How to seek disability support if you have a disability?

There are a number of disability support in the form of schemes, departments and resources introduced by the Australian Government to help people with disability. Bringing a disability-inclusive society in Australia, the Australian Government supports individuals who are physically disabled, intellectually disabled, visually impaired, hearing impaired, or suffered from communication difficulties.Ā 

With an objective in mind to maximise disabled peopleā€™s true potential, here is a summary of disability support and services provided by the Australian Government. Letā€™s look into how these national schemes, departments and resources empower people with disabilities to achieve life goals.

Disability support provided by the Australian government

Here is an assemblage of disability-related support and services the Australian Government provides. This line-up highlights some of the most sought-after assistance that aims to help people with disability through governmentā€™s funding, information, and programs.

  1. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, also known as NDIS in short, is a scheme funded by the Australian Government to support people with disability. It is one of the latest ways to empower NDIS participants to live the life they choose whilst participating actively in the community. NDIS service providers spread across the land of Australia, offering the best of NDIS disability support according to oneā€™s disability needs.Ā 

Roles of National Disability Insurance Scheme

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds some of the following services and other forms of support you need provided by your preferred NDIS service providers:

  • Personal Care Services.
  • Travel & Transportation.
  • Therapeutic Support.
  • Household Tasks.Ā 
  • Nursing Services.
  • Allied Health Services.Ā 
  • Accommodation Support.
  • Social & Community Participation.
  • Home Modifications.
  • Vehicle Modifications.
EligibilityĀ 

NDIS supports Australians between the age of 7 and 65 who are experiencing permanent disabilities that impact their daily life routines.Ā 

  1. Department of Social Services (DSS)

With one-fifth of the federal budget managed under the Department of Social Services (DSS), this department is the Australian Governmentā€™s primary source of advice on social policy as well. The DSS aims to enhance the well-being of disabled individuals and their families in Australian society via disability support.

Roles of Department Social Services

Department Social Services (DSS) partners with both NGOs and governmentā€™s organisations to deliver practical support when it comes to:

  • enhancing the wellbeing of people with disabilities.
  • funding for organisations that help people with disabilities.
  • managing a diverse range of services and programs.
  • supporting people with mental health issues.
  • informing the latest news about the disability of the Australian community.=
EligibilityĀ 

DSS official website is accessible by all Australians.

  1. Medicare

As a federal health insurance program made for people in need in Australia, Medicare subsidizes healthcare services and disability support. This health care system supports the costs of medicine as well as doctorā€™s appointments.

Roles of MedicareĀ 

Medicare comprises five main types of coverage, namely Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap). Funding is given according to individual needs as stated below:

  • Medicare Part A covers basic hospitalization and walking aids.
  • Medicare Part B covers screening, diagnostic tests and doctorā€™s visits.
  • Medicare Part C, also known as ā€œMedicare Advantageā€, combines Part A and Part B coverage and other additional benefits.
  • Medicare Part D covers prescription drug plans, dental and others.
EligibilityĀ 

Medicare supports people in need who are aged 65 and over, people with disabilities and patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), a type of permanent kidney failure.

  1. Disability gateway

The National Disability Information Gateway, or ā€œDisability Gatewayā€ in short, is an Australia-wide source of information about everything you need to know about disability support. This website informs people with disabilities and anyone around them with different kinds of support and services. Site visitors are able to locate the assistance they need in this all-in-one information hub.

Roles of Disability Gateway

Disability Gateway allows site visitors to gain better insights on financial supports, employment opportunities, legal issues, and so much more, as it is a hub for:

  • a holistic touch-point for people in need to learn about all-things disability information.
  • the enhancement of navigation when it comes to information about disability.
  • practical references on the latest news and happenings.
  • a collection of key emergency contact information.
EligibilityĀ 

The Disability Gateway is accessible to all people with disability and their close ones, as well as their caregivers.

  1. Disability Employment Services (DES)

Receive disability support in finding, preparing for and keeping a job if one encounters injury, disability, or other health conditions via the Disability Employment Services (DES). DES Providers are responsible for empowering people with disabilities and their employers. Expect flexibility and choice when it comes to receiving help from DES.

Roles of Disability Employment Services

Disability Employment Services (DES) comes in two parts. Firstly, job seekers who wish to gain occasional support can access the Disability Management Service. Secondly, the Employment Support Service is suitable for people with permanent disabilities who need ongoing help in the workplace. The DES supports people by:

  • managing health-related issues that impact the job-seeking journey.
  • uncovering the true potential and capabilities of job seekers with injury or disability.
  • cultivating the specific skill sets for the particular job
  • providing job seekers with information and support
EligibilityĀ 

DES provides employment help among Australian residents aged 14 to 65 years old. In addition, this service is suitable for those who are medically diagnosed with a disability, injury, and other health conditions. People in need will be assessed to ensure they can work 8 to 30 hours per week. One must receive an income support payment or disability support pension as well. Full-time students are not eligible for this service.

Disability Employment Services

The Australian Government Empowers People in Need

With around 4.3 million people with disabilities in Australia, we are grateful to have its government that strives in upholding equal rights and opportunity, especially when it comes to achieving goals among people with disabilities. It isĀ vital to get the right supportĀ among the people in need. And with that, they are able to gain the opportunity to become the person they aspire to be and live fulfilled lives.

In summary, these national services and disability support funded by the Australian Government bridge the gap between people with disabilities and the support they rightfully deserve.Ā 

Saeed Ghobadi
Saeed Ghobadi
Saeed is the Director at uCare iCare Pty Ltd. He has been working in the hospital, community, aged care and disability sector for a number of years. As a registered nurse, he has participated in clinical and aged care facilities at local/regional hospitals and Aged Care facilities. He is also an NDIS auditor with relevant qualifications and competencies.
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