The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides comprehensive support for Australians living with psychosocial disabilities, focusing on building functional capacity, independence, and meaningful community participation. Your psychosocial disability stems from the effects of mental health conditions that impact your daily functioning, not just the mental health condition itself.

As an NDIS participant, you have important responsibilities that help ensure you get the most from your supports while maintaining the integrity of the scheme. Understanding these responsibilities empowers you to make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for your NDIS journey. Your obligations fall into four key areas that work together to create a system based on trust, transparency, and mutual accountability.

You spend months planning how to use your NDIS funds, but life happens. Maybe you couldn't find the right support worker. Perhaps health issues prevented you from attending therapy sessions. Or you simply weren't sure what services you could purchase.

Starting your NDIS journey can feel overwhelming. New participants often make predictable mistakes that delay their progress or waste precious funding. These errors are preventable with the right knowledge and preparation.

The NDIS can feel like a maze when you're first starting out. Two key services often cause confusion: support coordination and plan management. While both support you to get the most from your NDIS plan, they serve completely different purposes. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions about which services you need.

Building independence while using NDIS supports isn't about doing everything alone. It's about developing the skills and confidence you need to live the life you want on your terms.

Minister Mark Butler delivered a major announcement at the National Press Club on August 20, 2025, outlining significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The changes aim to restore the NDIS to its original purpose while ensuring long-term sustainability through the introduction of the Thriving Kids program for young NDIS participants.

Caring for someone with disability, mental illness, or chronic conditions can be rewarding but demanding. Research shows that carers are two and a half times more likely to have low wellbeing compared to other Australians.

Understanding the NDIS application timeline helps you plan and manage expectations during this important journey. The process involves several stages, each with specific timeframes that can affect your overall experience.

Self-advocacy represents your ability to speak up for yourself and communicate your needs effectively within the NDIS system. Research shows that only 38% of NDIS participants currently feel able to advocate for themselves. Building these skills empowers you to take control of your NDIS journey and achieve better outcomes.

From 19 May 2025, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) begin rolling out new funding periods for all new and reassessed participant plans. This change means that instead of receiving your full plan budget upfront, your funding will be released in smaller, regular instalments, usually every three months.

Making connections with others who share similar life experiences can create a sense of belonging and community. For people with disability in the Illawarra and South Coast region, there are many pathways to build these valuable connections.

As a guardian, your role is critical in ensuring your family member’s NDIS plan aligns with their needs and goals. Here’s how to approach this complex system effectively.

Finding healthcare providers who understand your specific disability can make a huge difference in your care quality. This guide helps you navigate Australian resources to find the right specialists, with a focus on services in the Illawarra region.

If you’re preparing for an NDIS planning meeting, you might be wondering what to expect and how to make the most of this important step. The planning meeting is a chance for you to discuss your goals, needs, and the supports that will help you live your best life.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for supports that help participants manage daily tasks impacted by their disability. Understanding how to request these services ensures you access the assistance needed to live independently.

The NDIS provides transport funding for participants who cannot use public transport due to their disability.

Finding reliable and accessible transportation is crucial for individuals with disabilities to maintain independence and participate full...

An Australian Disability Parking Permit (ADPP), also known as a Mobility Parking Permit, is designed to assist individuals with disabilit...

Short-term accommodation (STA) plays a significant role in supporting the development of social skills for individuals with disabilities.