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Autism and the NDIS: How a Support Coordinator Can Help You Thrive

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If you’re autistic and on the NDIS, navigating the complexities of your plan can be overwhelming. A support coordinator can make a real difference. 

The role of an NDIS support coordinator is pivotal in this journey, offering a pathway not just to meet immediate needs but to unlock a full spectrum of services. 

This article will delve into the crucial aspects of maximizing autism support through collaboration with an NDIS support coordinator. 

Who Is Support Coordinator: 

The support coordinator is a professional who can help you understand and use your NDIS Plan effectively. They assist in a variety of ways depending on your specific needs, goals, and circumstances.  

A support coordinator not only has a solid understanding of how the NDIS works, but they are also well-connected and can help you find supports in your area. There are many other ways that a support coordinator can help you to be better organized with your NDIS plan. 

From children with autism to autistic adults, a support coordinator can help ensure you receive the support and services you need to thrive. 

How a Support Coordinator Can Help: 

Support coordinators guide you through the entire process. It is important to remember that support coordinators aren’t advocates. They can’t represent you or sign agreements on your behalf. 

  • Expert Guidance: Support coordinators possess in-depth knowledge of the NDIS and its workings, providing clear explanations and guidance throughout the process. Their assistance can significantly reduce stress, allowing you to focus on living your life. 
  • Utilizing Your NDIS Plan: Support coordinators are adept at understanding NDIS budgets and can help you plan the use of your supports to best suit your needs. They assist in aligning your goals with your NDIS Plan, tracking progress, and making adjustments as needed. 
  • Connecting with Community Supports: Support coordinators have extensive connections and can link you to non-NDIS supports, including community groups, mainstream services, and other resources. For families with autistic children, they can connect you with relevant community organizations and support groups. 

For autistic teenagers transitioning to further education or work, they facilitate the integration of NDIS and non-NDIS supports. They also guide you in obtaining companion cards, housing assistance, Centrelink supports, and travel concession cards. 

  • Finding Alternative Supports: When your NDIS Plan doesn’t cover all your needs, support coordinators help find alternative solutions. They can locate affordable services within the mainstream system, such as occupational therapists or mental health professionals, ensuring you receive necessary support without excessive out-of-pocket expenses. 
  • Building Skills and Capacity: Support coordinators collaborate with other professionals to develop strategies and resources that help build skills for NDIS participants and their families. They provide education and training on how to best support autistic individuals, explain NDIS-funded supports, and offer guidance on understanding your NDIS Plan. 
  •  Effective Provider Collaboration: Support coordinators simplify the process of finding and working with providers. They match you with suitable providers, negotiate service agreements, and handle paperwork, reducing stress and ensuring your needs are met. They also bridge communication gaps, organize translation services if necessary, and conduct regular reviews to address any concerns. For children, they coordinate meetings with allied health staff and school representatives to ensure everyone understands the child’s needs and goals. 
  •  Preparing for Plan Meetings: Support coordinators work closely with you, understanding your communication style, needs, and NDIS Plan. They help you prepare for plan meetings by gathering reports and documentation, anticipating potential NDIS questions, and assisting in articulating your support needs. They can also attend meetings with you to ensure your plan reflects the agreed services and follow up on any issues. 

By enlisting the support of a skilled and experienced support coordinator, autistic individuals can maximize the benefits of the NDIS and achieve greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life. 

How to Secure Support Coordination in Your NDIS Plan: 

If you believe you could benefit from the assistance of a support coordinator, the first step is to discuss this with your NDIS partner. They can guide you through the process of obtaining funding for Support Coordination in your plan. 

It’s important to note that, like all NDIS funding, support coordination is granted only when it is deemed “reasonable and necessary.” Therefore, not every participant will qualify for support coordination in their NDIS Plan. If you think this support would be beneficial for you, reach out to your NDIS partner to explore your options.  

Bridge 2 Disability Care is a leading provider of Support Coordination services, dedicated to helping you navigate the NDIS with ease and confidence.  

For more information or to get started with our services, please contact us at 08 6119 9696 or info@disabilityserviceswa.com.au. Visit us at www.bridge2disabilitycare.com.au 

We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Mobility and Transfer Equipment under the NDIS

Understanding the Coverage of Mobility and Transfer Equipment under the NDIS

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia aims to provide support and assistance to individuals with disability. One crucial aspect of this support is the provision of mobility and transfer equipment.  

In this article, we will explore the types of equipment covered by the NDIS and how individuals can access them. 

Types of Mobility and Transfer Equipment Covered: The NDIS covers a wide range of mobility and transfer equipment to assist individuals with disability in their daily activities. 

Some of the equipment covered includes: 

  1. Wheelchair: Manual and powered wheelchairs are covered by the NDIS. These devices enable individuals with mobility impairments to move around independently.
  2. Walking Aids: Devices such as walking frames, crutches, and walking sticks are covered by the NDIS. This aid provides support and stability for individuals with mobility limitations.
  3. Hoists and Lifts: Ceiling hoists, portable hoists, and patient lifts are covered by the NDIS. These devices assist with transferring individuals from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair.
  4. Transfer Boards and Slings: Transfer boards and slings are covered by the NDIS to facilitate safe and comfortable transfers between different surfaces, such as from a wheelchair to a car seat.
  5. Prosthetics and Orthotics: The NDIS covers the provision of prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices to support individuals with limb impairments or musculoskeletal conditions.
  6. Vehicle Modifications: The NDIS can fund modifications to vehicles to make them accessible for individuals with disabilities. This may include installing ramps, lifts, or hand controls.

Accessing Mobility and Transfer Equipment through the NDIS:

To access mobility and transfer equipment through the NDIS, you need to follow a few steps: 

  1. Eligibility Assessment: Individuals must first meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS. This involves having a permanent disability that significantly impacts their ability to participate in daily activities.
  2. Planning and Assessment: Once deemed eligible, individuals will work with a planner or support coordinator to develop a personalized plan. This plan will outline the specific equipment and support required.
  3. Equipment Prescription: A healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, will assess the individual’s needs and prescribe the appropriate mobility and transfer equipment.
  4. Funding Approval: The NDIS will review the equipment prescription and determine the funding amount for the approved equipment. This may involve considering factors such as the individual’s goals, functional needs, and budget.
  5. Equipment Sourcing and Delivery: Once funding is approved, individuals can work with relevant equipment providers to source and deliver the approved equipment. These providers will ensure the equipment is properly fitted and meets the individual’s specific requirements.

Conclusion: 

Mobility and transfer equipment are crucial parts of many NDIS participants’ lives, offering not only mobility but also independence and an improved quality of life.  

Understanding the various equipment options available to you, how to access them through the NDIS, and how to maximize your funding and equipment choices is essential. 

By actively engaging in the planning process and staying informed about your options, you can ensure that your mobility needs are effectively met.  

Bridge 2 Disability Care, a NDIS registered Plan Management and Support Coordination provider in Perth, is here to assist you. 

Guide to NDIS Funding

A Guide to NDIS Funding – Maximise Your Benefits

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At Bridge 2 Disability Care, our mission revolves around empowering individuals with disability to lead fulfilling lives. We understand the pivotal role that National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding plays in achieving this mission.  

In this blog, we delve into the various aspects of NDIS funding to provide a clearer understanding for individuals and their families. 

Understanding NDIS Funding: 

NDIS funding is not merely about financial support; it’s about granting individuals the autonomy to shape their lives according to their goals and aspirations.  

NDIS funding aims to empower individuals to achieve greater independence, develop essential skills, and actively participate in communities. 

Setting Goals and Eligibility: 

Upon the approval of a NDIS plan, individuals have the opportunity to set personalized goals that align with their unique needs and aspirations.  

These goals serve as the foundation for the allocation of NDIS funds and are guided by eligibility criteria established by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). 

 Eligibility criteria ensure that individuals with permanent disabilities, aged between 9 and 65 years, and residing in Australia can access the support they need to thrive. 

Reasonable and Necessary Supports: 

NDIS funding is allocated based on the principle of providing “reasonable and necessary” supports and services. This means that the support funded by the NDIS must be directly related to the individual’s disability and contribute to their functional capacity, independence, and overall quality of life.  

Additionally, support must represent value for money, be evidence-based, and not duplicate services available through other systems. 

Non-Funded Supports: 

While the NDIS covers a wide range of supports and services, there are certain types of supports that are typically not covered.  

These may include supports unrelated to the participant’s disability, mainstream health services, educational expenses, day-to-day living expenses, legal expenses, luxury items or services, supports not aligned with the participant’s NDIS plan, and supports incurred before plan approval. 

How is your NDIS plan funded? 

NDIS plans are funded through three main components: the Core Support Budget, the Capacity Building Budget, and the Capital Supports Budget. 

Core Supports Budget: 

This budget is flexible and can be used across various categories based on your changing needs. 

The four support categories within Core Supports are:  

  • Assistance with Daily Life: Covers personal needs, cleaning, and house maintenance. 
  • Consumables: Includes items like continence products, mobility equipment, and low-cost assistive technology. 
  • Assistance with Social & Community Participation: Provides support for community activities. 
  • Transport: Funding for transportation related to achieving your goals. 

Capacity Building Budget: 

Unlike Core Supports, this budget cannot be moved between sections. 

Categories within Capacity Building include:  

  • Support Coordination: Fixed funding for a support coordinator to help you maximize your plan. 
  • Improved Living Arrangements: Support for finding and maintaining suitable housing. 
  • Increased Social and Community Participation: Training and assistance to improve social skills and community engagement. 
  • Finding and Keeping a Job: Training and employment support. 
  • Improved Relationships: Assistance in developing positive behaviors. 
  • Improved Health and Wellbeing: Advice on exercise and diet (excluding gym memberships). 
  • Improved Learning: Support for education 
  • Improved Life Choices: Plan Management and payment for services. 
  • Improved Daily Living: Assessment, training, or therapy to enhance independence and community participation. 

Capital Supports Budget: 

  • This budget covers one-time purchases to promote independence. 
  • Examples include higher-cost assistive technology (e.g., wheelchairs) and home modifications (e.g., handrails or Specialist Disability Accommodation). 

Bridge 2 Disability Care Plan Management: 

Managing NDIS funding can be complex, Bridge 2 Disability Care can assist you with managing NDIS Plan and funds with  Plan Management services.  

As a registered NDIS Plan Manager, we ensure that providers are paid promptly and budgets are monitored closely, allowing individuals to focus on reaching their goals and living life to the fullest. Get in touch –  

08 6119 9696 or email info@disabilityserviceswa.com.au 

 

Role of Technology in Plan Management

Empowering NDIS Participants: The Role of Technology in Plan Management

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In the dynamic landscape of disability support services in Australia, technology has emerged as a powerful ally, transforming the way National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plans are managed and enhancing the overall experience for participants.

Bridge 2 Disability Care recognises the role of technology in empowering NDIS participants and improving their quality of life, and we’re passionate about harnessing this power to improve lives.

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Know about pace

Everything you Need to know About PACE and the NDIS System Rollout

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a new initiative called PACE—Participant, Platform, and Process—is bringing transformation.  

It aims to reshape the NDIS landscape, marking a significant change in how things are done. 

Bridge 2 Disability Care, your trusted Plan Manager provider in Perth, is here to guide you through the transformative journey that awaits. 

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Understanding NDIS Plan Management: A Guide to Making Informed Choices

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Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and funding can seem overwhelming due to various options and considerations.

At Bridge 2 Disability Care Plan Management, we are here to guide you through this journey with clarity and understanding.

NDIS Plan Management is a crucial support for participants, offering effective mechanisms to manage funds, service providers, and the NDIA.

But what exactly is Plan Management, and how it can benefit you?

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