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NDIS & Disability Supports Glossary
A
Access Request
The application process to join the NDIS, including providing evidence of disability and functional impact.
Assistance with Daily Living
Support that helps participants with everyday tasks such as personal care, cooking, and household activities.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Equipment or devices that help a person with disability perform tasks more independently (e.g., wheelchairs, communication devices, mobility aids).
B
Behavior Support
Specialised support to address complex behaviours and improve quality of life through positive strategies
Budget (NDIS Plan Budget)
The funding allocated across a participant’s NDIS plan categories, such as Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports.
C
Capacity Building Supports
Supports that help participants build skills, independence, and confidence (e.g., therapy, skill-building, employment support).
Carer
A person who provides informal support to someone with a disability, often a family member or friend.
Core Supports
Funding category that covers everyday support needs, such as personal care, social participation, transport, and consumables.
D
Disability Support Worker (DSW)
A trained professional who supports people with disability in daily tasks, community access, and achieving personal goals.
Developmental Delay
A significant delay in a child’s development. Early supports can be funded under the NDIS Early Childhood approach.
E
Early Childhood Approach (ECA)
NDIS framework for children aged 0–9, providing early intervention supports without needing a full NDIS plan in some cases.
Evidence of Disability
Medical or allied health documents required when applying for NDIS access.
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F
Functional Capacity
A person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. Used to assess NDIS eligibility and supports..
Evidence of Disability
Medical or allied health documents required when applying for NDIS access.
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G
Goal Setting
A key part of the NDIS planning process where participants outline what they want to achieve in their life, community, or health.
I
Independent Living Options (ILO)
Flexible support arrangements that help participants live independently in the community.
Individualised Funding
Tailored funding that meets a participant’s unique needs, goals, and support requirements
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L
Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
NDIS partner organisation that supports participants with planning and understanding their plans.
P
Participant
A person who receives funding and supports from the NDIS.
Plan Management
A service that helps participants manage their NDIS funding, pay invoices, and track budgets. Three types: Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, and NDIA-Managed
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R
Reasonable & Necessary Supports
The criteria the NDIS uses to decide what supports can be funded—supports must be connected to the disability and help achieve goals.
Respite
Short-term care that gives carers a break while ensuring participants receive safe and appropriate support.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Daily personal support for participants living in shared or individual accommodation settings.
Support Coordination
A professional service to help participants understand and use their NDIS plan, connect with providers, and build capacity.
Support Worker
A person who provides assistance in daily living, community access, personal care, or skill development.
T
Therapy Supports
Allied health services such as Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy, Psychology, and Speech Pathology.
Transport Funding
Funding that supports participants who cannot use public transport due to their disability.
Workplace Supports
Supports that help participants build skills or maintain employment, such as job coaching or workplace modifications