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Welcome to this special edition of the Disability Support Guide Navigator, dedicated to supports provided in the Northern Territory.
We know how challenging it can be to find the right provider for your needs and understand this can be even more difficult in regional or remote areas of Australia.
There may be less providers to choose from or it’s hard to find a local provider who can support you in your own community.
That’s why DPS, the company behind the print and online Disability Support Guide resources, created this special A5 Navigator for the Northern Territory (NT).
This useful handbook will touch on some of the key steps to accessing disability support services and includes a directory of providers near you.
We have broken down the directory listings into a number of different sections: In-home & Community Support, Therapists & Specialists, Accommodation, Advisors, Equipment & Technology and Mental Health. Each section includes a dedicated list of different service providers delivering products and services specifically in the Northern Territory.
You can use this Disability Support Guide in conjunction with our website, DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au , to find out more about each provider listed in the guide. The associated ‘DSG Web ID’ links directly to the relevant profile online and the services they offer.
To find out more about our range of home, aged care, retirement and disability resources, visit the website or contact us on 1300 186 688 or by emailing info@dps.com.au
Disability Support Guide
Northern Territory
Navigator Edition 2
Printed May 2025
Managing Editor David McManus
david.mcmanus@dps.com.au
General Manager Brad Keighran
DPS Publishing Pty Ltd ● 1300 186 688 ● info@dps.com.au AgedCareGuide.com.au Suite 2, Level 2, 187–193 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000 ● ABN 53 090 793 730
Advertising Distribution Proudly produced sales@dps.com.au distribution@dps.com.au and printed 1300 186 688 1300 186 688 in Australia
The factual material contained in this publication has been obtained from information supplied by government departments, industry and organisations, by personal interview and by telephone and correspondence. At the time of going to press the publisher believed that all information submitted for publication was accurate and complete. However, the publisher can take no responsibility for inaccuracies or incomplete information that may have been supplied to them in the course of their enquiries detailed above. The facts published indicate the result of those enquiries and no warranty as to their accuracy can be given. The information in this publication is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consider whether the information is appropriate to their needs and seek professional advice tailored to their personal circumstances. Images within this publication may have been altered from their original format.
© Copyright. No part of this publication can be used or reproduced in any format without express permission in writing from The Publisher.
The below diagram shows the steps in the NDIS participant journey for people with disability aged 9 to 64 years.
The participant journey outlines the different steps that people will experience when applying for the NDIS and once they have joined the NDIS. The diagram below outlines the journey for people with disability, carers and families across Australia seeking disability supports or applying to the NDIS.
Each step of the improved journey is detailed below in this document. You can find more information about the improved journey, and the journey for children younger than 9, on our website at improvements.ndis.gov.au
You can find more information about the improved journey, and the journey for children younger than 9, at improvements.ndis.gov.au.
Disability support in Australia is mostly available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If you’re living with a disability, you may be able to access supports through government-funded services.
The first step in your research should be to check if you are eligible for the NDIS and to then apply to join the scheme.
To be eligible, you need to be:
∙ under the age of 65;
∙ an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa;
∙ diagnosed with a disability that affects your ability to perform everyday activities; or
∙ a child younger than nine (or six with developmental delay) requiring early intervention supports.
To check if you are eligible and to apply, you can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au. You may need to provide proof of your diagnosis or other documents to show your need for supports as part of your application.
Once you have applied, you can start looking into what kinds of disability support are out there and get an idea of what you might benefit from.
The purpose of the NDIS is to help you develop a greater sense of independence and develop new skills so that you can support yourself and your community.
Ultimately, the NDIS is based on each person receiving an individual plan that funds the supports to match their goals and what they want to achieve in life.
Options can include equipment, assistive technology and home modifications; supports to access the community, such as transport or funding for centre-based activities; assistance with daily living, like help with showering and meal preparation or supports for building your skills, such as therapies or programs.
While working out what supports you’ll receive funding for through your plan, the NDIS will look at whether they are considered ‘reasonable and necessary.’
This means they must be related to your disability and aren’t a daily living cost — such as the cost of groceries or rent. They must be cost-effective and benefit you.
Any informal supports given to you by family, carers, networks and the community will also be considered.
The NDIS also won’t fund supports provided through other funding streams, like learning supports provided for children with disability in schools that are funded by education departments.
If you are not eligible for the NDIS, you may be able to access some funding from State and Territory Governments. For example, you might be able to have some assistive technology funded or access mental health support through the Northern Territory Office of Disability.
Once you have been approved as a participant of the NDIS, you can start preparing for a planning meeting.
A local area coordinator, NDIA planner or early childhood early intervention coordinator will contact you after you are approved for funding to set up this meeting.
Together, you will put a plan together that includes your short- and long-term goals, work out how you can reach those goals and what supports you need. This plan is then sent to the NDIA for approval and allocation of funding for any supports or equipment.
To make sure you’re well prepared for your planning meeting, it is important you collect a range of supporting documents and information.
These could include:
∙ specialist reports of therapy assessments;
∙ letters from your doctor;
∙ your myGov login details;
∙ day program rosters;
∙ information from your employer or volunteer organisation; and
∙ activity schedules or a behaviour support plan.
Although it’s not a requirement that you bring quotes for any assistive technology or equipment you want in your plan, quotes can assist the planner you are working with to have a better idea of the level of funding you need.
As well as preparing documents, it can be helpful if you think about and write down anything that will assist with planning your supports.
This includes:
∙ any formal supports you are currently receiving, such as therapy, as well as any informal supports from family members or friends;
∙ the regular activities you do, such as sport, volunteering or participating in community groups;
∙ where you live, who you live with and whether you are happy with those arrangements;
∙ your short- and long-term goals;
∙ any barriers you currently face to achieve your goals;
∙ details about what a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ day might look like for you;
∙ a statement from your carer detailing your needs; and
∙ any questions you have.
It’s also worth getting an understanding of the different ways your funding can be managed. Would you like to look after it yourself, use a plan manager or have the NDIA take charge? You can discuss this in more detail during your planning meeting.
The NDIS planning meeting will be used to set long- and short-term goals and will be used by the NDIA to decide how much funding you receive and what types of supports you can access to help you achieve your goals.
The meeting may be held in your planner’s office or you can ask them to come to your home. In some cases, for example, if you live in a rural area, you may be able to have the meeting over the phone.
A planning meeting can take a few hours and the planner you are meeting with will ask lots of questions to get a picture of you, your circumstances and your goals. Whenever you have a planning or review meeting, it is important to remember to take your time and not rush, to make sure everything that you want is discussed so that your plan can include the best possible supports.
Your first NDIS plan can focus on the supports you need right now, to give you time to work out what your longer term goals might be.
During the meeting, you will also talk about how you will be able to measure the progress you make towards your goals and how you will tell if your plan is working when all your supports are in place.
You can have a support person present during the meeting who can provide emotional support or fill in any gaps in information if required. You can also appoint a plan nominee to make decisions about your plan and supports on your behalf if you need them to, for example, if you have regular trips to hospital and need someone to arrange your home supports for when you are discharged.
The following tips can help you to get the most out of your planning meeting.
∙ You should write down the contact information of your planner in case you have questions after the meeting.
∙ You could take notes during your meeting to help you remember what was covered.
∙ Go through all the information and documentation you brought into the meeting with your planner.
∙ If you need language or cultural support, including an Auslan interpreter, make sure you ask the planner about it.
∙ Make sure the planner answers all of your questions and that you have time to understand how it all works.
∙ Ask the planner to read back what they have noted down about your goals to make sure you are both on the same page.
∙ Make a decision about what type of plan management you want to use, whether that be agency managed, plan managed, self managed or a combination. Keep in mind that you can change this at any time.
∙ Confirm a date when your plan will be reviewed. Typically, a plan will last for 12 months, but this might be sooner if you need it to be.
During a plan review meeting, you will work through your existing plan to look at how you’ve progressed towards your goals and whether you have any new goals. You will also look at the supports you receive to see what is working, what needs to change and what new or different supports you might need to work towards your new goals.
The plan review is also a chance to ask for funding for assistive technology or equipment you might need over the next year.
There are many disability support providers out there offering a range of different services and opportunities.
Choosing which provider to trust with delivering support is an important personal decision — one that you want to think carefully about and shouldn’t rush. You might want to start by writing down what you are looking for in a provider and what is important to you.
You may want to consider the following series of questions before settling on a provider.
∙ Do you want most of your supports to be through the same provider or are you comfortable with managing services from multiple providers?
∙ Do you want the same support worker to visit each time?
∙ Are you willing to see therapists and specialists at clinics or do you want them to be able to deliver the service in your home?
∙ How soon do you need the service provider to start your supports?
∙ Do you need the provider to be flexible and able to change the times and places support is provided?
∙ For supports where you need to go to a location in the community, such as day programs, would you like the provider to offer you transport?
Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, you can use this Navigator Guide or the DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au directory to find providers in your area that meet your requirements.
When considering a potential provider, take your time to do some research.
∙ Look at the provider’s website, social media pages and online reviews — if you know anyone who currently receives services from the provider or has in the past, ask about their experiences with the provider.
∙ Check out their credentials, such as quality certifications and industry awards.
∙ Do they have any past or present sanctions from the NDIS Commission?
∙ Have a look at the types of services they provide and whether these will meet exactly what you need.
∙ If you are a First Nations person, from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background or identify as LGBTQIA+, ask the provider whether they have any experience or qualifications in providing services that are inclusive of you.
With NDIS funding, it is also important to know how the management of your plan affects the types of providers you can use. For any parts of your plan that are agency managed, you can only claim for services from a registered NDIS provider.
If your plan is fully or partially plan-managed or self-managed, you can use the funds for both registered and non-registered NDIS providers.
When you have decided on a provider, you need to discuss fees and costs with them, as well as exactly what supports they will provide and when.
The document that sets out all of these details is called a ‘service agreement’ and you will need a different agreement with every service provider you have.
You may find that, after using your supports for a while, you need to change your services, goals or NDIS plan.
This could be because:
∙ you are moving to another area that your provider doesn’t service;
∙ your needs or circumstances have changed and you need more or different support;
∙ your provider is no longer delivering the services you need;
∙ you are unhappy with your provider or you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with their services; or
∙ you have achieved a goal and would like something new to work towards.
The process of making changes to your current services depends on the type of support you are receiving and the reason you want to change it.
Not all changes to your plan will mean you need a full review and you can talk to an NDIS representative, local area coordinator or early childhood early intervention partner about whether you need to ask for a plan review or not.
If the reason you want to change providers is that you are not completely happy with them, the first step should be to talk with your current provider.
While you don’t have to give a reason why you want to end the service, it can be helpful if you feel comfortable giving the provider your reasons. Providers sometimes need feedback to make sure their services are doing the best they can, so talking constructively with your provider gives them a chance to understand.
The next step is to look over the service agreement you have with your current provider to check what the process is that you agreed to follow. This could include how much notice you need to give your provider about stopping your services and whether you need to pay cancellation costs.
Once you have given your provider a chance to respond to your concerns, consider whether they will fix the issue or not.
If not, end your service agreement by following the steps in the service agreement document and ask your provider to end their service booking on the NDIS portal. In some cases, you might have to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to cancel a service booking, so ask the provider if this is the case for you.
Your support coordinator or plan manager, if you have one, also needs to know what you’re planning and when you are ending the arrangement with your provider. They might also be able to help you with the process and answer questions you have.
If you want to make changes to your goals or your NDIS plan, it’s a good idea to speak with your NDIS representative first to understand the correct process. Keep in mind that you will have a regular plan review meeting, so if you need to change your goals, this can likely wait until your scheduled review.
You can also request an unscheduled plan review at any time, which might be needed if your circumstances change, your plan no longer meets your needs or you would like to change how your plan is managed.
This is called a participant-requested review and can be requested through a change of circumstances form, found on the NDIS website or at an NDIS office.
It’s never too early to start planning! To help you make the most of your planning meeting, we have put together a checklist of useful information to review for your meeting.
Familiarise yourself with the NDIS
Go to pages 19 – 20 of this guide for our handy list of definitions and often used terms.
Information about the NDIS, your eligibility, developing your first plan and what to expect at your planning meeting can be found on our website: DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/information .
Take the time to write down your: personal details; current informal supports from family and friends; current formal supports; activities (regular and occasional) and how you get to and from them; living arrangements; short- and long-term goals; preferred way to manage your funding. Visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/information/article/managing-your-plan to learn more about your options.
You can prepare for your planning meeting by gathering the following supporting documents, such as assessment reports and medical results: information, reports and assessments of your disability; The NDIS Planning Workbook — available online at ndis.gov.au ; a carer’s statement, listing what your carer does for you and where more support is needed; evidence of your age and residency, such as a copy of your passport or birth certificate; and the bank account details to be used for your NDIS funds.
Prepare a list of questions to ask during your meeting, such as . . .
When can I expect to receive my NDIS plan?
How can I get in contact with you after our meeting if I remember something else?
Who will help me understand my plan and answer any further questions I have?
Who can help me organise my supports and put my plan into action?
Can you repeat my answers back to me?
Am I able to review my plan before it is finalised?
Think of who you’d like to bring with you to your planning meeting. It could be your carer, a parent, a friend or your partner
Write down your planner’s name and contact details
Take notes so you can refer to what has been discussed later on
Go through the information you collected and prepared
Ask about language or cultural support
Present any quotes for items/services you are requesting
Present specialist reports showing therapies or supports recommended
Advise which plan management option you wish to use
Remember to tell your planner why you need certain supports
Confirm when your next plan review will be held
Make sure all of your questions are answered
Appoint a plan nominee if you wish. This is someone who can make decisions about your plan and supports on your behalf, if necessary
Check it to make sure you understand what is included in your plan
Await contact from an NDIS representative to discuss putting your plan into action
Notify your service providers and organise a time to sign Service Agreements
Link your myGov account to your NDIS participant portal, following the instructions sent by the NDIA. The NDIS participant portal allows you to view your plan and manage your services with your providers
As you begin to receive support through your plan, think about how these supports are working for you and what else you may need to achieve your long‑term goals before your plan review in 12‑months time.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports more than half a million people living right across Australia. To be able to deliver the NDIS in a way that works at a local community level, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) partners with community-based organisations.
The local community organisations working alongside people with disability throughout their support journey are called ‘NDIS partners.’ Partners of the NDIS include local area coordinators (LACs) and early childhood early intervention (ECEI) providers.
These organisations know what supports and services are available in your community and can explain how the NDIS system works. Over 70 percent of NDIS participants are supported through LACs or ECEI partners.
LACs assist the NDIA by working with you, as a participant, to set goals and get your plan underway.
LACs have three key roles:
∙ they link you to the NDIS;
∙ they provide you with information and support in the community; and
∙ they work with your local community to make sure it is welcoming and inclusive.
Once your request to be part of the NDIS has been approved, you will be notified and a LAC representative will contact you to arrange a planning meeting. The LAC will work with you to put your plan together and will send it to the NDIA for approval.
The early childhood approach supports children under the age of nine who have a disability or under six with developmental delay.
These organisations have a sound knowledge of the early childhood approach and work with other government departments, such as the education department, to make sure children are getting the best developmental supports.
Early childhood partners work with your whole family to help your child reach their full potential.
In most cases, people entering the NDIS will communicate with their LAC about their plan. However, some regional and remote areas are not serviced by a LAC partner.
Similarly, ECEI partners don’t tend to be located in remote or very remote areas.
If you don’t have a LAC or ECEI partner in your area, the NDIA will work with you directly to connect you to supports in your area.
You can find a list of the different NDIS partners in the Northern Territory on the following pages.
The organisations listed below have been engaged by the NDIS to assist with early childhood early intervention and local area coordination in the Northern Territory.
Early childhood early intervention (ECEI) partners
These early childhood partners in the community provide advice, assistance and support to children up to the age of nine who have a disability or developmental delay.
Local area coordinators (LACs)
LACs are local organisations that help you with your NDIS journey. They provide information about the NDIS, hold planning/review meetings and can connect you with local services and activities.
NDIS-managed areas
For many people entering the NDIS, the LAC will be their main point of contact. In areas not serviced by a LAC partner, the NDIS will work with you directly to connect you to supports in your area.
959 995 ecant@ndis.gov.au
Alice Springs Alice Springs National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 1800 800 110 enquiries@ndis.gov.au
All other areas not supported by a NDIS partner
1800 800 110
Darwin NDIS office 24 Knuckey Street, Darwin 0800 NT
Alice Springs NDIS office 5 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs 0870 NT
1800 800 110
Autism NT
Carers NT
Companion Card (NT)
Darwin Community Legal Service
Darwin Public Trustee
Department of Education
Down Syndrome Association of NT
GROW NT
Guide Dogs SA/NT
Integrated Disability Action
National Disability Services NT
Northern Territory Mental Health Line
Office of Disability
08 8948 4424 autismnt.org.au
1800 422 737 carersnt.asn.au
08 8948 5400 ntcompanioncard.org.au/applying
1800 812 953 or 08 8982 1111 dcls.org.au
1800 810 979
nt.gov.au/law/bdm/about-public-trustee
08 8999 5659 education.nt.gov.au
08 8985 6222 downsyndroment.com.au
1800 558 268 grow.org.au
08 8995 2222 sant.guidedogs.com.au
08 8948 5400 idainc.org.au
08 8941 0634 nds.org.au
1800 682 288 nt.gov.au/wellbeing/mental-health
08 8999 2809 dpsc.nt.gov.au/community-programs-support/office-of-disability
Office of the Public Guardian 1800 810 979 pgt.nt.gov.au
Riding for the Disabled NT
Women’s Council
0488 732 277 rdaalicesprings.org
08 8958 2345 npywc.org.au
Australian Disability Enterprises 1300 043 517 buyability.org.au
Australian Federation of 1800 219 969 Disability Organisations (AFDO) afdo.org.au
Autism Connect - Amaze 1300 308 699 amaze.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au
Blind Citizens Australia 1800 033 660 bca.org.au bca@bca.org.au
Brain Injury Australia 1800 272 461 braininjuryaustralia.org.au
Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 carergateway.gov.au
Carer Gateway Counselling Service 1800 242 636 carergateway.gov.au
Carers Australia 02 6122 9900 carersaustralia.com.au
Cerebral Palsy Alliance 1300 888 378 cerebralpalsy.org.au
Deafness Forum of Australia 02 6262 7808 deafnessforum.org.au
Department of Health 02 6289 1555 health.gov.au
Department of Social Services 1300 653 227 dss.gov.au
Disability Employment Services 1800 464 800 (DES) jobaccess.gov.au
Disability Gateway 1800 643 787 disabilitygateway.gov.au
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ 02 6282 5755 Councils of Australia (FECCA) fecca.org.au
First People’s Disability Network 02 9267 4195 fpdn.org.au
Headspace 1800 650 890 headspace.org.au
Inclusion Australia 1300 312 343 inclusionaustralia.org.au
JobAccess 1800 464 800 jobaccess.gov.au
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia 02 7209 6301 lgbtiqhealth.org.au
Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
MyGov
13 23 07 my.gov.au
National Continence Helpline 1800 330 066 continence.org.au
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 dementia.org.au/helpline
National Disability Insurance 1800 800 110 Scheme (NDIS) ndis.gov.au
National Disability Services 02 6283 3200 nds.org.au
National Equipment Database 1300 885 886 (NED) askned.com.au
National Ethnic Disability Alliance 0402 610 399 neda.org.au
National Relay Service Voice Relay number
1300 555 727
TTY number 13 36 77
SMS relay number 0423 677 767 accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs
NDIS Administrative Review
1800 228 333 Tribunal (ART) art.gov.au
NDIS Quality and Safeguards 1800 035 5444 Commission ndiscommission.gov.au
People with Disability Australia
QLife
Relationships Australia
SANE Australia
1800 422 015 pwd.org.au
1800 184 527 qlife.org.au
1300 364 277 relationships.org.au
1800 187 263 sane.org
Services Australia - Centrelink Disability, Sickness & Carers Line 13 27 17 servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/centrelink
Services Australia - Medicare 13 20 11 servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/medicare
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia 1800 819 775 scia.org.au
Stroke Foundation
1800 787 653 strokefoundation.org.au
Translating and Interpreting Service 13 14 50 tisnational.gov.au
Wellways
1300 111 400 wellways.org
This section includes some popular topics and terms in the disability sector to help you get started. Next to each summary, you can find a QR code to scan with your smartphone or tablet. The codes will take you to the Disability Support Guide website for more information.
We all need to get where we’re going, but some methods work better for others based on their needs. This Accessible Travel guide offers tips and resources for a safe, comfortable and easy journey. From wheelchair-friendly accommodation to accessible transportation, we help you prepare for your next adventure.
Finding the right accommodation depends on your needs and situation, whether living independently, with support or with family. From public housing and shared living to specialist disability accommodation (SDA) and supported independent living (SIL), we offer insights to help you navigate options like short-term stays, respite breaks or long-term solutions. Explore your choices and make informed decisions for a home that fits your lifestyle.
In Australia, about 1 in 100 people live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 35% of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants having ASD as their primary diagnosis. Whether you’re living with autism, supporting someone with ASD or need more information, this page offers valuable resources and support. Explore articles to deepen your understanding of autism, discover available services and learn how NDIS funding can assist.
Roughly 1 in 1,100 babies in Australia are born with Down syndrome. Many will go on to lead fulfilling lives in their communities, but some may need additional support to live their best lives. From accommodation options and childhood supports to in-home assistance and life skills development, a variety of services are available to help. Scan the QR code to explore articles and connect with professionals who can guide you through the journey of a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Early intervention supports under the NDIS are available for children under nine to help them thrive during critical developmental years. By providing support early, the goal is to reduce the need for NDIS services later in life. Explore this page for an overview of available options and a list of providers who can assist you and your child with early intervention support.
In Australia, everyone has the right to quality education, including people with disabilities who may require additional support to achieve their goals. Explore information about inclusive classrooms, specialised programs and tools designed for equitable access to education.
Securing a job can be especially challenging for people with disabilities, but our Employment page is here to help. Find practical advice on job searching, résumé crafting, sharing disability information with employers, interview preparation and navigating workplace adjustments. Whether you’re starting your career or seeking to advance, this resource empowers you with insights and tools to overcome barriers and succeed professionally.
Assistive technology (AT) and equipment can make everyday tasks easier and enhance independence for people with disability. Our page is your guide to innovative tools, from mobility aids to communication devices, designed to improve quality of life. Explore curated content on adaptive devices and smart technologies to discover solutions that empower you or your loved ones to live more independently.
Managing NDIS funds and accessing government support can feel daunting, but our Finance page simplifies the process. With user-friendly articles covering topics like understanding your NDIS plan and navigating service agreements, we empower you to take control of your finances and make informed decisions. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or seeking guidance on government support, our Finance page is a valuable resource to help you every step of the way.
It is important to look after your physical, mental and emotional health. This QR code will take you to a list of health and well-being resources to help you take care of yourself and those you love.
Here, you can find information and advice on physical activities, healthy eating, mental health and accessing support.
An estimated 500,000 Australians live with severe and persistent mental illness, with around 62,000 eligible for the NDIS. Recognising the importance of mental well-being for overall health, our page offers insights and resources to help you nurture a positive mental state. Explore a range of tools and information designed to support your mental health journey and empower you to lead a fulfilling life.
A registered plan management provider can help you navigate the complexities of the NDIS by managing your funds and giving you access to both registered and non-registered providers. They offer the freedom to choose services while relieving you of the responsibility of self-managing your plan. Explore the articles here to learn how plan management can maximise your funding and simplify your NDIS journey.
Living with a disability doesn’t mean giving up on sports and recreation. Our page offers resources to help you explore adaptive sports, accessible activities and tips for maintaining an active lifestyle, ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of fitness and outdoor fun.
Being approved for the NDIS is just the beginning and navigating the system can be challenging. A support coordinator can help you understand your plan, connect with tailored services and implement the funded supports you need. Use this page to learn how these professionals play a key role in guiding you through the NDIS, linking you to the right services and ensuring you receive essential support for your journey.
The National Disability Insurance Agency has released updated lists for National Disability Insurance Scheme participants, with changes impacting what supports they can receive under NDIS funding. In this Disability Support Guide, we’ll explain what NDIS-funded supports are, what items are not funded, how the changes may affect NDIS participants and what to do now.
You may come across some words you’re unfamiliar with throughout this guide. We’ve listed some commonly used terms in the disability sector and their definitions to help you along your journey.
Access requirements – Criteria that need to be met for someone to become a participant in the NDIS.
Accessible – A place that is able to be reached, entered or used by every individual, including those with disability.
Advocacy – A person or organisation that acts as your voice and supports your rights. Advocates campaign and speak up for social change, inclusion, equal rights and opportunity.
Agency managed – One of the management options available where the budget in your plan is looked after by the NDIA.
Assistive technology – A product, device or piece of equipment that helps maintain, increase or improve your skills and functional abilities.
Capacity building support – Funding for therapies and services that will help you build your skills and independence.
Capital support – Funding for aids and equipment to allow you to live independently or help your carer to support you. This can also include funding for specialist accommodation.
Carer – Someone who looks after a person with disability. This can be a family member or a paid helper.
Carer’s statement – A document describing the care provided by an informal carer to a loved one to ensure the person with disability receives appropriate support in their NDIS plan.
Core support – Funding for supports that will help you go about your daily life.
Developmental delay – When a child develops at a slower rate than other children of the same age and doesn’t reach milestones at the expected times.
Diagnosis – The identification of a disease, disorder, condition or disability following assessments, tests and discussion about symptoms.
Disability – A physical, mental, cognitive or developmental condition that limits a person’s ability to engage or take part in everyday activities or interactions. The condition is permanent or likely to be permanent.
Eligibility – Whether a person is able to receive support through the NDIS.
Early childhood early intervention (ECEI) – Supports available under NDIS for children under the age of nine years to help reduce the effects of a disability, improve their skills and limit the need for assistance in later life.
Formal support – When you pay someone to help you with activities like going to the shops, helping you shower or preparing a meal. You may find these people through an agency or your service provider sends these people to help you.
Funding – Supports paid for under the NDIS. These supports are documented in your plan and must meet your goals and needs.
Government-funded supports – Money or funds for supports made available by the State/Territory or Federal Government.
Informal support – Help you’re receiving from family, friends and social networks with activities like cooking meals, going shopping or driving you to appointments. You don’t pay these people to help you.
Intervention support – A combination of the different supports available to help maintain or improve your independence and participation within your community.
Local area coordinators (LAC) – Local community organisations that have partnered with the NDIA to help participants access and manage the NDIS. Read more on page 11.
Modifications – Changes made to an environment, product or equipment to make it easier to use or access, to help increase your independence.
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) – The independent government agency that looks after the funding and coordination of the NDIS.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – The government-run program that helps people with disability reach their personal goals and participate in the community.
Participant – Someone who has been approved to receive supports through the NDIS.
Participant statement – A document describing the goals and aspirations you want to achieve with the help of the NDIS.
Plan – A document detailing the individual needs and goals of a participant and the types of supports that will be funded under the NDIS to help meet those goals.
Plan implementation – Organising the supports and funding within your NDIS plan so it works for you.
Plan managed – One of the management options available where a plan manager handles your NDIS plan and will look after the payment of services and products.
Plan manager – A professional who can help you get the most out of your NDIS funding by handling the paperwork and payments associated with your supports.
Plan review – Meeting with your LAC or NDIA representative to review your plan, measure your progress against your goals and discuss your progress.
Planning meeting – Meeting with a LAC or NDIA representative to discuss your needs and goals that will form the basis of a plan of supports.
Provider – A person or organisation that delivers services to people living with disability.
Registered provider – A person or organisation that has registered with the NDIS and meets certain criteria to provide a product or service to participants of the NDIS.
Respite – A break from your usual living or caring environment. This could be at a day centre, within the community, at someone else’s home or via in-home support.
Scheme – Another word for program; used as a shortened term to refer to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Self-managed – One of the management options available where you organise supports and payments to providers yourself.
Service agreement – A contract between you and your provider detailing the types of services and supports that will be delivered.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – Funding towards the cost of purposebuilt or specialist-designed housing is available under the ‘Capital’ supports group to some high-support-needs NDIS participants.
Unregistered provider – A person or organisation that has chosen not to register with the NDIS and does not need to adhere to NDIA guidelines and pricing.
In the directory section starting on page 22 of this guide, you’ll find six sections covering In-home & Community Support, Therapists & Specialists, Accommodation, Advisors, Equipment & Technology and Mental Health.
The tables list a number of providers, including both registered and unregistered NDIS providers servicing the Northern Territory, in alphabetical order.
The lists detail whether these providers are registered to deliver Core, Capital or Capacity support and indicate some of the specific services that each of the providers deliver.
The tables show if the provider can come to your house or school to deliver services or work from a set location, such as a medical practice. They also indicate what age groups providers can deliver services to.
A featured listing indicates the provider has paid to have their services listed in this guide.
For a complete overview of providers and services registered in each state and territory, visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/topics/ndis-providers
Following changes to the NDIS regulations, please contact your local area coordinator, early childhood partner, NDIS partner or support coordinator to learn more about available supports.
RegisteredNDISProviderCORECAPITALCAPACITYBehaviouralSupport
Dietitian/NutritionistEarlyInterventionOccupationalTherapistExercisePhysiologistsPhysiotherapistPsychologistSpeechTherapistTherapeuticSupports OtherSupportdeliveredathomeSupportdeliveredinpractice 0-4years
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RegisteredNDISProvider CORE CAPITALCAPACITYPsychologist
PsychosocialSocialWorkersSupportGroupsOtherMentalHealth Professionals SupportdeliveredathomeSupportdeliveredinpractice 0-4years
5-12years13-17years18-64years65+years
Support Coordination and/or Recovery Coaching Our NDIS Services
Group and Centre-Based Activities
Social & Community Participation
Short Term Accommodation
MIFANT delivers recovery-oriented support for individuals with mental health challenges and their families across Darwin, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek.
Our non-NDIS services in Darwin include MiPlace Hub (Mental health hub), Cool Program (Social outings), Individual Support (Lived experience peer work), Respite Services.
In Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, our MiTrack Program (non-NDIS) provides early intervention for children and young people at risk of mental health challenges.
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