It is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, or those on certain visas, who have a significant and permanent disability between the ages of 7 up to 65.

Participants receive individualized funding packages to purchase supports and services that help them achieve their goals.

Participants have the flexibility to choose providers and control how their funds are spent.

The NDIS covers a range of supports including personal care, transport, therapy, and assistive technologies.

First, you need to determine if you or the person you’re supporting is eligible. You can check this on the NDIS website or by contacting them directly.

If eligible, you can apply to become a participant. This involves filling out an Access Request Form. You can do this online, over the phone, or by visiting an NDIS office. You’ll need to provide evidence of your disability, such as medical reports.

Once your application is approved, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting with an NDIS planner or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). To prepare, think about your goals and the types of support you need. It can be helpful to bring along any relevant documents or assessments.

During the meeting, you’ll work with the planner to develop your NDIS plan. This plan outlines your goals and the supports and services funded by the NDIS.

Once your plan is approved, you can start using your funding to access supports and services. You can choose your providers and manage your budget, either independently, with help from a plan manager, or through the NDIA.

Your plan will be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets your needs. You can request a review if your circumstances change.

During your planning meeting, discuss your need for a support coordinator with your NDIS planner or LAC. Explain how having a support coordinator will help you achieve your goals and manage your NDIS plan effectively. If approved, funding for support coordination will be included in your plan.

Once you have funding for support coordination, you can choose a support coordinator. You can find support coordinators through the NDIS Provider Finder tool on the NDIS website, or get recommendations from your LAC, friends, or community networks. It’s important to choose someone who understands your needs and can work well with you.

Contact the support coordinators you’re interested in and discuss their services. Once you’ve chosen one, you’ll need to formally engage them. This usually involves signing a service agreement that outlines the services they will provide and how they will be delivered.

Your support coordinator will help you understand and implement your NDIS plan, connect with service providers, and build your capacity to manage your plan independently over time. They can assist with coordinating services, navigating the NDIS system, and ensuring that your supports are effective and meet your needs.

Participants with complex needs or who require assistance navigating multiple services may be more likely to receive support coordination.

If a participant needs help building their ability to manage their own supports and services, support coordination may be included to help develop these skills.

Participants experiencing significant changes in their life, such as a new diagnosis or a change in living arrangements, may require support coordination to help manage the transition.

Participants who are in vulnerable situations, such as those with limited informal supports or who are at risk of harm, may also be considered for support coordination.

Emphasize the complexity of your needs and how support coordination will help manage them.

“Due to the complexity of my needs, I require support coordination to effectively manage my various services and supports.”

Explain how support coordination will help you build your capacity to manage your NDIS plan in the future.

“I need assistance with building my skills to independently manage my supports. Support coordination will provide me with the guidance and education necessary to achieve this.”

If you’re experiencing significant changes, describe how support coordination will help you navigate these transitions.

“I am currently going through a major transition in my life, and support coordination is essential to help me adjust and ensure my supports are effectively coordinated.”

If you’re in a vulnerable situation, explain how support coordination will provide the necessary support and stability.

“Given my limited informal support network, having a support coordinator is crucial to ensure I receive the appropriate services and reduce my risk of harm.”

Use specific examples to illustrate your needs.

“For instance, I have difficulty coordinating appointments with multiple service providers, which often leads to missed appointments and gaps in my care. A support coordinator will help streamline this process.”

Connect support coordination to your personal goals and outcomes.

“One of my goals is to become more independent in managing my daily activities. Support coordination will help me achieve this by providing tailored assistance and linking me to the right resources.”