NDIS Dictionary

Published at 16-05-2025 14:12:13

Tags: #ForParticipants

Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re faced with a range of unfamiliar terms and acronyms. Understanding the language of the NDIS is an important step in feeling more confident about accessing the right supports. To help clear up some of the confusion, we’ve broken down some common NDIS terms, along with a few lesser-known ones, that will help you make sense of the system.

Acronyms You’ll Come Across:

• AT: Assistive Technology
• DES: Disability Employment Services
• ECEI: Early Childhood Early Intervention
• FPDN: First Peoples Disability Network
• ILO: Independent Living Options
• LAC: Local Area Coordinator
• NAT: National Access Team
• NDIA: National Disability Insurance Agency
• NDIS: National Disability Insurance Scheme
• SIL: Supported Independent Living
• SDA: Specialist Disability Accommodation
• STA: Short-Term Accommodation (Respite)
• SLES: School Leaver Employment Supports
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

Some Additional NDIS Terms:

• CB Supports: Capacity Building Supports, which are designed to help participants develop skills to achieve their goals, such as gaining independence or finding employment.
• Plan Nominee: Someone appointed to help a participant make decisions or manage their plan, particularly when they are unable to do so themselves.
• Supports Coordination: A service designed to help participants understand and implement their NDIS plan by connecting them with appropriate services.
• Change of Circumstances: A formal process that participants can use to request changes to their NDIS plan if their situation or needs have changed significantly.

Key NDIS Definitions:

Access/Eligibility Requirements:

These are the conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for NDIS support. This includes age, residency, and the type of disability or early intervention needs a person has.

Advocate:

An individual or organisation that speaks or acts on behalf of someone with a disability, particularly when they need help communicating their needs or ensuring their rights are upheld.

Agency Managed (NDIA Managed):

One of three options for managing the finances of an NDIS plan. If a plan is Agency Managed, the NDIA handles all payments and financial records on the participant’s behalf.

Assistive Technology (AT):

Devices or systems that enhance the ease or safety of completing daily tasks for people with disabilities. These can range from mobility aids to communication devices.

Capacity Building Supports:

NDIS funding that focuses on developing skills to help participants increase independence and reach their goals, such as finding a job or managing their own plan.

Core Supports:

These are everyday support services covered under an NDIS plan, including assistance with daily activities, community participation, and transport.

Developmental Delay:

When a child is slower in reaching developmental milestones compared to other children of the same age, often leading to the need for early intervention services.

Early Childhood Partner:

A professional who works with families of children aged 0-6 with developmental delays or disabilities. They help assess needs, provide short-term interventions, and connect families to the NDIS.

First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN):

An organisation advocating for the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities. It is led by First Peoples with lived experience of disability.

Functional Capacity:

A person’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks. NDIS eligibility requires a significantly reduced functional capacity in one or more key areas, such as communication or mobility.

Independent Living Options (ILO):

Support that helps participants choose where they live and how they receive support to live independently. It does not cover the actual cost of accommodation.

Local Area Coordinator (LAC):

A representative who helps NDIS participants create and manage their plans and connects them to both community and mainstream services.

Plan Managed:

An option for managing the finances of an NDIS plan. A Plan Manager handles all payments and paperwork on behalf of the participant, allowing them to access both registered and unregistered providers.

Reasonable and Necessary:

A standard used by the NDIS to decide whether a support is fair and required for the participant to live more independently and meet their goals. Supports must relate directly to the participant’s disability.

Self-Management:

Participants take full control of their NDIS funding and are responsible for managing payments and keeping financial records. This gives them the most flexibility in choosing their providers.

Service Agreement:

A formal document between a participant and their service provider that outlines the types of support to be provided and the terms of the working relationship.

Short-Term Accommodation (STA):

Commonly known as respite care, this is temporary support that allows both participants and their carers to take a break. STA typically involves group-based accommodation for a limited time.

Supports Coordinator:

A professional who helps NDIS participants understand and implement their plan, connecting them with the right services and supports to meet their needs.

Unregistered Provider:

An individual or organisation that provides NDIS-funded services without being formally registered with the NDIS. This allows for more flexibility but does not require adherence to the same guidelines as registered providers.

With these terms explained, you’ll hopefully find it easier to navigate your NDIS journey. Understanding the language is a big step toward feeling empowered and making informed choices about your supports. If you're unsure about anything or need further assistance, reach out to your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator for guidance.