The NDIS provides support to people living with a disability and allows Australians to choose providers (such as Helping Solutions) from which they can purchase supports that will enable them to pursue their life goals.
Examples of life goals include:
- Improving self-sufficiency with daily tasks and household management.
- Building meaningful relationships and community connections.
- Improving a personal housing or living situation.
- Expanding capacity to engage in community activities or leave the house.
- Pursing and developing skills to gain employment or increase independence.
As an NDIS provider, we’re here to support these individuals (referred to as ‘participants’) with their experience in the NDIS, and during that time participants will develop and use what’s called an NDIS Plan.
Your NDIS Plan
If this is your first time seeking disability support, you might be wondering what an NDIS Plan is and how to acquire one.
An NDIS Plan determines the funding you’re eligible to receive from the NDIS, along with the supports and services you can use that funding for.
Without an NDIS Plan, the supports and services offered by NDIS providers cannot be accessed, so it’s important to take the steps required to create your plan.
Setting Up Your NDIS Plan
The process for creating your NDIS Plan can be complicated, as everybody experiences disabilities differently, and this means not everybody will require every type of support.
But generally, the first step is to apply for the NDIS and assess your eligibility—this helps the NDIS determine what you can receive funding for and what you can spend that funding on. To make this even easier, we’ve created a list of local, Perth-based services below who can support you with your application.
Applying for the NDIS
It’s recommended that you first connect with an NDIS partner, who can help you identify your eligibility and even submit your application on your behalf.
A partner may be a Childhood Partner or a Local Area Coordinator:
- Childhood Partners (recommended for children under 9)
- Local Area Coordinators (recommended for age 9 and over)
The following services are trusted, NDIS partners and services who can support you with your application.
Children Under 9 Years of Age
The following Childhood Partners can provide evidence to assist with your NDIS application:
Wanslea (www.wanslea.org.au)
Wanslea supports children and young people under 25 years of age within Australia and has multiple locations in Western Australia.
They can assist with:
- Early childhood intervention
- Parenting support
- Out of home care
- School based programs
Get in touch with Wanslea to enquire about their Early Childhood Approach Program, which can support your family in taking first steps towards applying for the NDIS and creating an NDIS Plan
CHDS (Community Health – Child Development Service)
The Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Service offers free assessment, early intervention and treatment service for children with developmental delays or difficulties.
Their team is made up of speech pathologists, social workers, physiotherapists, clinical psychologies, audiologists and more — who can assess your eligibility and potentially refer you onwards.
Get in touch with CHDS for more information on eligibility and referrals.
Community Child Health (Community Health – Child Health Appointments)
Child health nurses are specifically trained in child and family health and can provide developmental checks at key stages of your child’s life. This can provide information and assessment for your child, to support your NDIS application.
You can book an appointment with a child health nurse here (every child in WA gets five free child health appointments with a child health nurse).
Ages 9 and Over
The following Healthcare Professionals can provide evidence to assist with your NDIS application:
Autism Association of Western Australia (www.autism.org.au)
The Autism Association provides services, programs and relevant information to people with Autism.
Their Autism Advisors can support you through the process of applying for the NDIS, address your questions and provide you with information and support options.
Learn more and get in touch here.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance (www.cerebralpalsy.org.au)
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance offers expertise, services, support and technology for navigating cerebral palsy.
They can support with both early intervention (view their referral form here) and navigating your NDIS plan.
Get in touch for tailored support with your application.
GP / Hospital Referral
Your GP or hospital specialists can also assess your eligibility and refer you to services that can assist with your NDIS application. Speak to your GP or specialist to learn whether this is an option you can explore.
Next Steps
Though the process of applying for the NDIS and creating an NDIS Plan can be daunting, it’s important to take it one step at a time. There are many people (including those listed on this page) who can support you through your application, and we encourage you to reach out and utilise these services so that you can get the support you need.
Every action you take is a step closer to your application being approved, and you being able to access the supports and services that can help you achieve your life goals.
Once you’re approved and have created your NDIS Plan, you may consider the many supports and services we offer. Get in touch today to learn more and enquire.
Sources:
Creating your plan | NDIS. (n.d.). https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/your-plan-menu/creating-your-plan
ECA NDIS | Early Childhood Approach WA | Wanslea. (n.d.). https://www.wanslea.org.au/programs/early-childhood-approach-eca
Child and Adolescent Health Service | CAHS – Child Development Service. (n.d.). https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/our-services/community-health/child-development-service
Child and Adolescent Health Service | CAHS – Child Health appointments. (n.d.). https://www.cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Child-Health/Child-Health-appointments
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia. (2024, January 24). Your NDIS plan | Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Cerebral Palsy Alliance. https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/ndis/your-ndis-plan/
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia. (2024, September 11). Early Childhood Intervention for Cerebral Palsy | Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia. Cerebral Palsy Alliance. https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/services/early-childhood-intervention/#
NDIS funding – Autism Association of Western Australia. (2024, February 19). Autism Association of Western Australia. https://www.autism.org.au/ndis/ndis_funding/
