The NDIS is intended to provide reasonable and necessary supports and services to eligible participants, and these could cover a number of areas of a person’s life. When assessing each participant, the NDIS is guided by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act) and the rules made under the NDIS Act in determining what would be considered reasonable and necessary. Some types of supports they could consider include:

• certain daily personal activities,
• transport enabling participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities,
• workplace assistance that would allow a participant to become or stay employed,
• therapeutic supports, including behaviour support,
• assistance with household tasks that would enable participants to maintain their home environment,
• home and/or vehicle modifications, and
• mobility equipment and assistive technology.

In all instances the supports must relate to a participant’s disability and it can be demonstrated are likely to be beneficial and effective to the participant.

The NDIS will support a person with a significant and permanent disability or a child aged under 7 years old with a disability or developmental delay, whose condition impacts their ability to carry out tasks, or who require support or assistance with activities such as self-care, social interaction, learning, communication and/or mobility.

The National Disability Insurance Agency does operate lists of conditions that are likely to qualify for NDIS eligibility, but these lists are not the only consideration that would be taken into account when determining eligibility, as the impact of a certain condition on a person’s functioning will range significantly between individuals.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) does not qualify as a disability under the NDIS, making individuals diagnosed with ADHD ineligible for the NDIS. The NDIS recognises many disabilities, including psychosocial disabilities, and if the ADHD is linked to an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or a psychosocial disability, then an individual may be eligible for support for those conditions.

The NDIS is not means tested and will not affect other income support participants receive, such as a Disability Support Pension or Carers Allowance. Funds allocated to participants are meant for reasonable and necessary support that are required by participants to live an ordinary life.

Individuals already receiving disability support services in Australia can expect to be contacted by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) once the NDIS becomes available in their area. Those not currently receiving disability support services can contact the NDIS for an Access Request Form. You can only join the NDIS if you meet the access requirements, which include:

• The NDIS already being available in your area.
• Being under the age of 65-years when you apply.
• Being an Australian citizen, or holding a Permanent or Protected Special Category Visa.
• Meeting specific disability requirements and/or early intervention requirements.

Valid access requests will receive a response from the NDIA within 21-days, unless additional documents, assessments and/or evidence is needed.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is intended to fund and provide a range of services and supports for people with a permanent and significant disability, their families, and their carers. The purpose is to assist people with permanent and significant disabilities in living an ordinary life and increasing their social and economic participation. The NDIS also makes provision for early intervention, access to assistive technology, and support to access community services and activities. The NDIS recognises that everyone has different needs, so plans and support are personalised for all eligible persons. However, the NDIS is not intended to fund services and supports already available through other programs, including Medicare, and is not yet available throughout Australia.