Understanding the support available to you when accessing the NDIS

Published On: 14 October 2019Categories: News

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to Australians living with a disability, and ensures they have choice and control over the supports they need to live more independently and increase their social and economic participation.

Accessing the NDIS can be daunting for some people, however the Carers Queensland’s Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community program provides the knowledge and experience to support people with disability who want to know more about the NDIS or how to apply for access.

A great place to start is at a Carers Queensland NDIS Drop in session, which is exactly what Ashleigh* did when she attended one at Redcliffe recently. Ashleigh was seeking information to support access to the NDIS for Jody*, her 36-year-old daughter who is living with an intellectual disability.

When Ashleigh met Tim, a Carers Queensland Local Area Coordinator, she had a basic understanding about the NDIS, and was keen to learn more so she could support her daughter to achieve her goals.

“The first time Ashleigh attended the Redcliffe Drop In session, I gave her a general overview about the NDIS and answered her questions,” Tim said.

“Ashleigh was the primary carer for Jody and it sounded like they had received limited supports in the past. They had access to the specialist reports they needed, so I simply supplied Ashleigh with information about a carer’s statement and additional resources to support them through the process.”

Equipped with the relevant resources and a friendly face to call, Ashleigh was ready to get started with the application process. The next time she attended the Drop in session, Jody’s GP had completed the Access Request Form and Ashleigh had completed the carer’s statement and was ready to go.

“I’m excited for the opportunities this will create for Jody, and I also congratulate Ashleigh on the amazing job she did gathering the relevant information and evidence.”

Jody is supported on her NDIS journey by Narelle, a Local Area Coordinator at Carers Queensland’s NDIS Partner in the Community Program for the Moreton Bay region.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for the scheme and to help you get started using your NDIS plan.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland staff can also help you identify and link to options for support in your local community.

To find out more about how the NDIS and Local Area Coordination program can work for you, visit Carers Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Moreton Bay region, Level 5/10 The Corso, North Lakes 4509 or call (07) 3384 1600.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au

*Names changed for anonymity