The NDIS is an Australia wide scheme that provides funding to individuals to access disability supports and improve their life.
Here’s how it works:
1. Understanding the NDIS and the benefits.
2. Checking your eligibility.
3. The application process.
4. Developing your plan.
5. Using your plan.
6. Reassessing your plan.

For NDIS participants, the NDIS Commission will:
1. Help you, and your families and carers, by responding to your concerns or complaints.
2. Require providers to uphold your right to be free from harm.
3. Promote safety and quality services.
4. Oversee a new NDIS Code of Conduct and Practice Standards for providers and workers.
5. Require registered NDIS providers manage incidents involving participants.
6. Require registered NDIS providers to report incidents, including abuse and neglect, to the NDIS Commission.
7. Provide national oversight of, and leadership in relation to, behaviour support.
8. Identify areas for improvement across the NDIS market, and provide information and advice to improve future services.

You have the right to:
1. Choose who delivers your supports and how they do this. You do not have to use just one provider for all your supports.
2. Not use a provider if you feel they aren’t acting in your best interests.
3. Ask if a provider has a conflict of interest.
4. To buy services or supports you don’t want or need.
5. Pay for supports at a fair and reasonable rate. You must follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangement and Price Limits if you are NDIA-managed or plan-managed.
6. Decide what personal information you give to a provider so they can deliver supports.

You are responsible for making sure the supports are:
1. Directly related to your disability and align with your plan.
2. Not covered or delivered by another service system or organisation (e.g. Medicare or private health insurer). If you self-manage your NDIS funds, you need to keep evidence of what you spend your NDIS funds on (e.g.. invoices, receipts, pay slips, bank statements). Find out more here.

A provider is a person, company, or organisation that provides participants with NDIS-funded benefits. The knowledge and competence of each provider varies, which is why finding the best service providers to satisfy your demands is crucial. Large businesses, not for profit organisations, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and other business models can all be providers. ‍ NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission controls NDIS registered providers and the NDIS Code of Conduct applies to all providers, whether registered or not. However, you can only utilise NDIS registered providers to offer your services if your NDIS funding is managed by the NDIA. Participants who manage their own finances or have a plan manager handle their NDIS plan financing may choose to work with licensed or unregistered providers under the NDIS.

You have the option of speaking with your provider alone or with a trusted companion, such as a relative or friend. If you have a nominee to assist you with he decision making process, they can be with you as well. Find out more here.