New NDIS Program

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service has been successful in receiving funding for NDIS in Coober Pedy.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme known as the (NDIS) is a scheme of the Australian Government that funds costs associated with disability. The scheme was legislated in 2013 and went into full operation in 2020.The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency known as the (NDIA) and overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).

The scheme entitles people with a "permanent and significant" disability (under the age of 65) to full funding for any "reasonable and necessary" support needs related to their disability (subject to certain restrictions). Funding is allocated to the individual. The individual or their guardian chooses which providers supply the funded goods and services (subject to certain restrictions).

The NDIS Early ChildhoodApproach

Our nationally consistent early childhood approach is for children younger than 7 with a disability or a developmental delay, and their families. Children, younger than 6 who do not fully meet the definition of developmental delay and have developmental concerns will also be supported through the early childhood approach. The early childhood approach was developed based on evidence-based research with the help of leading experts in early childhood intervention.

The approach supports best practice in early childhood intervention because it helps the child and family to build their capacity and supports greater inclusion in community and every day settings, meaning each child will be provided with opportunities to grow and learn. It is about giving children and their families the right supports to enable them to have the best possible start in life.

The scheme is entirely publicly funded: recipients do not purchase or contribute to an insurance policy.

The NDIS funding is independent of the Disability Support Pension and Medicare,Australia's universal health care insurance scheme.

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.

The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community. This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting events, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as providing information about what support is provided by each state and community.

The NDIS provides funding to participants for supports and services aimed at increasing their independence, inclusion, social and economic participation.

Supports funded by the NDIS need to:

 Be related to the participant's disability

 Not include day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participant's disability support needs

 Represent value for money

 Be likely to be effective and beneficial to the participant, and Take into account informal supports given to participants by families, carers, networks, and the community. For more information about how to gain access to the NDIS and how to use your NDIS plan and access to the NDIS Commission Portal, our friendly staff are always available to help and support you with your needs to access supports, services and mentoring.

If you require any further information please feel free to contact

Josie Warrior (NDIS Remote Community Connector) and Yusharni Perera NDIS Remote Community Connector) On 86725 255