have access to the support they need on a regular basis to enhance their quality of life, provide them with independence and improve their dignity and self-respect. You should continue reading this insightful article because it serves as a guide for Australians or those with family members living with disabilities, offering insights into how to access various types of functional capacity support across Australia.
- Understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Assessment and planning process
- Service providers and support coordination
A. Understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme
The cornerstone of disability support in Australia is the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS as it is otherwise known. This particular scheme is a government initiative that has been designed to provide lifelong support for people who are living with permanent and significant disabilities. The national disability insurance scheme focuses on enhancing participants’ independence, well-being and community engagement, while if you want to access support through NDIS, you must meet specific eligibility criteria as well as undergo a functional capacity assessment. This can include having a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to participate in daily activities and requires support, while if you want to access the NDIS support network, then you must contact the National Disability Insurance Agency which will guide you through the application process, including providing information on eligibility, required documentation and support planning.
B. Assessment and planning process
In addition, once you have been approved for NDIS, you will have to undergo an assessment and planning process. This usually involves working with a planner to identify several unique goals, needs and the necessary support services that are required. The participant, along with their family or support network, will be able to collaborate with an NDIS planner to identify short-term and long-term goals while these particular goals can be related to areas such as education, employment, social engagement and daily living skills.
C. Service providers and support coordination
Finally, NDIS participants have the flexibility to choose their service providers, while it is essential to undertake research and choose the best provider that aligns with the participant’s needs and goals. Moreover, support coordination services are also available to assist in navigating the complexities of service provision, as well as coordinating the various types of support that are required on an ongoing basis. Participants will be able to research and choose service providers that best meet their requirements while this can include providers for allied health services, accommodation support, community access and employment services. Likewise, coordination services can help participants manage their NDIS plans effectively while support coordinators assist in connecting with service providers, ensuring the various services align with the participant’s goals and address any issues that may arise during the implementation of the support plan. Therefore to conclude, accessing functional capacity support for people who are living with disabilities in Australia involves navigating a system designed to empo
