Moving to a new country like Australia can be hard, especially if you or someone in your family has a disability. But you are not alone. In Australia, there is help for people with disability. This help is called the NDIS. It stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
This blog will explain what the NDIS is, who can get help, what kind of support it gives, and how the Indian Support Center (ISC) can help you use NDIS services.
The NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Australia. It is a government program that gives money and support to people with disabilities so they can get the help they need.
The NDIS helps people spend more time with family and friends, become more independent, learn new skills, and join community activities. Through NDIS services, people can get funding for things like personal care, medical equipment, home modifications, and training. These supports can include personal care, equipment, therapy, or classes.
Who can get NDIS help?
To get NDIS help, you must meet some rules. Generally:
- Age: You must be under 65 years old. (Children under 9 with developmental delays may get early support).
- Residence: You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Disability: You must have a long-term disability caused by a permanent impairment that affects your daily life.
- Supports needed: You usually need disability-specific support to do everyday activities. If you do, you may be eligible.
If you are over 65, or do not have a permanent disability, other support programs might be available instead.
What Help Can You Get from the NDIS?
NDIS services can give you many types of help, depending on what you need. Here are some examples:
Personal Support
- Help at home to cook, clean, and get dressed
- Help with showering or taking medicine
Learning and Therapy
- Therapy with a psychologist or speech therapist
- Learning new skills like using money or reading
Equipment
- Wheelchairs
- Hearing aids
- Walking sticks or frames
Transport
- Help to travel to school, work, or appointments
Support at School or Work
- A support person to help you at school or in a job
- Help to find and keep a job
Help to Live Independently
- Help with renting or setting up your own home
- Support to live with others or on your own
You can choose what services you need. The money goes into your NDIS plan, and you use it for your goals.
What types of NDIS services are available?
NDIS services include many kinds of help. Some examples are:
- Personal care: Help with showering, dressing, eating, and other daily tasks.
- Household support: Help with cleaning, cooking, shopping, and yard work.
- Mobility and transport: Wheelchairs, hearing aids, or transport services to get to work or appointments.
- Therapy and health: Physiotherapy, speech therapy, counseling, and other treatments.
- Equipment and home modifications: Special equipment (like walkers or ramps) and changes to the home to make it safer.
- Community participation: Support to join local events, classes, sports, or social groups to learn new skills and make friends.
- Employment support: Help with job training, finding a job, or keeping a job.
- Support coordination: Assistance to find and organize the services you need in your plan.
- Plan management: Help with managing your NDIS budget and paying providers on your behalf.
These are all types of NDIS services that aim to make life easier for people with disability. Your plan can include the services that fit your needs and goals.
How to apply for NDIS
Applying for the NDIS involves a few steps:
- Contact the NDIS or a local partner: Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit the NDIS website. A Local Area Coordinator or NDIA office can guide you.
- Fill in the Access Request Form: You will need to complete a form with your details, proof of disability, and proof of residency. A doctor’s report may be required.
- Submit documents: Send the form and your documents to the NDIS.
- Assessment: NDIS will review your application and may call you for more information.
- Planning meeting: If your application is accepted, you will have a meeting (by phone or in person) to create your NDIS plan. This plan lists your goals and the supports you will get.
The Indian Support Center can help with each step of this process. We explain the process, help gather documents, and fill out the forms. We make applying for NDIS services as simple as possible for you.
NDIS services at the Indian Support Center
A group of community members joining hands in support. The Indian Support Center (ISC) is a registered NDIS provider that helps people from the Indian subcontinent use NDIS services. Our team understands your culture and speaks your language. We help you with:
- Support Coordination: We help you choose and connect with the best service providers to meet your needs.
- Plan Management: We can manage your NDIS funding and pay invoices for you.
- Community Participation: We help you join community events, classes, and social activities.
- Understanding the NDIS: We explain the NDIS in simple terms, review your plan, and make sure it fits your goals.
All our services are friendly and respectful of your culture and family. We aim to make sure you are comfortable and your needs are met.
Indian Support Center is here to guide you through the NDIS. We have helped many migrants and refugees from India, Nepal, Pakistan, and other countries. You do not have to navigate this alone. Contact the Indian Support Center today for help with NDIS services.
How the Indian Support Center Helps You
The Indian Support Center (ISC) is here to help you understand and use the NDIS. We speak your language, understand your culture, and are here to support you every step of the way.
Here are the NDIS services we offer:
Support Coordination
- We help you find the best services and supports
- We help you understand your plan
- We guide you in using your funding wisely
Plan Management
- We manage your NDIS budget
- We pay your service providers on time
- We help you keep track of spending
Community Participation
- We help you join classes, events, and community groups
- We support your hobbies and interests
- We help you meet new people
Help With NDIS Application
- We guide you through every step
- We help fill out forms and get documents
- We talk to the NDIS for you if needed
Many people from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh trust the Indian Support Center. We have already helped many families get the support they need.