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. 

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 

 

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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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