Introduction
Welcome to our free NDIS guide for professionals
Learn more about the NDIS and what you can do to support disabled young people.
About YDAS
The Youth Disability Advocacy Service is an advocacy organisation that works with disabled young people who are aged 12 to 25.
We work with disabled young people in Victoria to make sure they can speak up and are being treated fairly. Click here to find out more about YDAS and our work.
Learn moreOur language
We use identity-first language (disabled young person) throughout this guide. Identity-first language embraces disability as an important part of a person’s identity and who they are.
Our steering committee, which is made up of disabled young people, voted unanimously for YDAS to use identity-first language.
We recognise that some people prefer person-first language (young person with disability). If unsure, you should ask what language the young person you are working with prefers.
Using the NDIS guide
Our NDIS guide for professionals has two parts:
- Supporting young people to access the NDIS introduces you to the NDIS and gives you the information you need to support young people who are applying to join the NDIS.
- Support NDIS participants helps you understand how to support young people who are already NDIS participants.
We also use ToolTips in this guide. Some words will be underlined. If you hover over them, you will be shown their meaning.
Part 1: Supporting young people to access the NDIS
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What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS ensures that disabled people have access to the supports and services they need to live the life they choose. -
NDIS eligibility
To be eligible to become a NDIS participant, disabled people must meet certain criteria. -
Psychosocial disability and mental illness
Psychosocial disability is the term the NDIS uses to describe mental illness. -
NDIS and young people
It is important that young people feel empowered to speak up about their disability and the supports they want and need. -
Supporting young people to access the NDIS
The process to join the NDIS can be difficult to navigate, so the young person you are working with may need extra support and guidance. -
What is in an Access Request Form?
The information provided in the Access Request Form is used by the NDIS to decide whether the person applying is eligible to join the scheme.
Part 2: Supporting NDIS participants
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NDIS planning meetings
NDIS participants will meet with their Planner or LAC for a planning meeting. -
Supporting young people to set goals
NDIS participants receive supports based on the goals they want to achieve and not just their disability. -
NDIS supports for young people's needs
The NDIS will fund supports, related to the young person’s disability, that will enable them to engage in education and their community. -
How does NDIS funding work?
An NDIS Plan includes the person’s goals, the supports they can receive and an allocated budget for each support. -
What is the role of a support coordinator?
The role of a support coordinator is unique and distinct from other allied health professionals such as speech pathologists, General Practitioners and psychologists. -
Where can you go if you'd like more information?
The NDIS website has plenty of information and resources that you might find helpful. -
NDIS glossary
Commonly used terms and their meanings.