Australian NDIS glossary

Autism Awareness Australia

National autism advocacy + family support organisation. Free helpline + resource library for families navigating autism diagnosis + NDIS access.

Source: autismawareness.com.au

Brain Injury Australia

National peak body for the acquired brain injury community. Sector workforce development, advocacy + family support. Useful resource for NDIS access for ABI-affected participants.

Source: braininjuryaustralia.org.au

Department of Social Services(DSS)

Federal department responsible for NDIS policy. The NDIA delivers the scheme; DSS sets the broader policy framework + reports to Parliament on scheme performance. Also funds the National Disability Advocacy Program.

Source: dss.gov.au

Down Syndrome Australia

National peak body for the Down syndrome community in Australia. Federation of state organisations. Helps members navigate NDIS access + planning. Strong advocacy role in mainstream inclusion policy.

Source: downsyndrome.org.au

Every Australian Counts

Disability sector campaign originally established to advocate for the NDIS's creation (2011–2013). Continues to advocate for participant rights + scheme integrity. Operated by the National Disability Services.

Source: everyaustraliancounts.com.au

National Disability Insurance Agency(NDIA)

The independent statutory agency that delivers the NDIS. Responsible for participant access decisions, plan creation, plan reviews + scheme administration. Reports to the Minister for the NDIS. Headquartered in Geelong. Distinct from the NDIS Commission.

Source: ndis.gov.au

National Disability Insurance Scheme(NDIS)

Australian Government-funded insurance scheme providing reasonable + necessary supports to Australians under 65 with permanent + significant disability. Established under the NDIS Act 2013. Currently supports ~661,000 participants with annualised scheme spend ~$48 billion (NDIS QSR Q4 2024–25).

Source: ndis.gov.au

National Disability Services(NDS)

Peak national body for non-government NDIS providers. ~1,000 member organisations across disability service categories. Advocacy, sector workforce + policy work. Distinct from the NDIA (the agency) + the NDIS Commission (the regulator).

Source: nds.org.au

NDIS Quality + Safeguards Commission(NDIS Commission)

Independent federal regulator of NDIS providers + workers. Established 1 July 2018. Functions: provider registration, complaints handling, worker screening, behaviour support oversight, restrictive practice authorisation, Code of Conduct enforcement. Distinct from the NDIA – the NDIA pays for supports, the Commission regulates quality + safety.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

NDIS Review

2023 independent review of the NDIS chaired by Bruce Bonyhady + Lisa Paul. 26 recommendations covering eligibility, plan support, foundational supports + scheme sustainability. Many recommendations now being implemented through legislation + NDIA practice change.

Source: ndisreview.gov.au

Participant

A person who has been granted NDIS access + has an active plan. Distinct from "applicant" (a person who has applied but not yet been approved). ~661,000 participants nationally (Q4 2024–25).

Source: ndis.gov.au

People with Disability Australia(PWDA)

National disability rights organisation run by + for people with disability. Cross-disability + intersectional. Major voice in NDIS policy debate + sector reform.

Source: pwd.org.au

Early Childhood Early Intervention(ECEI)

Former name for the NDIS gateway for children under 7. Now renamed "Early Childhood approach". Delivered by Early Childhood Partners – local organisations funded by the NDIA. Provides initial supports for children with developmental delay or disability, with referral to a full NDIS plan if needed.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Early Childhood Partner

Organisation contracted by the NDIA to deliver the Early Childhood approach in each region. First point of contact for families with children under 7 with developmental concerns. Provides short-term supports without an NDIS plan + helps families apply for ongoing NDIS funding if needed.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Functional capacity assessment

Structured assessment of how a person's disability impacts their daily life across communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care + self-management. Conducted by OT, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, psychologist or other qualified practitioner. Uses validated tools such as WHODAS 2.0, Vineland-3, PEDI-CAT. Often required for NDIS access decisions + plan reviews.

Source: ndis.gov.au

List A conditions

NDIA-published list of conditions that almost always meet the disability requirements of the NDIS Act. Streamlined access – specialist diagnosis typically sufficient evidence. Examples: Down syndrome, severe cerebral palsy, total blindness, spinal muscular atrophy Type 1–3.

Source: ndis.gov.au

List B conditions

NDIA-published list of conditions likely to meet eligibility when accompanied by functional capacity evidence. Examples: autism (Level 2 or 3), acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis with significant impact.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Local Area Coordinator(LAC)

Organisation contracted by the NDIA to support participants aged 7+ at the local level. Helps with NDIS applications, connects participants to community services + provides light-touch plan support for participants with smaller plans. Free; funded directly by the NDIA.

Source: ndis.gov.au

NDIS Access Request(Access Request)

The formal application to become an NDIS participant. Submitted by phone (1800 800 110), online via mygov.au, or by paper form. Documents the prospective participant's age, residency, disability + functional capacity. Triggers the NDIA's access decision under sections 21–25 of the NDIS Act.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Nominee

A person legally appointed to act on behalf of an NDIS participant in some or all matters. Two types: Plan Nominee (decisions about the plan) + Correspondence Nominee (receives + responds to NDIA mail). Appointed via the NDIA – typically a parent or guardian.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Supporting Evidence Form

NDIA-issued form completed by a participant's treating health professional. Records diagnosis, permanence, functional impact + treatment history. Used as evidence in the Access Request process. Free; sent by the NDIA to the practitioner after the participant's phone-based Access Request.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Capacity Building supports(CB)

NDIS budget line covering time-limited skill-building. Nine sub-categories (07–15). Includes therapy, support coordination, plan management, employment supports, social skills programs. Funds are locked to sub-category – cannot move between e.g. CB-14 Improved Daily Living + CB-15 Support Coordination.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Capital supports

NDIS budget line for one-off equipment, technology + housing. Includes Assistive Technology (05), Home Modifications (06) + Specialist Disability Accommodation. Each item is approved against a specific quote – funds cannot be substituted between items.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Change of circumstances

A material change in a participant's situation that may justify plan reassessment – change of accommodation, change of informal support, deterioration in health, new diagnosis. Documented by participant or support coordinator + submitted to the NDIA via the myplace portal or by phone.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Core supports(Core)

NDIS budget line covering everyday assistance – personal care, domestic help, community participation, consumables, transport. Four sub-categories (01 Daily Life, 02 Transport, 03 Consumables, 04 Social + Community Participation). Most flexible budget type – funds move freely between Core sub-categories.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Foundational supports

Proposed tier of disability supports below the NDIS – for people with disability who do not meet NDIS eligibility but have ongoing support needs. Recommended by the 2023 NDIS Review. To be co-designed + funded jointly by federal + state governments. Phasing in from 2025–26.

Source: dss.gov.au

Informal supports

Unpaid support provided by family, friends, neighbours + community members. Considered by the NDIA when assessing reasonable + necessary supports – more informal support typically means smaller paid support funding (s34(1)(d) NDIS Act).

Source: legislation.gov.au

Mainstream supports

Government services NOT funded by the NDIS – Medicare, hospital care, education, social housing, income support. The NDIS does not duplicate these. A common access dispute: whether a support is "disability" (NDIS) or "mainstream" (state or federal mainstream system).

Source: ndis.gov.au

myplace portal

NDIA online portal for participants + nominees. View plan + spending, submit payment requests (for self-managed), see provider claims, manage personal details. Accessed via mygov.au linked NDIS service.

Source: ndis.gov.au

NDIS Price Guide

Annual publication of maximum price caps for every NDIS-funded service. Officially called the NDIS Pricing Arrangements + Price Limits. 2025–26 version effective 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. Registered providers cannot charge above the cap under NDIA-managed or plan-managed arrangements.

Source: ndis.gov.au

NDIS Support Catalogue

Companion publication to the Price Guide. Lists every approved NDIS support with item code, description + price cap. Used by providers when claiming + by plan managers when reconciling invoices. The 5-digit item code (e.g. 01_011_0107_1_1) maps to a specific support type.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Plan reassessment

Unscheduled NDIA reassessment triggered by significant change of circumstances – new diagnosis, loss of informal carer, deterioration in functional capacity, major life transition. Can be requested at any time by the participant, family or support coordinator. Distinct from a scheduled plan review.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Plan review

Scheduled NDIA reassessment of a participant's plan – typically annually, sometimes 12-monthly or 24-monthly depending on plan stability. Reviews current support effectiveness, updates goals + sets the funding allocation for the next plan period.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Risk-tier

NDIS Commission framework for categorising providers by risk profile – Low, Medium, High. Determines audit frequency + supervision intensity. Higher-risk supports (SIL, behaviour support, restrictive practice) get tighter oversight.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Stated supports

Plan funding line items that are NOT flexible – must be spent on the specific support identified. Common stated supports: SIL, SDA, behaviour support practitioner, specialist support coordination. Differs from "flexible" Core funding which can move between sub-categories.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Sustainability framework

NDIS financial sustainability framework introduced under the 2023 NDIS Review + 2024 NDIS Amendment Act. Caps scheme growth, refines reasonable + necessary supports test + introduces new pathways for participants leaving the scheme. Implementation phased through 2025–28.

Source: ndis.gov.au

NDIA-managed

Management option where the NDIA pays providers directly. Lowest admin burden, locked to registered providers, cannot pay above NDIS Price Guide. ~20% of participants. Default option if no preference indicated.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Plan manager

Registered NDIS provider that processes provider invoices, claims funds from the NDIA + provides monthly statements to plan-managed participants. Cannot refuse a payment based on personal preference – only for NDIS-rule compliance. ~600+ plan-management providers operate in Australia (NDIS Commission registry).

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Plan-managed

Management option where a financial intermediary (the plan manager) pays providers on behalf of the participant. Funded separately by the NDIS at $232.35 set-up + $104.45/month ongoing (2025–26). Access to registered + unregistered providers. ~70% of participants.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Self-managed

Management option where the participant receives NDIS funding into their own account + pays providers directly. Highest flexibility – any provider, any rate (provided support remains reasonable + necessary). Audit risk + 5-year record-keeping obligation. ~10% of participants.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Service agreement

Written agreement between an NDIS participant + a provider documenting services, rates, cancellation terms + dispute resolution. Recommended for ongoing supports. Plan managers may require sighting a service agreement before paying invoices.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Assistive Technology(AT)

Equipment + technology that supports independence for people with disability – wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, hoists, beds, environmental controls, vehicle modifications. Categorised by risk + complexity (Low, Mid, High). Funded under Capital 05.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Augmentative + Alternative Communication(AAC)

Communication systems supporting people with severe speech, language or communication impairment. Ranges from low-tech (PECS picture cards, communication books) to high-tech (speech-generating devices, eye-gaze tablets). Assessment + training funded as therapy; devices funded as AT.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Community participation

NDIS-funded supports that build social + community engagement – group activities, mentoring, day programs, recreational activities, community access with a support worker. Two related budget lines: Core 04 Assistance with Social + Community Participation (ongoing assistance) + CB-08 Increased Social + Community Participation (capacity building).

Source: ndis.gov.au

Disability Employment Services(DES)

Australian Government program for people with disability seeking work. Funded by Department of Social Services, NOT the NDIS – but DES + NDIS supports can run alongside. Disability Employment Services providers are separate from NDIS providers, though some organisations operate both.

Source: dss.gov.au

Home modifications

Physical changes to a participant's home – accessible bathrooms, ramps, widened doorways, environmental controls, lighting changes. Major modifications need NDIA approval against a builder quote + OT assessment. Funded under Capital 06.

Source: ndis.gov.au

School Leaver Employment Supports(SLES)

NDIS-funded transition program for school leavers. Typically 12–24 months of intensive support to develop work-readiness skills, job-search capacity + workplace social skills. Funded under CB-09 Finding + Keeping a Job. Run by NDIS-registered providers.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Specialist Support Coordinator

Allied-health-qualified support coordinator for participants with complex situations – significant risk, complex behaviour, complex family dynamics, multiple service providers, recent crisis. Higher Price Guide cap ($190.54/hr) than Level 2 Coordination of Supports ($100.14/hr) reflecting the clinical specialisation.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Support coordinator

Capacity Building practitioner who helps a participant navigate the NDIS system, find + onboard providers + build their capacity to direct their own supports. Three levels: Level 1 Support Connection, Level 2 Coordination of Supports, Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination. Typically funded in CB-15.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Support worker

Frontline NDIS worker delivering Core supports (personal care, domestic help, community access). Three skill levels in the Price Guide. Workers may be employed by an agency, owner-operator or directly engaged by a self-managed participant.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Housing Hub

Independent online platform listing available SDA + SIL vacancies across Australia. Funded by a coalition of disability sector organisations. Searchable by location, SDA category + housemate preferences. URL: housinghub.org.au.

Source: housinghub.org.au

Independent Living Options(ILO)

NDIS-funded innovative living arrangement that is not SIL – typically involves a mix of paid + informal support, often with a host arrangement or shared housing with informal supporters. Designed for participants who want more flexibility than SIL provides.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Medium Term Accommodation(MTA)

NDIS-funded accommodation for participants in transition – typically up to 90 days. Used when a participant has been approved for long-term housing (SDA, public housing, rental) but the destination is not yet ready. Distinct from STA (which is short respite) + SDA (long-term accessible housing).

Source: ndis.gov.au

NDIS Vacancy Map

NDIA-operated public map of registered SDA + SIL vacancies. Less comprehensive than Housing Hub for SIL, but the official NDIA channel for SDA availability data.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Short Term Accommodation(STA)

NDIS-funded short-term stay away from the participant's usual home. Formerly called "respite". Provides a break for the family or informal carers + a social opportunity for the participant. Maximum 28 days at a time. Funded under Core 01 Assistance with Daily Life.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Specialist Disability Accommodation(SDA)

NDIS-funded accessible housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or high physical support needs. The funding pays the dwelling owner – not the participant. Five design categories: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, High Physical Support, Legacy. ~6% of NDIS participants have SDA funding. ~30,000 SDA dwellings nationally.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Supported Independent Living(SIL)

NDIS-funded paid support staff helping a participant live in their home – typically 24/7 in shared or individual accommodation. Funded under Core 01 Assistance with Daily Life. ~8% of NDIS participants receive SIL funding. Typical SIL plan value: $150,000–$400,000+/yr depending on complexity.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Allied health practitioner

Healthcare professional outside medicine + nursing – OT, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, psychologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist, social worker, counsellor. NDIS funds allied health under Capacity Building (CB-14 Improved Daily Living) at published hourly caps.

Source: ndis.gov.au

Allied Health Professions Australia(AHPA)

Peak national body for allied health in Australia. Represents 28 allied health professions. Advocates for sector workforce policy + standards. Source for current price-guide commentary + NDIS allied health policy positions.

Source: ahpa.com.au

Behaviour Support Plan(BSP)

Written plan developed by a registered behaviour support practitioner. Documents the participant's strengths, triggers, communication, support strategies + (where applicable) authorised restrictive practices. Required for any participant subject to regulated restrictive practice.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Registered practitioner who conducts behaviour assessments + develops Positive Behaviour Support Plans for participants with behaviours of concern. Must be registered with the NDIS Commission. Different competency levels – Core, Proficient, Advanced, Specialist.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

NDIS Practice Standards

Quality framework for registered NDIS providers. Covers participant rights, governance, service delivery, support provision, specialist behaviour support. Audited by NDIS-approved quality auditors. Required for provider registration.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

NDIS Worker Screening Check

Mandatory national worker screening for any person working in risk-assessed roles with NDIS participants. Conducted by state worker screening units. Required of all support workers, allied health, plan managers + others. Equivalent to working-with-children check but specific to NDIS.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Positive Behaviour Support(PBS)

Evidence-based approach to supporting people with behaviours of concern. Focuses on understanding the function of the behaviour + designing environments + supports that meet the person's needs. Aims to reduce reliance on restrictive practice.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Provider

Any organisation or individual delivering NDIS-funded supports. Two types: registered (audited by NDIS Commission, can serve NDIA-managed clients) + unregistered (only plan-managed or self-managed clients). ~16,000 registered providers nationally; tens of thousands of unregistered providers.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Registered provider

NDIS provider audited + registered with the NDIS Commission. Required to serve NDIA-managed participants. Can serve all three management types. Subject to NDIS Practice Standards, complaints handling + audit requirements.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Unregistered provider

NDIS provider not registered with the NDIS Commission. Cannot serve NDIA-managed participants. Can serve plan-managed + self-managed participants. Still subject to the NDIS Code of Conduct + worker screening requirements. Common in allied health, owner-operator support work + specialist services.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Administrative Appeals Tribunal(AAT)

External independent tribunal reviewing NDIS access + plan decisions after internal review. Free for NDIS matters. Self-represented common; legal aid available. Published decisions establish precedent for future cases. Note: AAT is being replaced by a new Administrative Review Tribunal from 2024–25.

Source: aat.gov.au

Choice + control

Founding principle of the NDIS – codified in section 4 + 44 of the NDIS Act 2013. Participants have the right to decide who provides their supports, when + how. Underpins the self-management option + the right to change providers without NDIA approval.

Source: legislation.gov.au

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD)

UN human rights treaty ratified by Australia in 2008. Establishes the rights of people with disability to equality, autonomy, accessibility + participation. Underpins Australian disability policy + is cited in NDIS legislation + AAT decisions.

Source: humanrights.gov.au

Disability Discrimination Act 1992(DDA)

Federal anti-discrimination legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, education, accommodation + goods + services. Operates alongside (not under) the NDIS. Complaints lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Source: legislation.gov.au

Disability Royal Commission

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect + Exploitation of People with Disability. Reported September 2023. 222 recommendations covering NDIS quality + safeguarding, segregated employment, education, housing + criminal justice. Implementation tracked by DSS.

Source: disability.royalcommission.gov.au

National Disability Advocacy Program(NDAP)

Federally funded network of independent disability advocates. Free + confidential. Help with NDIS applications, plan reviews, complaints, appeals + complex disability rights matters. Locate a provider at disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au.

Source: dss.gov.au

NDIS Act 2013

The federal legislation establishing + governing the NDIS. Defines eligibility (sections 21–25), reasonable + necessary supports (section 34), participant rights including choice + control (section 44) + review pathways (section 100). Full text at legislation.gov.au.

Source: legislation.gov.au

NDIS Code of Conduct

Mandatory standards for NDIS workers + providers. Eight principles covering rights, dignity, safety, integrity, prevention of violence. Enforceable by the NDIS Commission. Breach can result in worker bans + provider deregistration.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Reasonable + necessary supports

The legal test under section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013 for which supports can be funded in a plan. Six criteria: relates to disability, value for money, effective + beneficial, takes account of informal support, takes account of other funding sources + appropriate for NDIA to fund. The single most-litigated phrase in NDIS jurisprudence.

Source: legislation.gov.au

Restrictive practice

Any practice that limits a person's rights or freedom of movement – chemical (medication), mechanical (restraints), physical (holding), environmental (locks), seclusion (separation). Highly regulated. Must be authorised by a state authorisation body + documented in a Behaviour Support Plan. The NDIS Commission monitors use.

Source: ndiscommission.gov.au

Section 100 review

Internal review process under section 100 of the NDIS Act. The NDIA reviews its own access or plan decision with fresh eyes. Free, must be requested within 3 months of the original decision. ~30–40% of internal reviews result in some change to the original decision.

Source: legislation.gov.au

Social model of disability

Conceptual framework distinguishing impairment (a physical, cognitive or sensory difference) from disability (the social, physical + attitudinal barriers that limit participation). Contrasts with the medical model. Underpins the NDIS focus on participation + community inclusion rather than cure or rehabilitation.

Source: pwd.org.au