Learn more about the new NDIS journey for applicants and participants

We started the gradual rollout of our new computer system and improved processes across Australia on 30 October 2023.

There is nothing you need to do right now.

When you come to the next step in your NDIS journey, we will work with you to make sure you have the support and information you need.

To help you understand the changes our new computer system and improved processes will bring, we have created a document called the participant journey.

The participant journey outlines the different steps that people will experience when applying for the NDIS and joining the Scheme.

The participant journey also explains the improvements at each step of the journey existing participants will experience when their NDIS plan moves to the new computer system.

You can download the participant journey to read more:

• Participant journey – PDF (opens in new window)
• Participant journey – accessible (opens in new window) 

Want to know more? 

For more information, please visit our dedicated website: 
improvements.ndis.gov.au (opens in new window)

The Field: job readiness webinar

The Field is a disability-inclusive job site created by people with disability that actively connects people with disability with jobs from inclusive employers, founded by Dylan Alcott AM.

They are hosting a free job readiness webinar, designed for job seekers with disability, parents, carers or support persons who are interested in learning more about the Field and finding meaningful employment opportunities.

Join the Field expert team for an hour as they guide you through creating a job seeker profile and share handy tips and tricks to give you the confidence to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers.

The webinar will also provide a safe space for attendees to ask questions, share experiences, and engage in discussions.

Register for 1 pm – 2 pm AEDT, Wednesday 29 November webinar (opens in new window).

For more information, email support@thefield.jobs (opens in new window).

my NDIS app in national award spotlight

The my NDIS app has been named a finalist in the Australian Access Awards 2023 in the Government App of the Year category.

The Australian Access Awards recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating extraordinary commitment and delivering exceptional outcomes for Australians living with disability.

We have included the use of face or fingerprint ID to make it easier for participants to sign into the app. The app also integrates easily with VoiceOver (Apple) and Talkback (Android).
 

The Australian Access Awards 2023 winners will be announced on 22 November 2023.

For more information and instructions on how to download the my NDIS app visit our website (opens in new window).

NDIA Annual Report 2022-2023 released

The NDIA Annual Report 2022-2023 is now available.  

The report gives a summary of our performance and operations for the 2022-2023 financial year.

You can read the report on our website (opens in new window).

Have you heard about the plan implementation directory?

The plan implementation directory (opens in new window) is an online resource that has been designed with participants – for participants. It is what participants told us they needed to help them understand their plan.

The directory has useful links and information from the NDIS website that can empower you with more choice and control of your plan.

To find out more, visit the plan implementation directory (opens in new window).

Services Australia Mobile Service Centre

If you live in rural or regional Australia and have questions about the NDIS, we will be visiting rural and regional New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia from now until 14 December.

We will be alongside the Services Australia Mobile Service Centre either in person or online.

We can talk to you about:

• understanding the NDIS, including early childhood and local area coordination services
• applying for the NDIS
• using your NDIS plan
• understanding funding options.

You can find a location near you by visiting the Services Australia website (opens in new window). 

Participant spotlight

Scarlett is thriving in her recent transition from school to working life.

Scarlett, who has an intellectual disability, is working 2 jobs, as well as volunteering and co-hosting a radio program about disability.

Read Scarlett’s story (opens in new window).

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support

Booking a COVID-19 vaccine

Book in for your vaccination today. To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:

• use the healthdirect website (opens in new window) which is a government-funded service
• book through a local pharmacy (opens in new window)
• contact the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080
• talk to your GP.

People with disability who need assistance booking a COVID-19 vaccine or need free, fact-checked information about COVID-19, can contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 or visit their website (opens in new window).

If you are deaf, or hard of hearing, you can call the National Relay Service on 1800 555 660.

Easy Read resources, including vaccine types, are available on the Department of Health website (opens in new window).

Participants who have support coordination in their plans and need support to book and access COVID-19 vaccinations are encouraged to talk to their support coordinator.

An additional $150, on top of plan funds, is available for participants to access support coordination to help with booking and accessing vaccinations.

Participants can also utilise their existing support coordination budget if they need further assistance beyond the additional $150.

Providers can claim the $150 and $75 payments directly from the NDIS – it does not affect funding in your plan.

Your provider can also claim from your plan, the cost of other supports required for you to access your vaccinations, such as transport and support workers, but only with your agreement.

If you think your plan funds are too low for you to get vaccination support, you can contact us (opens in new window) or call 1800 800 110.

Learn more (opens in new window).

Using NDIS plan funds to claim for rapid antigen tests

Eligible NDIS participants can purchase rapid antigen tests (RATs) with funding from their NDIS plan.

Participants can use their core funding to purchase RATs where it is required to access their reasonable and necessary supports.

Learn more (opens in new window).

COVID-19 kit for support coordinators

The Growing Space and other support coordination providers have developed an online COVID-19 kit for support coordinators.

The free downloadable resource contains a range of useful checklists, contacts and templates for support coordinators to help NDIS participants, their families and carers manage risks associated with COVID-19.

You can download this kit on the Growing Space website (opens in new window).