The NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a new healthcare program which changes the way people with a disability receive funding from the government. For people with a disability it’s a new way to receive support, offering more choice, greater control and a lifetime approach to your needs.
So far, the NDIS has been trialled in several sites across the country. On 1 July 2013, the NDIS trial commenced in Victoria in the local government areas of the City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Surfcoast Shire and the Borough of
Queenscliffe. Between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2015, 4,394 people with disability up to the age of 65 entered the NDIS in the Victorian trial site.
Here’s a quick summary of the rollout occurring in Victoria.
On 16 September 2015, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments signed a Bilateral Agreement for the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria.
From 1 July 2016 eligible people in Victoria will start entering the NDIS in a carefully
managed and well supported way. By 2019, all eligible people with disability will be covered under the NDIS.
In Victoria, the NDIS will be gradually introduced over three years. In the first year, three Victorian disability service areas will transition to the NDIS including North East Melbourne, Central Highlands and Loddon.
In the second year, seven Victorian disability service areas will transition to the NDIS
including Inner Gippsland, Ovens Murray, Western District, Inner East Melbourne, Outer East Melbourne, Hume Moreland and Bayside Peninsula.
In the third year, six Victorian disability service areas will transition to the NDIS including Southern Melbourne, Brimbank Melton, Western Melbourne, Goulburn, Mallee and Outer Gippsland.
The specific details on when and how you will be able to access the NDIS will be made
available in the coming months.