What Does NDIS Mean?

What Does NDIS Mean in Australia?

The NDIS means National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s Australia’s way of providing funding to people with disability*, so they can access the supports, therapies, and equipment they need to live more independently and take part in everyday life.

The NDIS is delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which began operations in 2013 following years of advocacy for reform in disability services.

At Everyday Independence, we help people make the most of their NDIS funding with therapy and practical support that creates lasting positive change.

What Does NDIS Mean for People with Disability?

Once someone is accepted into the NDIS in Australia, they become a participant and receive a personalised plan tailored to their individual goals and needs. The NDIA works with each participant to review current supports, run a planning meeting, and allocate funding to services that promote independence, participation, and wellbeing.

Unlike traditional disability funding models, the NDIS gives participants choice and control over the supports they receive.

This approach ensures that participants have choice and control over the support they receive — a key difference from traditional disability funding models.

For participants, the NDIS means:

• Personalised therapy supports that build everyday skills
• Access to assistive technology and equipment
• Greater independence at home, school, work, and in the community
• The ability to choose the services and providers that best meet their needs

Benefits of the NDIS in Australia

The key benefits of the NDIS include:

• Personalised Support: Individuals can select services and providers that align with their goals.
• Community Inclusion: The NDIS empowers people to participate more fully in work, education, and social life.
• Improved Outcomes: With the help of qualified NDIS providers, participants can achieve greater independence and quality of life.

What Supports can the NDIS Fund?

The NDIS can fund supports such as therapy services, vehicle modifications, home modifications for greater comfort and independence, transportation services, and employment assistance.

Who is Eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible for funding, NDIS participants must meet the following access requirements:

• Have a permanent and significant disability that directly impacts your ability to participate in day-to-day activities
• Be under 65 years of age at the time of first accessing the scheme
• Be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with a protected special category vis.
• Live in an eligible NDIS area.

Read more about eligibility requirements for funding under the NDIS.

Is the NDIS Means-Tested?

If you already receive payments such as the Disability Support Pension or Carer Allowance, these will not be impacted by your NDIS funding. The NDIS is designed to give people with disability the supports they need, regardless of financial circumstances.

What Disabilities are Covered by the NDIS?

The NDIS in Australia supports individuals with permanent and significant:

• Physical, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities
• Neurological, visual, hearing, or psychosocial disabilities

How Much NDIS Funding Can You Get?

There is no fixed amount. Instead, your support package will be customised based on your goals, current needs, and functional impact. Your plan will detail the types and value of supports funded under the NDIS.

Everyday Independence and the NDIS

As a registered NDIS provider, we deliver:

• Occupational therapy to build everyday skills and independence
• Speech pathology to support communication and manage swallowing challenges
• Physiotherapy to improve movement, strength and participation in daily life
• Positive behaviour support to reduce behaviours of concern and improve quality of life
• Early childhood supports to support children up to nine years with disabilities and developmental delays to build new skills
• Developmental education to support youths and adults navigate key life transitions
• Habit coaching to build habits and routine for lasting lifestyle change

Our team works with you in the places that matter most — your home, school, workplace, or community — to help you make the most from your NDIS funding.

Get Started with Everyday Independence

If you have NDIS funding already, we’re here to help you get therapy started. Simply complete this form and one of our team members will be in contact shortly, or call us on 1300 179 131.

*According to a 2022 report by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in six Australians is living with a disability. Of those living with a disability, one in three have a severe or profound disability that significantly impacts their day-to-day life.