National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian-wide scheme. It is designed to help participants get the support they need so that their skills and independence can improve over time.
NDIS funds are provided directly to individuals. To be eligible for the NDIS, you must:
- be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent or special category visa
- be between 7 and 65 years old
- have a permanent and major disability.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents a fundamental change in Australia’s funding and provision of people with disabilities. The NDIS is designed to bring significant benefits to people with disabilities, their families, and the entire community.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is responsible for various functions under the national quality and assurance framework to protect and prevent injuries to persons with disabilities in the NDIS market. The committee will develop the capacity of NDIS participants and providers to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and take advantage of the benefits of NDIS. The legislation supporting the NDIS aims to help participants become informed purchasers and consumers of NDIS support and services, and stay away from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS Provider Definition) Rule 2018 extends the jurisdiction of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission under the definition of NDIS provider to cover providers of supports or services to older people with disability who are receiving continuity of supports under the Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme relating to Specialist Disability Services for Older People. Individuals receiving these supports and services were found to be ineligible for the NDIS due to their age during the transition of their state or territory.
Some general principles governing actions under the Act
People with disabilities have the same rights as other members of Australian society to realize their potential for physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
- They should be supported to participate in and contribute to social and economic life to the best of their ability.
- They also enjoy the same rights as other members of Australian society, respect their values and dignity, and are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The role of advocacy in representing the interests of persons with disabilities should be recognized and respected, recognizing that advocacy supports persons with disabilities by-
- promoting their independence and social and economic participation;
- Promoting choice and control in the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports;
- Maximize the independent lifestyle of persons with disabilities and their full integration into the community.
The privacy and dignity of persons with disabilities must be respected. Providing reasonable and necessary support for persons with disabilities should:
- Support persons with disabilities to pursue their goals and maximize their independence;
- Support persons with disabilities to live independently and integrate into the community as fully participating citizens;
- Develop and support persons with disabilities. The ability to carry out activities enables them to participate in the community and employment.
Why is NDIS?
The main aim of NDIS is to promote active personal and social development of persons with disabilities, including children and young people. It will promote innovation, quality, continuous improvement, contemporary best practices, and effectiveness of support for persons with disabilities.