Getting Started on the NDIS

If you’re accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for yourself or your child for the first time, it can be confusing to know exactly where to begin. Check out the below tips from our team to help get you on the front foot with your NDIS journey. Hear and Say’s dedicated NDIS team can support you along the way.

Getting started

Your first step is to give the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) a call on 1800 800 110 and register to access the NDIS. If you’re applying on behalf of a child who is under seven years old, you will need to also contact your local Early Childhood Early Invention (ECEI) provider as part of the access process – a list of ECEI providers is available here.

Access request

Once you’ve registered your details with the NDIS, you will be posted out an Access Request Form. This form gives you the option of submitting existing reports, letters or assessments to support your Access Request. Hear and Say will provide you with the relevant supporting documents as evidence of your or your child’s hearing loss and eligibility for the NDIS.

If your child has a newly diagnosed hearing loss, your Access Request may be facilitated by Hearing Australia during your first appointment. They will submit a report to the NDIA detailing your child’s hearing loss and eligibility for NDIS funding.

Planning conversation

You will receive confirmation of your access approval via a letter in the mail from the NDIA. You will then be assigned a Key Worker who will contact you to arrange a planning meeting, either over the phone or in person. This is an opportunity to discuss the supports you’re currently accessing, such as a GP Management Plan, or would like to access with NDIS funds. Our team can provide you with a quote for our services to assist with this process.

At this time, you’ll also need to choose how you would like to manage your NDIS funds. Check out this blog post about different options including self-managed, plan managed or agency managed.

Receive a NDIS plan

Following the planning conversation, your Key Worker will submit your plan to the NDIA for approval. Once approved, you’ll receive a copy of your finalised NDIS plan via post.

Service agreement

Once you’ve received your NDIS plan, our team will ask you to please email us a copy so we can help to assist in tracking your spending and let you know when your Hear and Say funding is close to expiring.

“If there is a gap in funding, we can assist you in applying for an unscheduled NDIS plan review and prepare any supporting documentation needed,” said Petra Grum, Hear and Say Customer Experience and Operations Manager.

“Following this, our team will put together a Service Agreement outlining the program and other services recommended by your or your child’s Hear and Say clinicians.”