Teens with disability can get a range of support for their education through their school. But through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), families of teenagers with disability can also get support for themselves and additional support to help their teen participate in school and everyday activities. If you have a teenager with disability, the NDIS could help your teen and your family. Here is what you need to know.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new system that provides individualised disability support funding that focusses on the needs and choices of people with disability. The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. The funding provided can help people with disability access supports to achieve goals in many aspects of their life, including independence, education, and health and wellbeing.

The NDIS gives people more choice and control over how, when and where their supports are provided, and gives people certainty that they will receive the support they need over their lifetime.

How can the NDIS help my family?

One of the core aims of the NDIS is to better support families and carers in their caring role.

As the parent or carer of a teen with disability, your views and experiences are important in the planning process for the NDIS – helping with decision making about your teenager’s ongoing support needs, goal setting, assessment and the planning process.

You can find information about additional services dedicated to help you in your role as a carer on the Support for Carers page of the NDIS website, including courses and peer-support programs.

What help is available?

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports that help a participant to reach their goals, objectives and aspirations in a range of areas, which may include education, employment, social participation, independence, living arrangements and health and wellbeing.

The NDIS website has information about the services and support options available.

Assistance from the NDIS is not means tested and has no impact on income support such as the disability support pension and carers allowance.

Where and when is the NDIS available?

The NDIS is rolling out across Australia. Existing national and state-based services and supports will continue until the NDIS is introduced in your area.

Can I access the NDIS for my teen?

Your teenager will need to meet certain requirements to access the NDIS. If you would like to check if your teen is eligible for the NDIS, complete the NDIS Access Checklist.

For more information, visit the NDIS website or call 1800 800 110.