You can watch his full address on ABC’s YouTube channel (opens in new window).
For more information, go to Services Australia’s website (opens in new window).
Independent assessments announcement
The Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Linda Reynolds, has announced that independent assessments will not proceed as planned.
The announcement comes following considerable lobbying from NDIS participants, their families, carers, and peak bodies including Carers Australia. In addition, the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) Independent Advisory Committee released a report recommending against implementing the proposed model of independent assessments.
Minister Reynolds made the announcement on Friday 9 July following a meeting with the state and territory disability ministers, who also expressed their opposition to the proposed model of independent assessments.
“Importantly, all ministers agreed to work in partnership with those with lived experience to design a person-centred model. A model that will deliver consistency and equity of both access and planning outcomes,” said Minister Reynolds.
The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS has acknowledged the Minister’s decision but indicated they intend to continue with their inquiry into independent assessments and will be releasing their findings later this year.
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) 1800 800 110
Who can access the NDIS?
The NDIS Access Request Form is now available to download.
Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the NDIS, can download an Access Request Form (ARF), and a Supporting Evidence Form (SEF), work with their GP, allied health, and specialist medical professionals to prepare and provide the information required.
Anyone who thinks they are eligible for the NDIS can:
- phone 1800 800 110 and make a verbal access request, or
- download and complete the ARF on your computer and email it to the NDIA with supporting information, or
- download the ARF on your computer, print it out, and mail it to the NDIA with supporting information, or
- email NAT@ndis.gov.au and ask for an ARF to be mailed, or
- contact your local NDIA office and asking for an ARF to be mailed to you.
Local NDIA and Partners in the Community Staff can also help you apply.
For more information, please visit
https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis
For further nformation visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding and
https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statutory agency. Our role is to implement the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will support a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers.
Other useful links for NDIS information
Tandem is the Victorian peak body representing family and friends supporting people living with mental health issues: https://tandemcarers.org.au/
Wellways Australia Limited is a leading not-for-profit mental health and disability support organisation: https://www.wellways.org/ndis-and-you
https://www.neaminational.org.au/find-services/mental-health-ndis-access/
Support for people with a psychiatric disability, their carers, family and referring agencies to facilitate access to the NDIS.
https://www.neaminational.org.au/our-services/
Neami provides community-based mental health, homelessness and suicide prevention services.
NEWS FROM NDIS
If you need help finding accommodation, please talk to your planner or support coordinator.
Specialist Disability Accommodation vacancy matching platforms.
We have created a new webpage that connects participants with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) vacancy matching platforms! https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/housing-and-ndis/sda-vacancy-matching-platforms
Our new directory currently lists two SDA vacancy matching platforms and we hope to add more in the coming weeks.
You can search the matching platforms by location, support needs, accommodation funding, accommodation type, duration and living arrangements to find something to suit you.
The SDA type and location will usually need to align with your plan.