Getting into the NDIS
The access rules are the same for everyone: age, residence, and disability or early intervention requirements. What is different is the help available to get there. Many First Nations people with disability have never had a formal diagnosis or assessment, live far from specialists, or have had bad experiences with government services. The NDIA has been working to make the path easier.
You can get help to apply from a Remote Community Connector, a local area coordinator, an early childhood partner for young children, an Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, or a disability advocate.
Remote Community Connectors
Remote Community Connectors are community based workers who represent the NDIA in remote and very remote communities. They are mostly employed through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, so they are usually local people who know the community, language and culture.
They can explain what the NDIS is and how to join, help identify what support you already have and what else you need, and help you build and use your plan. The NDIA has been expanding the program to more than 500 communities, along with Access Clinics that bring assessments closer to home. The Disability Royal Commission also recommended expanding community connector programs.
The NDIS First Nations Strategy
The NDIS First Nations Strategy 2025 to 2030 sets out what the NDIA will do to improve outcomes for First Nations participants, families, carers and communities. It aims to make the NDIS more equitable, culturally safe, community centred and coordinated. An implementation plan is being developed with First Nations participants and the wider First Nations disability community.
The NDIA has also made a Statement of Commitment to Closing the Gap.
Making your plan fit your life and culture
Your plan should reflect who you are and how your family and community work. You can talk about this in your planning meeting.
- Goals about culture, such as going back to Country, ceremony, sorry business or community events
- Who your family and kin are, and what support they can reasonably keep giving
- Workers or organisations you trust, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- Transport and travel needs if services are far away
- Having a support person, Elder or family member with you in meetings
Interpreters and communication
TIS National, the free interpreting service the NDIS uses, does not provide First Nations language interpreting. If you need an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language interpreter, the NDIS Commission suggests asking your local area coordinator, NDIS planner, support coordinator or Remote Community Connector to arrange one.
Services in remote areas
Finding providers can be hard in remote communities. NDIS price limits are higher for supports delivered in remote and very remote areas, as defined by the Modified Monash Model, to help cover the extra cost. If your plan is self managed or plan managed, you can also use unregistered providers, including local people and community organisations, which can widen your options.
If you have a problem with a provider or worker, you can complain to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which has information and resources for First Nations people.