NDIS Terms and Definitions

Definitions

NDIS Terms Made Simple - Understand the Key Terms and Phrases used in the NDIS

NDIS

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides funding for services and supports to people with a disability.

NDIA

The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is part of the Australian Government. It was established under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 to manage and deliver the NDIS.

Local Area Coordinators

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) help you learn about and connect with supports available in your local community.

Support Coordinators

Support Coordinators help NDIS participants understand and use the funded supports in their plans. They assist with tasks such as connecting with local service providers, preparing for planning meetings, and offering ongoing advice and guidance.

Participants

Participants are people with disabilities who take part in the NDIS.

Provider

A provider delivers services or products to NDIS participants. You can choose or change your provider if needed. The NDIS maintains a list of registered providers.

Carer

A carer is someone who provides personal care and support to a person with a disability.

 Nominee

In some cases, a nominee may be appointed to act on behalf of an NDIS participant or make decisions for them. However, this is considered a last resort.

A nominee will only be appointed when it is not possible for the participant to make decisions independently. Typically, a nominee is appointed at the request of the participant.

Advocate

An advocate is an individual or organisation that can act or speak on your behalf, with your permission. Advocates provide independent support to ensure your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Reasonable and Necessary

Reasonable and Necessary supports are those that meet specific NDIS criteria.

Reasonable means fair.

Necessary means essential.

The NDIS funds supports that help participants live independently and work toward their goals.

Choice and Control

Choice and Control is the right for participants to make their own decisions about their NDIS supports. This includes choosing the type of supports, how and when they are provided, selecting providers, and having the option to self-manage their plan funding.

Unregistered and Registered Providers

The NDIS encourages providers to register so they can claim payments directly from the NDIS. However, not all providers register. You can still access unregistered providers if you self-manage your funds or work with a Plan Manager like us.

Service Agreement

A Service Agreement is a document that outlines the supports a provider will deliver and how they will be paid.

Plan Review

An NDIS participant’s plan is usually reviewed every 12 months. During the review, the NDIA checks if the supports are working well and whether progress is being made towards the participant’s goals. Participants can also request a review at any time if their circumstances change or if they are unhappy with their plan.

For more information on plan reviews or reassessments, visit: NDIS - Preparing for Your Plan Reassessment

Notice Period

A Notice Period is the time you need to give your provider to make changes to the supports or services they provide. This information is included in your Service Agreement, and different supports may have different notice periods.

Price Guide

The Price Guide is a document listing NDIS-funded support items and their prices, including those with price controls.

Endorse

Plan Managed participants must officially endorse their Plan Manager, which means notifying the NDIA that you have chosen them. You will only need to provide this endorsement when you first sign up for Plan Management or to confirm that you wish to continue working with your current Plan Manager.

Plan managers cannot access your plan's funding or make payments to providers until they have been endorsed.

To endorse your Plan Manager, contact the NDIS Contact Centre 1800 800 110 or reach out to your NDIS Planner.

PACE

PACE (Provider and Participant Communication Environment) is the NDIA’s new system to make it easier and safer for participants to view and manage their NDIS funds and their service providers.

Service Booking

Service bookings are used to set aside funding for an NDIS registered provider for a support they will deliver. Service bookings are not the same as Service Agreements. Service bookings show the type of support participants need and for how long they need it. It also confirms there is funding in their plan to pay for these supports. Service bookings can be created by participants, their nominee, their plan manager or the NDIA.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to equipment or devices that help people do things they find difficult due to their disability. It can make tasks easier, safer, or more accessible.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists are healthcare professionals who help people with disabilities. They teach them techniques and give advice on how to achieve everyday tasks. OT is a client-centered health profession that involves assessing abilities, limitations, goals, and motivations.

Early Childhood Partner

An Early Childhood Partner supports families and carers of children younger than 9 years old.

Early Childhood Early Invention

The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program supports children with disabilities or developmental delays younger than 9. It helps them develop skills and participate in daily activities. By offering support early, ECEI aims to reduce the need for assistance as they grow older.

School Leaver Employment Supports

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS support for students leaving high school. It helps them transition toward employment.

Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a government payment to help with daily living costs. Not everyone with disability or a medical condition can get Disability Support Pension

Disability Employment Services

Disability Employment Services (DES) are government-funded services that help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.

Australian Disability Enterprises

Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) are not-for-profit organisations that provide training and employment opportunities. They help people with disabilities gain skills and confidence, either for ongoing employment or as a pathway to other job opportunities.

Partners in the Community

Partners in the Community are community organisations that work with the NDIS to deliver local support.

First Peoples Disability Network

The First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) is a national organisation advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities. It is governed by First Peoples with lived experience of disability and focuses on providing a voice for their needs and concerns.

Disability Discrimination Act 1992

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is an Australian law that ensures people with disabilities are treated equally and have the same opportunities as everyone else. It prohibits discrimination in areas like employment, real estate, and public access, with significant penalties for breaches.

People with Disability Australia

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is a national disability rights organisation. PWDA advocates for people with disabilities by engaging with the government on key issues to improve their quality of life across Australia.

Individual Living Options

Individual Living Options (ILO) is an NDIS support that helps you live in a way that suits your needs and preferences. It does not provide funding for housing but focuses on designing supports tailored to your living situation.

With ILO funding, you can: Explore different living arrangements, such as living with a host or housemates. Or create personalised support plans to help you live the way you choose.

Short Term Accommodation

Short Term Accommodation (STA), also called respite, is an NDIS support that covers the cost of care and a short stay in specialist accommodation. It can be funded for up to 14 days at a time and may be used when carers aren’t available or to give participants a chance to try new things.

Medium Term Accommodation

Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) is temporary funding for a place to stay when your long-term home isn’t ready due to delays in your disability supports. MTA is not a standalone NDIS support; it’s included in your plan as part of your overall home and living needs. Typically, MTA funding is for up to 90 days, but extensions may be considered in special circumstances.

Specialist Disability Accommodation

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funds modifications to homes to suit a participant’s specific needs. It doesn’t cover rent or other supports but focuses on providing specially designed housing for people with high support needs to foster independence.

Supported Independent Living

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides 24/7 support in participants’ homes to help them live as independently as possible. This can include help or supervision with cooking, cleaning, personal care, and attending appointments.