Helping to understand the NDIS process.....

having a folder with all the relevant information is a must 

How many agree......

When originally looking for supports, regarding the right direction for accessing assistance or sourcing specialised services, and so on, the information you found was so overwhelming, swamping you with conflicting so-called well-meaning suggestions and ideas on what to do and where to start, that you were more confused than before you began looking?

I definitely agree - 'YES' I did fit that category.

When I stepped onto the ASD pathway looking for help, research, understanding and intervention, especially when A.J. began to crash-and-burn needing that all important assistance I still had no idea where to look or even if such services existed in our local area.

Being the 'Nan' to my adorable grandchild, addressing autism was very difficult to face and was hindered by so many additional variables and hurdles we had to overcome or justify before anyone would listen to my concerns that something else was wrong.

As a parent "you" know your child better than anyone else, you view the everyday actions and behaviours that professionals miss or have limited time to completely view and assess, making educated textbook guesses instead of correlating long-term factual evidence.

Now as I fast forward to today taking the first steps with A.J. through the NDIS pathway, setting up his personal plan,

I realise and acknowledge how important any additional support can be.

I also realise the struggles some families may have sourcing the correct type of help.

Due to this I am helping others by sharing the information I have gained, helping to connect with service providers, giving a general over-view and personal perspective on what you may go through, regarding the correct order, realistic expectations, and the official process, etc.

Helping to make it just a little easier to understand.

To begin, take a breath and sit down, while I take you through each step in layman's term...

The first thing you need to know, is, this process isn't going to happen over night.

There are specific steps and stages we have to go through, and sometimes if there are a lot of applications pending it may delay your process a little.

Knowing this, the sooner you can gain the go-ahead to register, the sooner the process begins and you can gain supports.

The first steps.....

What is the NDIA? - National Disability Insurance Agency

This is the organisation, a group of people assigned to process and approve all applicants registering for inclusion.

What is the NDIS? - National Disability Insurance Scheme is the actual program set up to initiate funding to provide the specific personalised services necessary to support each individual applicant. 

Pre-Application Preparation - before we get to the application stage, it will make the process much easier if you have already organised and arranged all relevant documentation and evidence to prove the necessity for specific services.

Arrange any letters from different medical professionals, paediatrician, psychologist, OT, physiotherapist,  speech therapist, etc, etc.

Also the number one priority is to document your own personal experience and journey, how the family etc relates to any process, and what you personally feel will benefit the participant. Another great idea, with the use of modern technology, to assisting when attending services, is recording any unusual behaviour or concerning mannerisms, as evidence of their disability.

I myself have always documented A.J.'s daily process for many different reasons, making it easier to continue when we began on the ASD processing path.

Applying for Registration - contacting the NDIA - a phone contact is the quickest easiest process to gain first contact and make it known you wish to apply to the NDIS program.

To call the NDIA - phone - 1800 800 110

You will reach a person who will ask you a few simple questions regarding the disability, etc, as a confirmation, with personal contact details etc, then they will forward a few lengthy forms, one part you will fill out, the other part filled out by an appropriate medical professional.

In my case...

A.J.'s paediatrician filled out the forms and provided an additional in-depth review of his needs and requirements.

We also gained documentation from A.J.'s psychologist regarding his anxiety, sensory sensitivities, early history trauma, etc.

This altogether gave a very clear picture of all the concerning areas and issues he was trying to deal with.

Once all that is gathered together we mailed it back in the appropriate envelope and waited for the next step.

****note**** always remember to keep copies of ALL documentation.

To give an indication of a possible time frame you may be looking at....

Our phone call was made at the end of August, papers received mid/end September (after awe had the appointment with the paediatrician to fill out his forms), we had everything ready to return-post early October.

A letter of confirmation our application arrived was sent at the end October.

Another letter early December to confirm we were granted access to the NDIS and we would receive a letter confirmation for the next step.

A phone-call was made in January confirming another letter will be sent providing all the details regarding A.J.'s NDIS plan and appointments.

A pre-plan appointment was held with a Community connector mid January, where they will help you understand the Plan Ready requirements.

Then the official Plan Ready meeting was booked for the end of February.

Plan Ready meeting  - everything is set out regarding appropriate supports and services.

A.J.'s plan was arranged for approved Physio, speech therapy, psychology, and O.T. appointments.

Although they work on long term goals, they will break it down into 12 month intervals with annual assessments to assure everything is going on track. Remembering if there are any hurdles or concerns regarding additional assistance or adjustments early assessments can be arranged to re-organise the plan package.

        

Arranging the payment process - there are three options for payments of services

1/ NDIA makes payments directly to service providers

-with this option the service MUST be registered with the NDIA

2/Registered Plan Management Provider, this is an individual or organisation that manages the funding on your behalf

3/ Self-Managing where you control the payments and personally choose the services you access.

-this option gives you a broader access to services that aren't registered with the NDIA

A participant can decide to use any single option or a variation of the above options, although with self-managing they must maintain all paperwork and online registration of services.

Each type will be explained and you can decide which option you will be more comfortable working with.

With all options you will gain access to the online participation portal to monitor all activities.

By this point you are fully registered and ready to begin booking services, set up Service Agreements with each provider, and on your way to physically accessing assistance.

Lithgow Nanna's Touch ASD Support can also help to guide you through any process stage with personal support and assistance, while helping you to maintain family stability.

Anyone wishing to register for self-management, although concerned about how you may cope, we will be holding Self-Management workshops to help you through each step and assist to maintain paperwork, on-line management and additional assistance, as required.

Booking information will be posted shortly when venue and date availability is known

- interim dates - for April/May 2016.

For further details contact Sue on 0409765601