What types of disabilities does the NDIS cover?
What types of disabilities does the NDIS cover?
The NDIS is intended to provide assistance to people with a wide range of disabilities. This includes people who have a physical, intellectual, sensory or psychosocial disability. It is a flexible programme, providing assistance that can be tailored to the needs and preferences of each individual participant.
However, understanding NDIS eligibility and requirements can sometimes be difficult for those seeking NDIS services. To help you out, in this blog, we answer the question, “What types of disabilities are supported by the NDIS?”.
The different categories
The NDIS provides assistance to people with a wide range of disabilities and conditions, such as physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions and chronic illness. The NDIS eligibility categories are broken up into four lists:
- List A: Conditions likely to meet requirements
- List B: Permanent conditions that require more assessment
- List C: Defined programs
- List D: Permanent impairment/Early intervention for children
To be eligible for NDIS support, applicants must meet certain criteria based on their specific condition or disability. This may involve assessing whether an individual’s disability falls into one of the categories listed in List A, List B, List C or List D.
List A: Conditions likely to meet requirements
Individuals with disabilities on List A are automatically considered eligible for NDIS assistance. These conditions are permanent, progressive and stable and include:
- Intellectual disability
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Genetic conditions
- Spinal cord injury or brain injury where there is a severe or total loss of strength and movement in the affected limbs of the body.
- Permanent blindness in both eyes
- Permanent bilateral hearing loss
- Deafblindness
- Amputation or congenital absence of two limbs
A full list can be found here.
List B: Permanent conditions that require more assessment
Individuals with disabilities on List B may be eligible for NDIS support as well but will need to undergo an additional assessment to determine their level of eligibility. These conditions are thought to be permanent, but their severity can vary or change over time and can include severe intellectual disabilities or physical injuries sustained in accidents or illnesses.
A full list can be found here.
List C: Defined programs
In some cases, individuals with disabilities may not meet the requirements for automatic eligibility under List A or List B. However, they may still be able to receive NDIS support through one of the defined programs listed on List C.
Clients of the following South Australian schemes will generally be considered to satisfy the disability requirements without further evidence being required:
- SA Child and Youth Services
- Country Children’s Services
- Individual Support Packages RCR Stage 1
- Individual Support Packages RCR Stage 2
- Individual Support Packages RCR Stage 3
- Individual Support Packages RCR Stage 3 – Sensory
- Unmet Needs Register
- Supported Accommodation – Residential Institutions
- Supported Accommodation – Group Homes
- Therapy Services – Therapy Support
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Community Access
A national list can be found here.
List D: Permanent impairment/Early intervention for children
List D covers permanent impairment or early intervention for children under the age of 7 years. The list is as follows:
- Permanent impairment – this can be caused by a range of conditions, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and hearing or vision impairment.
- Early intervention – this can be provided for a child who has been diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability. Early intervention services can help a child to develop the skills they need for everyday life.
A full list can be found here.
Direct Care Australia are experts in NDIS supports and services, specialising in a range of NDIS funding supports and services in South Australia. If you need any further assistance, contact Sharon Miller or Cristina Bruno on 0410 620 170 or 1300 122 730 or via email at to discuss how we can support you to access support or assistive technology.
