I need help with NDIS

Whether you’ve just joined the NDIS, you already have a plan, or you just need help - Novita’s here to support you every step of the way.

Novita has been working with the NDIS since 2013 when it first launched in South Australia. Call us if you need a hand at any stage throughout the process on 1300 NOVITA. You can also contact the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS, or National Disability Insurance Scheme, is a scheme for people living with disability to get support and funding. It is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

You can use the NDIS to get what you or your family member needs to achieve your goals. This might include:

  • equipment and therapy
  • things that help you or your family members go to school, work, and access the community
  • access to healthcare
  • support for your family
  • anything that helps you or your family member to be more independent.

The NDIS calls these things:

  • Access to mainstream services and supports
  • Access to community services and supports
  • Maintaining your informal support arrangements

You can find more information about reasonable and necessary supports here.

Who is it for?

The NDIS is for people aged 0-65 who live with permanent or significant disability. This means the person will probably have the disability their whole life, and it affects how they do everyday activities like making meals, having a shower, or going to work or school.

The NDIS website has all the information you will need to access the Scheme.

How does the NDIS work?

If you or your family member is eligible to be an NDIS participant, you will need to work with an NDIS planner to create your first NDIS plan. The plan will help you get the supports you need.

The plan might include:

  • services you or your family member already use
  • support from family, doctors, paid disability support providers, or at school or work
  • new things like support at home, therapy services or a wheelchair, to help you or your family member achieve their goals
  • which service provider you want to provide supports and services.

What are the eligibility requirements?

You or your family member will be eligible for the NDIS if the access requirements are met. These include:

Age requirements (South Australia)

  • Kids aged 0-14
  • Teenagers aged 15-17
  • Adults aged 18-64

Residency requirements

  • Where you live and citizenship.

Disability requirements

  • The type of disability you or your child lives with
  • How long they will have the disability for
  • How it affects them in their everyday life.

Early intervention requirements

  • Your child is less than six years old
  • The type of disability your child lives with
  • Getting supports now could help your child.

The NDIS talks about early intervention as the Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach and has more information about it on its website.

How to plan

The NDIS website includes comprehensive information about planning your NDIS future, and preparing for your planning meeting.

What if I need to consider Assistive Technology (equipment)?

It is important to advise the NDIS of any equipment needs for yourself or your family member that you are aware of during your planning meeting, including any equipment prescriptions that may be in progress. Equipment needs should be discussed as part of your planning meeting, Including:

  • The equipment item that you would like the NDIS to fund (e.g. wheelchair, computer access technology, communication system, shower chair, continence aids)
  • The time needed for your or your family member’s therapists to continue with your equipment request.

If you are waiting on an item of government funded equipment, you should tell your planner about these equipment needs. This is important even if the funding for the equipment item had been approved by the state government system before your transition to the NDIS.

If you or your family member needs new equipment or changes to current equipment, talk to your planner about including hours for assessment and recommendation. You will need hours to cover appointments and also for the assessor to organise trials, quotes and submitting a funding request to the NDIA.

If you or your family member has existing equipment, ask your NDIA planner to include funding for any repairs or maintenance for this equipment into the Assistive Technology budget of your plan. This funding will be important if you need a repair or service on any equipment.

What if I need to include orthotics?

It is important to advise the NDIS of any Orthotics needs and time for consultations with the Orthotist. Novita’s Orthotists can provide a quote to provide to the NDIS. To arrange for a quote for Orthotic Services for the year ahead, you can call us on 1300 668 482 or email [email protected]

Can I claim modifying my home through the NDIS?

The NDIS may be able to fund home modifications for eligible participants. For major and minor home modifications, Novita has therapists who are qualified and skilled in Home Modifications and working with the NDIS. For further information you can call us on 1300 668 482 or email [email protected] and refer to the NDIS website for information about NDIA funded Home Modifications.

How much money will I be allocated to spend on services?

The NDIS will assess your needs and determine an allocation of money to pay for the services and supports required. Service providers such as Novita will not be part of this assessment and money allocation process, but can support you with information and recommendations to assist with this assessment.