The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is very challenging for many people and their families alike. Eligibility and application process, decision-making in selecting the proper services and funding are all time-consuming and confusing. Here, the right person to have will be an NDIS consultant.
What then is an NDIS consultant, and what can he or she do to help you? In this blog, we will dissect their role, duties and how they will enable you to receive the best out of your NDIS plan.
Role of the NDIS Consultant
The role of an NDIS consultant is to work as a bridge in the learning of an individual by providing an appropriate solution.
In simple terms, an NDIS consultant is a business individual who assists people living with disability and their families in accessing and navigating the NDIS system. They do not belong to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) but act independently or via corporate organisations to help you at all steps of your NDIS journey.
An NDIS consultant can:
- Assistance with your first access to the NDIS application
- Chaperone your planning get-together.
- Help you to understand your NDIS plan.
- Match you with the service providers.
- We will give you support with each period of your NDIS plan.
So again, what is an NDIS consultant and how does he or she help you? They will act as a consultant, an activist, and a companion in guiding your plan to align with your goals and needs.
Who Will an NDIS Consultant Help?
NDIS consultants can be of great assistance in:
- First-time applicants who do not know anything about the NDIS process
- Parents or carers of children who have developmental delays or disabilities
- Individuals with complex support needs or multiple disabilitie
- Participants who want plans reviewed or appealing NDIA decisions
- People who have little English or communication issues
- Participants in Heads or agency-managed plan transforming to a plan-managed model
You may be a first-time customer or already be a customer of NDIS, but an NDIS consultant can help determine how successful your plan is.
What Can an NDIS Consultant Do?
Now, how can an NDIS consultant assist?
The NDIS
The first question is: “How can I begin with the NDIS?” This is done by collecting evidence, filling in an access request form, and proving how the disability affects your daily life. An NDIS consultant can assist in this regard.
- Reviewing your allied health and medical reports
- Compiling supporting evidence
- By filling out your Access Request Form (ARF)
- As the advocate in charge of the NDIA on your behalf
This is a conspicuous step, and the chances of a profitable disposition diminish by having an experienced consultant.
Getting Ready to Plan Your Meeting
Upon the stamp of access, you will be invited to a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Your NDIS consultant will be of assistance in preparing.
- The determination of your short and long-term goals
- Reviewing your daily support needs
- It suggests the types of funds that can be used in your case.
- Writing your document or presentation that you will be presenting in a meeting
They make sure your voice is heard and what needs to be done by the planner is articulated.
Understanding Your NDIS Plan
Most participants end up with their plan without any idea of what to do. The category of funding, such as Core Supports, Capacity Building or Capital Supports, can be heavy. Your consultant will be able to:
- Divide your plan point by point
- Tell them what the budgets comprise.
- Elucidate the services and supports that can be paid for.
- Advise how to manage your plan (self, agency or plan-managed)
The key to successful utilisation of your plan is to have an understanding of it and that is where a consultant comes in handy.
Bringing You to Services
One significant thing that an NDIS consultant can do is help you to locate and establish contact with appropriate service providers. This includes:
- Referring to providers that are established and well-known operators in the area
- There to aid in quotes, agreements, and the booking of services
- Ensuring that the providers are NDIS-registered (where necessary)
- Pairing you with supports that fit your objectives and human rights and needs relating to cultural or linguistic needs
Not only is time saved, but quality assistance is assured to meet your needs, depending on how and how you live.
Supervising and Checking Your Plan
Typically, DIS plans are completed on a 12-month basis (or even more). All year round, your consultant can:
- Keep your expenses in track
- Identify the under-utilised or the over-utilised monies.
- Prepare reports and evidence of the need for increased funding (in case it is necessary)
Frequent catch-ups with your consultant ensure you are on a good path and you are utilising your NDIS package to the best.
What Is the Difference Between NDIS Consultants and Support Coordinators?
Although both of these roles are related to assisting you in the sphere of the NDIS, the difference is essential.
| NDIS Consultant | Support Coordinator |
| Having been involved in accessing it before and during access | It usually follows plan approval |
| Aids in planning and application | Assists in the execution of the plan |
| NDIS is often not funded | Being covered under your plan |
| General high-level guidance | Operational activities and hands-on help |
In most instances, participants are often advantaged by engaging NDIS consultants at the initial stages and then support coordinators after approval of plans.
Qualifications for NDIS Consultants: What Qualities Should the Consultants Have?
DIS consultants have diverse occupations, which include:
- Psychologists, OTs, speech therapists (allied health)
- The areas of social work and case management
- Disability support
- Advocacy and DIS coordination functions
Diversity in consultants. There is no standard qualification, although many consultants have worked in the disability or community services sector for quite some time and understand a great deal about the NDIS. Most of the consultants have substantial knowledge and awareness of the guidelines and legislation behind the NDIS.
To select a consultant, you should enquire about their background, experience working with similar clients and their success rate upon NDIS approvals and review of plans.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an NDIS Consultant?
NDIS consultants are not subsidised, they are generally privately paid, unless they are covered under your plan through funding of an improved life choices (plan management) or through funding of advocacy support.
The fees differ depending on the provider, the complexity of your case and the extent of the involvement they require. Some consultants charge fixed fee packages to prepare or review plans, and others charge on an hourly basis.
There are always more questions to be answered about pricing, and it is always good to negotiate about the pricing and see what can be claimed under your plan.
Making the Right NDIS Consultant Choice
The best way to get the best support is to find a consultant who is:
- Be clear on their services and prices.
- Experienced in NDIS access and planning processes
- Communicative and capable of explaining things in a simple way
- Culturally sensitive and considerate
- Wanting to be very vocal about what you want and need
Personal recommendations, review websites, and online disability groups are some of the means to have a trusted consultant recommended in your place.
Conclusion
What is an NDIS consultant, and how can this person help you? They are your guide and advocate in the NDIS journey, whether you’re applying for the first time or need help understanding your plan and identifying the correct type of support. An NDIS consultant can help you to overcome all differences and can ease the way in which you go through the process.
The NDIS can be less confusing as long as there is the correct guidance for the person. The NDIS should be more empowering instead. Hiring an advisor could mark the transformation of your life or that of a loved one.
