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A guide for Commonwealth-funded community mental health service providers.

Accessing the NDIS

Assisting people with psychosocial disability to access the NDIS: a guide for Commonwealth-funded community mental health service providers

Based on initial modeling by the Productivity Commission, at full scheme, there will be approximately 64,000 NDIS participants with a primary psychosocial disability who will meet the access criteria for an Individual Support Package (ISP). This equates to 13.9% of the total estimated ISP population.

This guide has been prepared by Flinders University with funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The need for a guide was identified in November 2016 as a result of a DSS funded workshop, “Clarifying NDIS access requirements for psychosocial disability”. This guide was produced in collaboration with Flinders University, DSS, the Department of Health, the mental health team from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and community mental health providers and peak bodies.

People affected by psychosocial disability may find it difficult to set goals and make plans, to engage in education or work, as well as other social and cultural activities. They may also experience difficulty in communicating their needs, finding suitable housing, maintaining a tenancy, keeping appointments and maintaining their physical health and wellbeing. All of these elements pose a great risk to people with psychosocial disability failing to engage with the NDIS or to initiate a plan. This guide offers information and resources on assisting people with psychosocial disability to access the NDIS, especially those who are further marginalised by cultural, linguistic and other barriers. 

Resource: Assisting people with psyhosocial disability to access the NDIS - Department of Social Services

Download: Assisting people with psyhosocial disability to access the NDIS PDF