The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative that provides support coordination services to individuals with disabilities. Support coordinators help people access and coordinate services that meet their needs and goals. However, what happens when someone no longer requires support coordination services under the NDIS? In this blog, we will explore this question in detail.
Consultation with NDIS Planner or LAC
The decision to discontinue support coordination services is made in consultation with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and your support coordinator. This decision is based on your individual needs and goals, and whether or not you have achieved them. The NDIS provides funding for support coordination services for a specific period, usually 12 months, and this can be renewed if necessary.
Transitioning out of Support Coordination Services
Once it has been determined that you no longer require support coordination services, your support coordinator will work with you to develop a plan for transitioning out of their services. This may involve developing strategies for managing your support needs independently or identifying alternative services and supports that you can access. Your support coordinator will also help you to understand your NDIS plan and how to make the most of your allocated funds.
The flexibility of the NDIS System
It is also important to consider that the NDIS is a flexible system that can adapt to changing circumstances. If you find that you require support coordination services again in the future, you can request to have this reinstated through your NDIS planner or LAC. The NDIS also allows for plan reviews, which means that if your needs change, your plan can be adjusted to reflect this.
Unused Funding in NDIS Plan
If you have unused funding in your NDIS plan for support coordination services that you did not end up using, these funds can be allocated to other areas of your plan, such as funding for additional disability support or equipment. However, it is important to note that any unused funds cannot be refunded or transferred to another person.
Gradual Transitioning Process
It is important to keep in mind that transitioning out of support coordination services is a gradual process that takes time. Your support coordinator will work with you to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable managing your support needs independently before discontinuing their services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you no longer require support coordination services under the NDIS, your support coordinator will work with you to develop a plan for transitioning out of their services. This may involve developing strategies for managing your support needs independently or identifying alternative services and supports that you can access. If you find that you require support coordination services again in the future, you can request to have this reinstated through your NDIS planner or LAC. The NDIS is a flexible system that can adapt to your changing needs and circumstances.
References:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). Understanding the NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding
- National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). How your plan works. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-your-plan/how-your-plan-works
- Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2019). NDIS Price Guide and Support Catalogue 2019-20. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing-support/ndis-price-guide-and-support-catalogue-2019-20