What They Mean for You and How We Can Help
The NDIS is changing and evolving, with updates aimed at ensuring participants receive tailored support based on their unique circumstances. One of these updates is the introduction of impairment notices, which will soon play a vital role in how supports are provided.
Let’s break it down and explain how Devoted Supports is here to guide you through this transition.
What is a disability diagnosis?
A disability diagnosis identifies a condition affecting someone’s physical, mental, or sensory abilities. While it explains the cause of certain challenges, it doesn’t always capture how those challenges impact daily life.
In the NDIS context, a diagnosis often starts the process for accessing support. However, with the shift to impairment notices, the focus is moving toward the functional impacts of a condition, ensuring support aligns with individual needs rather than just a medical label.
What is an impairment notice?
Think of an impairment notice as a snapshot of the challenges a person faces that qualify them for NDIS support. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis, the notice highlights the specific impairments that affect daily life and require assistance.
For instance, instead of just noting a diagnosis like multiple sclerosis, an impairment notice will list the physical or neurological challenges associated with it; things like difficulty walking or reduced mobility.
This shift focuses on the impact of an impairment, not just its label. Two people may share the same diagnosis, but their support needs could be vastly different. By categorising impairments rather than diagnoses, the NDIS aims to provide a fairer and more individualised approach to care.
When will I receive my impairment notice?
Here are when participants will receive their impairment notices:
- New Participants: From 1 January 2025, all new NDIS participants will receive an impairment notice.
- Current Participants: If you’re already accessing the NDIS, you’ll receive your impairment notice over time.
The notice will outline the impairments that make you eligible for NDIS support. These impairments fall into six categories:
- Intellectual
- Cognitive
- Sensory
- Neurological
- Physical
- Psychosocial
This change could influence how your supports are assessed and approved, especially under the Reasonable and Necessary criteria used by the NDIS.
What do I have to do when I receive my impairment notice?
If you’re a new participant, your impairment notice will be issued as part of your access process. If you’re already in the NDIS, you’ll receive your impairment notice over time. While you wait, there are steps you can take to understand how your impairments might be classified:
- Request a Participant Information Access from the NDIA to view your current records.
- Review the access forms and supporting documents the NDIA has on file.
Once you receive your impairment notice, review it carefully. If you feel it doesn’t accurately reflect your situation, you have the right to request changes or seek a review.
Devoted Supports is here for you
We understand that changes to the NDIS can feel overwhelming. At Devoted Supports, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
Our team is here to:
- Help you understand your impairment notice and its implications.
- Advocate for you if adjustments or appeals are needed.
- Ensure your support plan aligns with your individual needs.
We’ll work together to ensure these changes create opportunities for better, more personalised support.
For more information on impairment notices head to the NDIS website. You can also reach out to Devoted Supports and we’ll help you through the process.