There are 4.5 million people in Australia now living with disabilities. Many of these people have difficulties participating in the workforce or finding employment. In fact, people aged 15 and 64, are less likely to take part in the labor force and more likely to face unemployment.
As a way of providing relief, the Australian government will provide $22 Billion to 500,000 people dealing with disabilities. It will also provide access to sports clubs, education, and resources for people with disabilities. This plan is the NDIS or the national disability insurance scheme.
You might be asking questions like what is the national disability insurance scheme? Or how do you know if you qualify?
If you want to understand how the NDIS works well as seeing if you qualify then check out our guide below.
What Is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?
In July of 2016, the NDIS was rolled out nationally. This program provides disability services and resources to Australians in need.
To determine the NDIS meaning lets break its meaning word by word.
The N stands for national. This means that it's eventually going to be available in all territories and states in Australia. The D for a disability which means any kind of physical, mental, cognitive, or social impairment.
The I answers the question "what does the NDIS do?" It Stands for insurance which is typically given through NDIS Providers this provides people with medical and emotional support needed. The S stands for Scheme as the NDIS is a plan meant to build up people's independence over time.
How Do You Know If You're Eligible for the NDIS?
What is NDIS eligibility?
The eligibility requirements require that you meet several criteria. The first requirement is that the person must be between the ages of 7 an 65. If you are older than 65 there are other resources available to you.
The next eligibility requirement is either living in Australia and while having Australian residency. To qualify as a residency you must either be a person who is currently living in Australia, a citizen of Australia, a permanent visa holder, or a protected special category visa holder.
The third eligibility requirement is the use of special equipment as a result of a disability. The last NDIS disability requirement asks if you need support or assistance support to care for yourself.
Problems with the NDIS
One of the biggest drawbacks of the system is that NDIS eligibility can be difficult if you have emotional, social, or cognitive disabilities. This means that many people from low socioeconomic status may have a hard time navigating this system. This may also mean that many people who are eligible for the NDIS do not get access to the resources they need.
Another problem is that the government is ending its block funding leaving many providers are unsure of what to do in the future.
Looking for Disability Accessible Real Estate?
In the beginning, we asked what is the national disability insurance scheme? Now you know that its a program provided by the Australian government to help those with disabilities. Since we've answered that question you may want more information on the best places to live if you're disabled.