NDIS Glossary

A

Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injury is damage to the brain that occurs after birth, often from accidents, stroke, or illness. This can affect your thinking, memory, movement, and behaviour. NDIS supports can include therapy, equipment, and assistance with daily activities to help you regain skills and independence.

Agency-Managed

Agency-managed means the NDIA handles all payments and administration for your plan. You choose your providers (who must be registered), and the NDIA pays them directly. This option requires minimal administration from you while ensuring proper fund management.

Assistance with Daily Living

Assistance with daily living covers support for personal care, household tasks, and life skills development. This includes help with showering, meal preparation, cleaning, and managing finances. Support workers provide this assistance to help you maintain your independence and live comfortably in your chosen environment.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology includes equipment and devices that help you perform daily activities and achieve your goals. This covers mobility aids, communication devices, computer equipment, and household aids. Assistive technology is assessed based on your functional needs and can range from low-cost items to complex equipment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. People with autism may have different ways of learning, communicating, and processing information. NDIS supports can include therapy, skill development, and assistance with daily activities to help you participate in your community.

C

Capital Supports

Capital supports are high-value items or modifications that last several years and help you achieve your goals. These include assistive technology, home modifications, and vehicle modifications. Capital supports require additional approval processes and often need quotes from providers. The NDIA assesses whether these supports are reasonable and necessary for your specific needs and circumstances.

Carer

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with disability. Carers often help with daily activities, emotional support, and advocacy. The NDIS recognises the important role carers play and may provide supports to help maintain caring relationships.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement, posture, and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or during birth. Cerebral palsy affects people differently, from mild coordination issues to significant physical challenges. NDIS supports can include therapy, equipment, and assistance with daily activities.

Consumables

Consumables are everyday items that you use regularly and need to replace frequently. These include continence products, medical supplies, cleaning materials, and personal care items. Consumables are typically funded based on your assessed needs and usage patterns. You can purchase these items from various suppliers and claim them through your NDIS plan.

D

Daily Activities

Daily activities refer to routine tasks and functions that support your everyday life. These include personal care, household management, community access, and social interactions. NDIS funding can support assistance with daily activities to help you maintain independence and participate in your community.

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome that affects physical and intellectual development. People with Down syndrome may have intellectual disability, characteristic physical features, and increased risk of certain health conditions. NDIS supports can include therapy, skill development, and assistance with daily activities and community participation.

E

Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)

ECEI is a specialised NDIS pathway for children under 6 with developmental delay or disability. It focuses on providing early support to help children develop skills and reach their potential. ECEI partners work with families to access therapies, equipment, and community activities. In some cases, children can receive support through ECEI without needing a full NDIS plan.

H

Hearing Impairment

Hearing impairment includes deafness, hearing loss, or conditions that affect your ability to hear sounds clearly. This can impact communication, social interaction, and daily activities. NDIS supports can include hearing aids, communication devices, interpreting services, and skill development.

Home Modifications

Home modifications are changes to your home environment to improve accessibility and safety. These can include ramps, bathroom modifications, door widening, and lighting improvements. Home modifications are assessed based on your disability-related needs and must be reasonable and necessary for your circumstances.

I

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability affects your ability to learn, understand, and apply new information or skills. This condition begins before age 18 and impacts daily functioning. NDIS supports can help with skill development, communication, decision-making, and participating in work, education, and community activities.

L

LAC (Local Area Coordinator)

LACs are community-based staff who help you connect with NDIS and mainstream services in your local area. They provide information about the NDIS, help you prepare for planning meetings, and assist with plan implementation. LACs also connect you with community groups, activities, and informal supports. They work closely with participants who have less complex needs and help build your capacity to navigate services independently.

M

Medium-term Accommodation (MTA)

Medium-term accommodation provides temporary housing and support for periods longer than short-term options (usually up to 90 days). This support helps you transition between living arrangements or while permanent accommodation is being arranged. MTA includes necessary support services during your stay.

MyPlace Participant Portal

MyPlace is the NDIA's online portal where you can access your NDIS plan information and manage your account. Through MyPlace, you can view your plan details, check your budget, submit forms, and communicate with the NDIA. This secure platform allows you to manage your NDIS information at any time.

N

NDIA

The NDIA is the government agency that runs the NDIS. They handle your plan reviews, funding decisions, and overall scheme management. The NDIA works with you to develop your plan, approves your supports, and ensures you receive the right services. They also work with service providers to maintain quality standards across the scheme.

NDIS

The NDIS is Australia's national scheme that provides funding for people with permanent and significant disabilities. It gives you personalised support through individual plans that cover therapy, assistive technology, personal care, and community activities. You have choice and control over which supports work best for your needs and goals. Click here to learn more about what NDIS is.

NDIS participants

NDIS participants are people who have been accepted into the NDIS and receive funding support. As a participant, you have an individualised plan that outlines your goals and the support you need. You can choose your own service providers and decide how to use your funding. Participants work with planners to review and update their plans regularly to ensure supports continue meeting their changing needs.

NDIS plan

Your NDIS plan is a personalised document that outlines your goals and the funding you'll receive to achieve them. It includes details about your supports, how much funding you have, and how long your plan will last. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months, but you can request changes if your needs change. Your plan is divided into different budget categories to help you manage your funding effectively.

NDIS Planner

A planner is an NDIA staff member who works with you to create and review your NDIS plan. They discuss your goals, assess your support needs, and determine appropriate funding levels. Planners conduct planning meetings either face-to-face, over the phone, or via video call. They help you understand your plan and connect you with local area coordinators or support coordinators who can assist with implementing your supports.

NDIS Provider

An NDIS provider is an organisation or individual who delivers services and support to NDIS participants. They can be registered with the NDIA or unregistered, depending on the type of support they offer. Providers include therapists, support workers, equipment suppliers, and specialist services. You can choose which providers to work with based on your needs and preferences. Registered providers meet quality standards and can claim payments directly from the NDIA for their services.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is the independent agency that regulates NDIS providers and ensures participant safety. They handle complaints, investigate incidents, and monitor service quality. The Commission works to protect participants from harm and ensure you receive safe, quality supports.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions affect your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Examples include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. These conditions can affect movement, thinking, and daily functioning. NDIS supports can include therapy, equipment, and assistance with daily activities.

P

Physical Disability

Physical disability affects your body's movement, coordination, or physical function. This includes conditions affecting your limbs, spine, muscles, or bones. Physical disabilities can be present from birth or acquired through injury or illness. NDIS supports can help with mobility, daily activities, and accessing your community.

Plan Management

Plan management is a service where an approved plan manager handles your NDIS payments and administration. Plan managers pay your providers, track your budget, and provide regular statements. This option gives you choice and control while reducing administrative burden. Click here to learn more about what is ndis plan management.

Plan Reassessment

Plan reassessment is when the NDIA reviews your current plan to determine if changes are needed. This can happen at your plan review, when you request changes, or if your circumstances change significantly. The NDIA examines your goals, support needs, and funding to ensure your plan remains appropriate and effective for your current situation.

Psychosocial Disability

Psychosocial disability results from mental health conditions that significantly impact your daily life and functioning. This includes conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. NDIS supports can help with recovery, skill development, and maintaining your independence and community connections.

R

Reasonable and Necessary

Reasonable and necessary are the key criteria the NDIA uses to decide which supports to fund in your plan. Supports must be directly related to your disability, help you achieve your goals, and be good value for money. The NDIA considers whether the support is appropriate for your needs and circumstances before approving funding.

S

Self-Management

Self-management means you manage your own NDIS funding and payments. You receive funding directly, pay providers yourself, and maintain records of expenses. Self-management provides maximum flexibility and control over your supports and spending.

Short-term Accommodation (STA)

Short-term accommodation provides temporary residential support when your usual arrangements are unavailable. This includes respite care, crisis accommodation, and holiday programmes. Short-term accommodation gives you and your carers a break while ensuring you receive appropriate support.

Social and Community Participation

Social and community participation funding supports your involvement in community activities, social groups, and recreational programmes. This includes gym memberships, art classes, sports activities, and community events. The funding aims to help you build relationships, develop skills, and participate meaningfully in your community.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA is housing designed specifically for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA properties include accessible features and are often located near support services. SDA funding is separate from other NDIS supports and requires specific eligibility criteria.

Support Coordinator

A support coordinator helps you understand and use your NDIS plan effectively. They assist with finding and connecting to service providers, managing your budget, and coordinating different supports. Support coordinators help you navigate the NDIS system, resolve issues with providers, and work towards building your capacity to manage supports independently. They act as your guide through the complexities of the scheme and help ensure your supports work well together.

Support Worker

A support worker is a person who provides hands-on assistance with daily activities and helps you achieve your goals. They can help with personal care, household tasks, community access, and skill development. Support workers work in your home, community, or workplace based on your needs. You can choose your own support workers and decide how they assist you. They focus on building your independence and supporting you to participate in activities that matter to you.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

SIL provides daily living support for people who need assistance with personal care and household tasks. This support is available 24/7 or for specific periods depending on your needs. SIL helps you live independently in your own home or in shared accommodation while receiving the support you require.

T

Transport

Transport funding helps you access community activities, appointments, and services. This can include taxi vouchers, public transport costs, or vehicle modifications. Transport support aims to increase your independence and community participation. The funding considers your mobility needs and the transport options available in your area.

V

Vision Impairment

Vision impairment includes blindness, low vision, or other conditions that affect your ability to see clearly. This can impact your daily activities, mobility, and independence. NDIS supports can include orientation and mobility training, assistive technology, and modifications to help you navigate your environment safely.