The NDIS in early childhood
NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The NDIS has been set up to fund support services for people with disability in Australia. It can help connect them with services and support in their local community.
There are three areas of support in the NDIS:
core supports, for everyday items or needs
capacity building supports, to help people with disability be more independent
capital supports, to provide assistive technology or changes to homes or vehicles.
The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
How to get support for your child through the NDIS
If your child is under the age of 7, you can contact the NDIS early childhood partner in your local government area to get support for your child. A doctor or other medical professional may also give you a referral to contact your local early childhood partner.
The early childhood partner will be able to help you find the most appropriate support for your child in your local community.
Early childhood partners can:
- Put you in touch with community health centres, educational services and supported playgroups.
- Deliver short term early intervention if it's the most appropriate support for your child.
- Help you apply for NDIS access if your child needs longer term supports. This can include your child becoming an NDIS participant - if that happens, the early childhood partner can help develop your child’s NDIS plan and connect you with providers.
Your child does not need a diagnosed disability to get support through an NDIS early childhood partner.
Some very remote areas of NSW do not have early childhood partners. If you live in one of these areas, you can contact the NDIS by calling 1800 800 110 or emailing enquiries@ndis.gov.au.