There are a range of disability services available in Melbourne to support people with disabilities. In this blog post, we’ll outline the 5 frequently asked questions about disability services in Melbourne. This will include an overview of what services are available, how they can help, and how to access them. We’ll also provide some information on the support available for people with disabilities in Melbourne.

1. What are disability services?

Disability services are a range of services that are provided to people with disabilities. These services can include educational support, financial assistance, housing support, and employment support. Disability services are designed to help people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in the community. Disability services are delivered by a range of organisations, including government agencies, non-government organisations, and private providers. Disability services are typically tailored to the individual needs of each person with a disability.

2.What do NDIS providers do?

NDIS providers are responsible for a range of services and support for NDIS participants. These may include assisting with daily living tasks, providing personal care, supporting participants to access the community and engage in social and recreational activities, transporting participants to appointments or activities, and providing accommodation. NDIS providers also play an important role in linking participants with other services and supports, such as health and education services. NDIS providers must meet strict quality and safety standards, and are required to have appropriate insurance cover. NDIS participants can choose their own NDIS provider, and are encouraged to shop around to find a provider that meets their needs.

3.Who are they for?

To be eligible for the NDIS, you must have a significant and permanent disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. You must also be aged under 65 years. Once you have been assessed as eligible, you will be able to develop an NDIS plan with the assistance of an NDIS planner. This plan will outline the support you need to achieve your goals and participate in the community. For more information, please visit the NDIS website or speak to your local NDIS office.

4.What do I need to access disability services?

To access disability services, you will need to have an NDIS plan. Your NDIS plan will outline the support that you are eligible for and how much funding you will receive. You can access your NDIS plan through the my Gov website. The NDIS website has a range of resources that can assist you in developing your NDIS plan. This may include an NDIS access request form and an NDIS planning workbook. You can also speak to your local NDIS office or NDIS provider for assistance.

5.Where can I find disability services?

There are a number of disability service providers in Melbourne. You can find them by searching online, in the phone book, or by asking your local community centre or doctor for recommendations.

Greater Northern Community Services – A Melbourne Disability service provider

Disability services are a vital part of ensuring that people with disabilities can live independently and participate fully in the community. If you or someone you know is eligible for disability services, it is important to access them so that you can get the support you need. At Cali Care we provide services to people with disabilities in Melbourne. We provide a range of services, including personal care, support with daily living tasks, transport to appointments or activities, and accommodation. We also link participants with other services and supports, such as health and education services.

Our aim is to help participants live independently and participate fully in the community. If you would like to access our services, please contact us on [email protected] or 1300 376 744.

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When it comes to disability support, there are a few different key players that work together to provide care and assistance. In this post, we’re going to take a look at two of those roles – plan managers and support coordinators – and highlight the differences between them. Keep reading to learn more to see what assistance they offer to NDIS participants!

What is a Plan Manager?

A plan manager can help you with the financial management of your NDIS plan. They can assist you with claiming, budgeting, and managing invoices and payments for the disability-related services and supports that you receive.

Plan managers can also provide you with advice and support around the types of services and providers that might be best for you, based on your individual needs. They can also help you to understand your plan and what supports are available to you. The service is fully funded by the NDIS so there are no out of pocket costs.

Types of assistance a Plan manager will give you:

• Receive and pay invoices on your behalf
• Manage your funding budgets
• Manage financial reporting for your NDIS plan review and audits
• If needs be assist you in choosing the right support providers

What is a Support Coordinator?

A support coordinator provides you with information, advice, and guidance around the types of services and providers that might be best for you, based on your individual needs. They can also help you to understand your plan and what supports are available to you. Whether you’re plan-managed, self-managed, NDIA-managed or a combination of both, you can access a Support Coordinator to manage the support you need.

Support coordinators can also provide practical assistance with putting together your NDIS plan, making sure that all the necessary paperwork is in order, and connecting you with the right service providers.

Types of assistance a Support Coordinator will give you:

• Select the supports and providers that suits you best
• Connect you with community services
• Assist in preparing for your plan renewal, plan review and service agreements
• Discuss with your plan manager on how to correctly allocate funds

The difference between Plan Managers and Support Coordinators

So, what’s the difference? Essentially, plan managers can help you with the financial management of your NDIS plan, while support coordinators can provide you with information and guidance around the types of services and providers that might be best for you.

Depending on your individual needs, you may work with both a plan manager and a support coordinator, or just one or the other. Either way, these are two key players who can help you to get the most out of your NDIS plan!

How can we assist you?

At Greater Northern Community Services we aim to work closely with your Support Coordinator and Plan Manager to ensure you can make the most of your NDIS funding and have more time to enjoy life. If you don’t have either a Support Coordinator or a Plan Manager we can connect you to services that we trust and are reliable to facilitate your needs.

Our aim is to help participants live independently and participate fully in the community. If you would like to access our services, please contact us on [email protected] or 1300 376 744.

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A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is someone who works with people who have disabilities and their families, to connect them with the services and support they need to live as independently as possible. They act as a mid way point between the Individual and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIA).

What do they do?

LAC’s help people with disabilities to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They work closely with participants, their families and carers, as well as local organisations and service providers, to develop individual plans that meet the needs of each person. They can help connect you with the right services and supports, and provide advice and assistance along the way.

LAC’s can assist you by:

• Understanding how the NDIS works
• How to access the NDIS
• Learning your current situation and guiding you in the right direction with the necessary information

Common LAC misunderstandings

Unfortunately, there are some common misunderstandings about LAC’s and the role they play. One misunderstanding is that LAC’s are part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. LAC’s are not part of the NDIA but rather they operate as a partner in the community program. With the increased number of applications and planned meetings, the NDIA can’t handle every planning meeting themselves. To make the process easier, LAC shares some of the load, that way people aren’t rushed through the system. Many people will actually have their first planning meeting with an LAC, not a NDIA planner. Although LAC can’t approve NDIS plans, they can make recommendations in line with NDIS legislation.

Another misunderstanding is that LAC’s only works with individuals who have intellectual disabilities. In reality, LAC’s can work with individuals who have any type of disability, as well as their families. LAC’s are a valuable resource for both individuals with disabilities and their families, and it is important to understand the role they play in order to make the most of their services.

Let us help you

If you or someone you know has a disability and is interested in accessing the NDIS, wanting to speak to your Local Area Coordinator or confused with the NDIS process Cali Care are here to help. Contact us on [email protected] or 1300 228 311

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