The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government-funded program designed to provide support to eligible people with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS helps participants access reasonable and necessary supports that can assist them in pursuing their goals, developing independence and participating in everyday life and their communities.
Understanding how the NDIS works and knowing the difference between registered and unregistered NDIS providers can help participants and their families make informed decisions about their support.
What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, commonly known as the NDIS, provides funding to eligible people with disability to help them access supports and services related to their disability.
Depending on an individual's circumstances and NDIS plan, funded supports may assist with areas such as daily activities, community participation, personal care, support coordination and other disability-related needs.
The NDIS is based around the idea of participant choice and control. Participants generally have the ability to choose the providers they want to work with and the supports that help them work towards their individual goals.
Every participant's circumstances are different. The supports included in an NDIS plan depend on the participant's individual needs, goals and funding arrangements.
What Is an NDIS Provider?
An NDIS provider is a person, business or organisation that delivers NDIS supports or services to participants.
Providers can include individual support workers, sole traders, charities, not-for-profit organisations and larger businesses. Different providers may offer different services and have different areas of experience and expertise.
For example, an NDIS provider may offer services such as:
Support Coordination
Specialist Support Coordination
Daily Living Support
Personal Care
Community Participation
Other disability support services
The services available will depend on the provider and the types of supports they are registered or authorised to deliver.
What Is a Registered NDIS Provider?
A registered NDIS provider is a provider that has been approved and registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
To become registered, a provider must apply through the NDIS Commission, undergo an assessment and audit against the relevant NDIS Practice Standards, complete suitability assessments and, if successful, receive a certificate of registration. Registered providers are generally registered for a three-year period before needing to renew their registration.
The NDIS Practice Standards establish quality and safety requirements that registered providers must meet for the supports and services they deliver. The applicable standards depend on the types of supports provided.
What Is the Difference Between Registered and Unregistered NDIS Providers?
Both registered and unregistered providers can provide certain NDIS supports. However, there are important differences between them.
Registered NDIS providers are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and must meet the applicable registration requirements and NDIS Practice Standards.
Participants with NDIA-managed funding must use registered providers for their NDIS supports. Participants who self-manage their funding or use a registered plan manager may generally have the option of using either registered or unregistered providers, depending on the support and applicable requirements.
Some types of supports must also be delivered by registered providers, including certain regulated or higher-risk supports.
Why Choose a Registered NDIS Provider?
Choosing a registered NDIS provider can provide participants with the assurance that the provider has gone through the NDIS registration process and is subject to the requirements that apply to its registration.
Registered providers must meet the relevant NDIS Practice Standards and are subject to the quality and safeguarding framework administered by the NDIS Commission. They must also comply with requirements relating to areas such as complaints and incident management where applicable.
However, choosing an NDIS provider is about more than registration alone. Participants should also consider whether a provider offers the services they need, understands their goals, communicates effectively and provides support that suits their individual preferences.
How Can I Find a Registered NDIS Provider?
The NDIS provides a Provider Finder that allows participants to search for registered providers based on factors such as suburb or postcode, state or territory and registration group.
When choosing an NDIS provider, it can be helpful to:
Understand what services you need
Check whether the provider offers those services
Consider whether the provider operates in your local area
Ask questions about how their services work
Discuss your goals and expectations
Compare different providers before making a decision
Make sure you understand your service agreement
Finding a provider that understands your needs and supports your goals can make an important difference to your experience with the NDIS.
SaharaCare – Registered NDIS Provider in Moorabbin, Melbourne
If you are looking for a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne, SaharaCare is here to provide personalised support designed around the individual needs and goals of NDIS participants.
SaharaCare is a registered NDIS provider located on Nepean Highway, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia, providing NDIS support services to participants and their families.
Our approach is centred around personalised support, respect, independence and helping participants work towards the goals that matter to them.
Whether you are looking for support coordination, specialist support coordination, community participation or other NDIS support services, our team can discuss your needs and help you understand the services available.
