The National Disability Insurance Scheme (also called the NDIS) is the new way of providing disability support.
The NDIS is designed to provide all Australians under the age of 65, who have a permanent and significant disability, with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.
The NDIS is designed to help people with a disability achieve their goals. This may include greater independence, community involvement, employment and improved wellbeing.
As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
The NDIS also provides people with disability, their family and carers, with information and referrals to existing support services in the community.
By 2019, the NDIS will support about 460,000 Australians with disability.