What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides financial assistance to people with a disability under the age of 65. This can include support for people with low vision (who meet the eligibility requirements) and it can cover the costs of services and assistive technology, depending on your own unique circumstances, needs, and goals.

To be eligible for the NDIS you must meet several criteria. These criteria can be found on the eligibility checklist page.

What support can I receive from the NDIS?

The support that you receive from the NDIS can help you to connect with your community, become more independent, and help you to achieve specific goals. Some examples of the services that you can access include home modifications, skills building, and assistive technology, such as apps, programs, devices, and other equipment like magnifiers. With the support from the NDIS, you can create a plan that is tailored to your needs and help you to improve your daily living.

How do I apply for the NDIS?

To apply for the NDIS, you can submit an access request to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), including reports from your ophthalmologist describing your eye condition. You many also be asked to provide a statement on how your vision impacts your everyday life and any goals you may have to increase your independence. Following the approval of your application by the NDIA, you will be contacted by a Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner to organise a planning meeting. Prior to the meeting, it is important to prepare and think about the goals you have and what services or aids you think you may benefit from. This will ensure that you get the most out of your planning meeting. 

Here are some helpful tips for what to consider: 

• What supports do you currently access and whether these meet your needs 
• What you want to learn 
• Where you want to live 
• What sort of work or community activities you’d want to do 
• Whether you have enough support to do these things 

If you are worried about how to clearly identify and voice your goals to get the best out of NDIS, contact a Support Coordinator at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT on 02 9412 9300. Be assured, we will always provide support regardless of your eligibility for funding.

What happens after I have my NDIS plan?

After you have your NDIS plan, the funding can be used to access services and assistive technology that can support you with your eye condition. Your NDIS plan will last for a year, and you will continue to have planning meetings every year to create a new plan. We can help you with reports to support your goals and assist with any planning.

For more information

• Visit the NDIS website
• Contact Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for support in applying for NDIS
• Click here to find out information about at-home care services
• Always speak to your GP and eyecare professional about the best treatment options for you