6 Steps to get started

1. Get informed

Information is power! The more you know, the easier it is to plan and make decisions about your future, supports and services. Get information about:

• a particular type of disability
• services for adults
• services, programs and groups
• something specific, like communication, daily routines or toilet training.

If you’re just after some tips, tricks and helpful advice, or want to read other people’s stories, then head to our blog.  Here are some other good sources of information about disability and services that may be useful.

• Department of Human Services
• The inclusion hub guide to the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS)
• What is the NDIS?
• The NDIS in South Australia
• The raising children network 
• Best Practice in early childhood intervention guidelines

2. Get organised

If you have lots of appointments with different doctors or specialists, start a notebook to record all your conversations and appointment dates. Make sure you keep a copy of your receipts, invoices, forms and documentation in case you need them down the track.

When it comes to the NDIS, getting organised can be confusing. We’ve been working with the Scheme since 2013, so call us if you need a hand at any stage throughout the process.

3. Know your funding options

Every person and family is unique. We can help you identify services that will meet you or your child’s individual needs (even if we don’t offer them ourselves) and the best funding options for you.

Funding options include:

• Medicare plans
• Private health
• NDIS
• Self-funded – you can pay the full fee without any funding.

Call us on 1300 668 482 to discuss which of these options would be best for you or if you have a funding source you can Register for Novita services now.

4. Make a plan and start early

It’s important to start early childhood intervention as soon as possible, to give your child the best possible outcomes. It’s never too early (or too late!). Babies can start early intervention therapies from three months old and intervention continues to be beneficial from thereon in.

If you are eligible for the NDIS, it can take several months for your funding and plan to be approved. You can still get immediate access to services while you wait, including:

• Community based services such as Kindergym
• Attend parent information sessions
• Work with one of our social workers who can help you come up with a plan
• School holiday programs
• Out of school hours care (OSHC) 
• Groups. 

5. Choose your provider

Once you have an approved NDIS plan, it will be up to you to decide where to spend your money and which provider you want to use.

If you choose to work with Novita, we will support you to make a plan that includes all the services, strategies and supports you or your child needs, based on the goals identified in their NDIS Plan. Visit the I have an NDIS Plan page on our website for a full list of benefits and more information.

If you choose to split your services among different providers, the following tips might be helpful:

• Be clear and upfront with all the service providers that you are splitting your services and need them to talk with each other regularly (you will need to pay extra for this) to coordinate therapies
• Make sure they use evidence-based practices.

Register for Novita services now.

6. Celebrate achievements

Once you start your services, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll start celebrating your or your child’s achievements – big and small. Many parents come to us having been told their child won’t or can’t achieve. But we have more than 80 years of experience, and we know the best outcomes are achieved when we focus on kids’ abilities and strengths and celebrate the amazing and extraordinary things they do every day!