Navigating NDIS Terminology: A Glossary
We are all inundated with information regarding NDIS through media and in daily work in the industry. However, some of the terminology used can be quite confusing, especially for new entrants into NDIS. To help you navigate your way we’ve created a simple glossary to make it easier to understand some of the more commonly used terms.
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- NDIS: The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a government-funded program that provides support and services to Australians with disabilities.
- NDIA: The National Disability Insurance Agency is an Australian government agency that is responsible for the implementation and administration of the NDIS. The NDIA is responsible for assessing eligibility for the NDIS, developing and managing participants' individualized plans, and managing funding for disability supports and services.
- Participant: A person with a disability who is eligible to receive support and services from the NDIS.
- Reasonable and Necessary Supports: Support services that are deemed reasonable and necessary to help a participant achieve their goals and live as independently as possible.
- Local Area Coordinator: A person or organisation that works with participants to identify their needs and goals and connect them with the right support services.
- Plan Manager: A person or an organisation who manages the financial aspects of an NDIS participant's plan on their behalf. This includes receiving funding from the NDIS, paying invoices from service providers, and keeping records of expenses.
- Support Coordinator: A person or organisation that helps participants navigate the NDIS and access the support and services they need.
- Provider: An organisation or individual that offers support and services to NDIS participants. Also commonly referred to as a Service Provider.
- Registered Providers: have gone through a formal registration process with the NDIA and have met a set of quality and safety standards set out in the NDIS Practice Standards.
- Unregistered Providers: may not have completed formal registration with NDIA yet or they may choose not to register with the NDIS. Unregistered NDIS providers are not accountable to the NDIA in any way and therefore cannot be investigated by them.
- Plan: A detailed agreement between the NDIS and the participant outlining the types of support and services the participant is entitled to receive.
- Plan Review: A regular process where the NDIS and the participant review their plan and make any necessary adjustments or changes.
- Agency-managed: When the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages the funding and pays the service providers directly. Participants who choose this option do not have to worry about managing their funds or making payments to service providers themselves.
- Self-managed: When participants take full control of their NDIS funding and are responsible for managing their own budget and payments to service providers.
- Plan-managed: When participants engage a registered plan manager to help them manage their NDIS funding and payments to service providers. The plan manager takes care of the administrative tasks associated with managing the funding, such as processing payments and keeping records.
- NDIS Price Guide: A document that outlines the costs and pricing for different types of support and services offered by NDIS providers.
- PRODA: PROvider Digital Access is a secure online authentication system used for accessing a range of online services, including NDIS. NDIS providers and organisations are required to have a PRODA account to access the NDIS MyPlace portal, where they can manage their NDIS-related business functions and transactions.
- PACE: A new Information Communication Technology system currently being designed and tested by the NDIA. The goal is to be more user-friendly and make it easier for NDIA staff and partners to do their job. Testing is underway in Tasmania.