What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a healthcare program initiated by the Australian government for Australians with a disability. It is a new way of providing people with disability across Australia with support to meet their disability needs and link with their community. The scheme supports people with a permanent and significant disability to take part in everyday activities. This includes people whose disability is an intellectual, sensory or physical impairment, or a psychiatric condition.
Under the NDIS, people who meet the eligibility criteria (called participants) will be able to access supports that are related to their disability; that are useful, good value and fair (reasonable and necessary supports) in order to live in the community and work towards their goals and aspirations. Disability supports will be provided over a person's life time.
Commencing from 1 January 2016, early transition to the NDIS has been available in the Local Government Areas of Townsville City, Charters Towers Regional Council and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire and will be progressively rolled out across Queensland, over a three year period.