The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for supports and services directly to eligible participants. People with disability have more control and choice over how, when and where their supports are provided.

The focus of the NDIS is to support participants to become more independent and achieve their goals, including developing skills for day-to-day living.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent government agency which manages the NDIS.

They work with people with disability, their families and carers to develop individual plans and provide the funding in the plans.

LACs are from non-government organisations and are contracted to support the NDIA with its work.

Local area coordinators have four key roles:

• To link you to the NDIS, to information and support in the community
• Gather information with you for the development of your Plan
• Where identified, they assist you to start your NDIS journey by supporting you to implement your plan and connect you to community
• Work with the local community to promote a more welcoming and inclusive environment for people with disability

What they don’t do:

• They are not support coordinators
• They don’t approve the funding amount for NDIS plans (the NDIA does)

MDNSW is registered to provide NDIS services. We currently offer camps and retreats and Support Coordination.

With NDIS funded Support Coordination we can work with you to help you implement your plan by finding the right services and supports. We can also assist you prepare for your next planning meeting with the NDIA to make sure you get the supports you need.

Check out our events page to see what’s coming up that might be of interest to you or your family member.

To be eligible for funded supports, you must be assessed by the NDIA. Click here to view the NDIS eligibility checklist.

If you require assistance with this, please contact our office on 02 9888 5711 and we can support you through this process.

If the NDIA decides that you are not eligible, you cannot get a plan or funded supports from the NDIS. You can still get advice and information by calling the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110 to find out what other options are available.

There is also a formal review and appeals process for those who are ineligible. The first step is the internal review process through the NDIA. Click here to open the NDIS Feedback and Complaints page.

If you are not satisfied to with the outcome, you still have the right to appeal to the Commonwealth Government’s Administrative Appeal Tribunal – click here for the link.

We also provide services for people with neuromuscular conditions who are not eligible for NDIS funded supports. Call us to find out how we can help on 02 9888 5711.

Muscular Dystrophy NSW has designed a simple planning toolkit to assist people with neuromuscular conditions to prepare for their NDIS planning and regular review meetings.

Being well prepared for the planning and review meetings will increase the chance of getting a plan you are happy with, being well supported and reduce the need to appeal decisions in the future.

You will have to consider such things as:

• What are your goals?
• How you plan to achieve your goals?
• What are the current supports you have in place?
• Are there any additional supports you require?

If you are interested in one of our services or programs, please contact us for a written quote to present in your planning meeting.