Some aspects of the NDIS and how funding works within the scheme can be confusing at the best of times. You’re definitely not the only one to get confused as understanding the NDIS can take a long time. At UDC, we receive a lot of enquiries regarding specific aspects of NDIS funding. Answers to some common questions regarding the overall process and how NDIS plans work, can be found at our Frequently Asked NDIS Questions page. Plus, we’ve collated some common NDIS myths and explanations to them in detail below.
1 – NDIS doesn’t fund holidays
This is true for most people; the NDIS does not provide funding for participants to go on holidays. The costs for accommodation, food and air fares are generally covered by the participant as these items are considered expenses payable by any person going on holidays. However, you may be able to receive funds for supports you utilize while on holidays. If deemed reasonable and necessary, you may be able to receive supports and claim services for support workers, other care expenses, transport and every day equipment hire (such as a hoist). In short, if your holiday and travel plans align with your NDIS goals, you could receive funding for the supports that directly relate to your disability. It is always best to check your individual circumstances to ensure everything is covered. If you have any specific questions, you can always contact the friendly team at UDC for further assistance.
2 – You cannot change providers after starting with them
This is definitely not true! You’ll always have the right to change providers even if you are already receiving supports from them. All NDIS providers should make sure that services provided to you support your goals, wellbeing, and enable you to live as independently as possible. There may be situations where you’ll want to move on from a specific provider such as inadequate standards of service, changes in service delivery or change in your personal circumstances. We at UDC, always ensure a high standard of service and regularly must undergo audits to show that we follow the standards set out by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. In fact, during our most recent audit process we received positive comments about our quality management which is all about providing the utmost best service to every person we support. If you’d like to find out more about the NDIS services UDC offers you can reach out to us at info@uniteddisability.com.au or call us anytime on 1300 454 850.
3 – NDIS doesn’t fund gym memberships
This is true, the NDIS does not fund gym memberships as they are considered to be a common daily living expense. However, exercise is highly important for general wellbeing, mental health and should be available for all abilities. Therefore, there are some services NDIS does provide funding for including; assistive technology for playing a sport or going to a gym, personal training and exercise physiology, and funding for transport to and from a gym. In addition, there are many great options for other forms of exercise if you don’t have any of these included in your plan. For example, did you know that walking can help improve your fitness? We regularly include walking groups and other fun physical activities, such as Geocaching, in our NDIS Day Program schedules. These groups and activities are designed to help you engage with others in the community and to help you build more independence. Make sure to reach out about the Day Program services we offer on the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour.
4 – Not everyone can access Plan Management services
Not true! Every NDIS participant has a choice on how their plan is managed. There are three ways that this can happen; self-management, plan management and agency (NDIA) management. Without going into too much details on the differences on these options, plan management means that a registered NDIS provider, like UDC, is responsible for managing your NDIS plan. The responsibilities of a plan manager include paying your invoices, providing you with all necessary information and enabling you to utilize your plan as effectively as possible. Even if you don’t have NDIS plan management included in your plan in the first instance, you have the right to request a plan review at any point. You can request plan management to be added in your plan as it can be useful to receive help in managing all aspects of your NDIS plan. However, you should always consider all options to make sure the decision you make is the best for your individual situation. If you’d like to find out more about the NDIS plan management services UDC offers you can contact us by phone or through our website at any time.
5 – NDIS only provides funding for physical disabilities
This is not true! Disabilities are not only physical; there are plenty of disabilities that are not visible to others. One of the basic requirements for receiving NDIS funding is that the disability is permanent. Some examples of not-always-visible but permanent disabilities include, mental health conditions, ASD, brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, visual impairment and chronic pain conditions. Some of these disabilities may not be so obvious the first time you meet someone but it is highly important to treat everyone with the respect they deserve. The NDIS assesses each person on a case by case basis to ensure all aspects of their disability, needs and goals are considered. Did you know that UDC offers NDIS support services for mental health? We understand that mental health is just as important as physical health and that it affects everyone differently.
