Navigating the NDIS: How Perth parents can ensure their child’s needs are met
By Alex Hemmings, Contributor @ Kids In Perth 09 Apr 2023
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides support for individuals with disabilities in Australia. It is designed to help people with disabilities live an independent and fulfilling life by providing funding for necessary support services and equipment.
The NDIS is a valuable resource for parents of children with disabilities, as it can provide funding for a wide range of services that can help improve their child's quality of life. However, it can be complex and confusing for parents to navigate.
5 steps for parents wanting to access the NDIS for their child
Step 1: Check your child’s eligibility for NDIS funding.
- Children under 7 years with developmental delay, developmental concerns or other additional needs may be eligible for early intervention to reduce their future need for support. You do not need a formal diagnosis, parental concern is sufficient to access support through the Early Childhood Approach.
- Children 7 – 18 years will need a GP or paediatrician referral to show they have a disability caused by a permanent impairment.
- Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Your child must live in Australia.
- They need disability-specific support to develop skills for daily activities and better outcomes in life.
- Call the NDIA to check your child’s eligibility on 1800 800 110.
Step 2: Contact your Local NDIS Planning Partner.
Your Early Childhood Partner (children under 7 years) and Local Area Coordinator (children 7- 65 years) are local agencies that have been contracted by the NDIA to support you with accessing your NDIS funding.
In Western Australia, Wanslea is the early childhood partner for children under 7 years. Mission Australia and APM are the Local Area Coordinators for people aged 7-65.
Learn more about the EverAbility Group
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Step 3: Complete the Access Request Form online or over the phone.
This is a good time to contact your preferred NDIS-approved service provider. You can work with your Key Worker from your service provider to complete the Supporting Evidence Form and return it to the NDIA.
Step 4: Understand the planning process.
The NDIS team will contact you for an interview to discuss your child’s needs with your NDIS Service Planner. You may like to speak with your therapy provider first so that you have a good idea of what funding areas to ask for, to help your child reach their therapy goals. Each area has funding caps, so be aware of these and plan accordingly.
Step 5: Start your child’s new Service Agreement.
The NDIS Service Agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the service provider and the individual. It is important for parents to understand this agreement and to ensure that your service provider is meeting their responsibilities. Not every child responds the same to a therapist. If you are not happy with the service you are getting, you are able to change service provider. You are also able to appeal your Plan if you require additional support.
Have a question about NDIS and your family? Call the Victoria Park team on 9311 8202 or visit VisAbility or Kites Children’s Therapy for more information on their child therapy services.
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Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Learn More | NDIS Tips
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) experts at EverAbility Group have provided some great tips below.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government-funded program providing support for individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives.
Tip #1: Research your Service Provider
Choose a reputable, NDIS-approved service provider who provides the services your child needs. You may be able to speak with a therapist to help you plan for the appropriate hours, sessions, and level of support that your child needs.
Tip #2: Make sure the service provider is NDIS-approved
Not all service providers are approved by the NDIS, so make sure that your service provider is NDIS-approved to avoid out-of-pocket costs. You will often work with a Key Worker at your service provider. Use the knowledge of your Key Worker to help you understand the different types of funding available and how your child can benefit from them.
Tip #3: Be aware of the service provider's qualifications:
Parents should ensure that the service provider has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide the support their child needs.
Gallery | What's On
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Tip #4: Approval for NDIS funding may take some time, and a lot of providers have waitlists.
You may be able to join the waiting list while you wait for funding approval.
Tip #5: Make use of the regular Plan Review process.
Each year the NDIS reviews the child's support needs. If you would like to apply for more or reduce your therapy or services – now is the time to do it. Speak with your therapist and complete the appropriate paperwork with your Key Worker.
If you want some support to talk things through, reach out to EverAbility Group.
The WA-based group is home to Kites Children’s Therapy - including Dog Assisted Therapy and Autism Assistance Dogs, VisAbility low vision specialist child and youth services and Guide Dogs WA.
The range of services under one roof makes the Victoria Park team a smart choice for Perth parents because they are NDIS approved, have experienced and qualified professionals, and provide a personalised and inclusive approach to therapy.
Helping parents to ensure that their child's needs are met in a holistic manner and beneficial access to NDIS is maintained.
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Children & Youth Services / Therapies
Early Intervention
Early childhood (0 – 6 years) is a period of rapid growth and learning.
Your child may be at developmental risk if they don’t have learning opportunities that cater to their vision impairment needs.
VisAbility's services can help young children living with low vision to:
- Learn early movement skills such as sitting, crawling and walking
- Learn independence skills such as dressing, toileting or brushing their teeth
- Regulate their emotions and express themselves
- Eat and drink safely, including finger feeding and how to use a cup and cutlery
- Communicate their wants, needs and preferences
- Transition to school
Group Programs | VisAbility
For younger children, these include:
- VisAbility Playgroup – WA’s only playgroup, specifically for children who have vision impairment
- It Takes Two To Talk – step-by-step learning to become your child’s most important communication teacher.
For school age children, these include:
- Fitness, Food and Fun – physical activity and healthy living for kids of all ages
- Look Good, Feel Good for Teens – learn how to put together a great outfit, apply make-up and more.
Therapies
VisAbility & Kite's Children's Therapy
- Dietitian
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Speech Therapy/Pathology
- Social Work
VisAbility
- Assistive Technology
- Orientation & Mobility
- Orthoptics
Kite's Children's Therapy
- Exercise Physiology
- Online Therapy
- Dog-Assisted Therapy
Online Shop | Vision Impairment Products
Find daily living aids and technological solutions that'll give your family and friends the freedom to live the life you choose. NDIS supplier approved.
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
Locations | Kite's Children's Therapy
Locations | VisAbility
Photo/Video Credit: EverAbility Group, VisAbility, Kite's Children's Therapy, Guide Dogs WA | YouTube
About | EverAbility Group
Learn all about the EverAbility Group and its diverse therapy services.
EverAbility Group is a Western Australia-based organization that offers a range of services to support people with disabilities, including Kites Children's Therapy, VisAbility low vision specialist child and youth services, and Guide Dogs WA.
They are NDIS approved, have experienced and qualified professionals, and provide a personalized and inclusive approach to therapy.
EverAbility Group is committed to empowering people with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives, while also supporting their families and caregivers. Their services are designed to meet the individual needs of each client and help them achieve their goals.
Home to the following organisations:
Kite's Children's Therapy is a WA-based therapy group that offers comprehensive and individualized therapy services to children with disabilities. With a team of experienced and qualified professionals, they provide dog-assisted therapy, autism assistance dogs, and a range of low-vision specialist child and youth services. They are NDIS approved and offer a personalized and inclusive approach to therapy.
VisAbility is a leading not-for-profit disability service provider in Western Australia. They offer a wide range of support services, therapies and programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Their vision is to provide a world where people with disabilities are included and valued, and they work hard to make this a reality.
Guide Dogs WA provides a range of services to enhance the independence and mobility of Western Australians with blindness or vision impairment. These services include guide dogs, mobility aids, orientation and mobility training, and occupational therapy.
Social Feed | EverAbility Group
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Contact | Make Enquiry
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Kite's Children's Therapy
(08) 9311 8222
16 Sunbury Rd, Victoria Park WA 6100
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday | CLOSED
kitestherapy.org.au
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VisAbility
(08) 9311 8202
61 Kitchener Ave, Victoria Park WA 6100
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday | CLOSED
visability.com.au
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Guide Dogs WA
(08) 9311 8202
61 Kitchener Ave, Victoria Park WA 6100
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday | CLOSED
guidedogswa.com.au
follow Guide Dogs WA
(08) 9311 8203
61 Kitchener Ave, Victoria Park WA 6100
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday | CLOSED
everabilitygroup.org.au
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