There have been some changes to ACTES as a result of the introduction of the NDIS in the ACT.

THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) AND ACT EQUIPMENT SCHEME (ACTES):

INFORMATION FOR REFERRERS / PRIMARY THERAPISTS

There have been some changes to ACTES as a result of the introduction of the NDIS in the ACT.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (or NDIS) is a new way of funding individualized support for people with disability,

that involves more choice and control and a lifetime approach to a person’s support needs.

The NDIS has now commenced in the ACT. Many clients will be eligible to receive funding for their equipment, including continence supplies, from the NDIS.

The NDIS is building a new system for people with disabilities. It is important that everyone who is involved in service delivery supports these changes in the way services are funded and delivered. This includes changes to equipment funding.

What are the changes to equipment funding?

The funding of disability supports for people

has changed. Much of the funding that was provided by the ACT Government, including funding for ACTES, has now been transferred to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). NDIS participants are directly funded for equipment as part of their NDIS package.

ACTES no longer has a budget to fund equipment directly to people who are eligible for the NDIS. This means that ACTES will no longer fund their equipment needs.

Why do clients need to become participants in the NDIS?

If clients are eligible for the NDIS it is essential for them to become an NDIS participant so that they can receive the funding for the services and equipment they need.

When do clients transition to the NDIS?

As the ACT is a trial site for the NDIS, a transition schedule for eligible people to start their planning conversation with the NDIA has been developed. By July 1 2016 all ACT residents who are eligible for the NDIS will have been able to transition onto the scheme. All clients can now commence applying for the scheme.

The phasing timetable is available at: http://www.ndis.gov.au/about-usour-trial-sites/ndis-

What happens when clients enter the NDIS?

Clients meeting the eligibility requirements for the NDIS and phasing into the Scheme become “NDIS participants”. Participants will have a Planning Conversation with the NDIA and develop a Plan. This Plan will identify reasonable and necessary supports for current areas of need, including equipment.

For more information on the NDIS, please visit www.ndis.gov.au, or call

or http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/disability_act/national_disability_insurance_sch eme

How can I support clients to access funding for new equipment?

For NDIS participants: The equipment will be directly funded by the NDIS. The NDIS may require you as the primary therapist to provide reports and/or quotes. For advice on any information that may be required, refer to the client’s NDIS Plan and/or contact the NDIS.

For NDIS participants who do not have the necessary equipment approved in their NDIS Support Plan: your client needs to request a review of their Plan with the NDIS, and have the necessary equipment included as funding for equipment now comes from the NDIS.

If the equipment has been considered by the NDIS and funding declined: an ACTES application may be made, if the client meets the existing ACTES eligibility criteria. ACTES will require evidence that the NDIS has declined to fund the item before the application will be progressed.

For clients who are currently undergoing the NDIS planning process: It is important that the client’s NDIS Plan accurately reflects all their needs, including their long term equipment needs. The client and/or therapist should ensure that all relevant information is provided to the NDIS to ensure this occurs. Interim equipment can be sourced from the Equipment Loans Scheme (ELS) for a short period of time.

For clients who appear eligible for the NDIS but who have not applied to enter the

scheme: Clients must be encouraged to apply to the NDIS and commence the planning

process. Clients can be reminded of the improved choice and control the NDIS is intended

to provide. Therapists may assist clients by providing information about the NDIS, assisting

clients to complete the Evidence of Disability Form, and assisting clients to complete their

Participant Statement to ensure it includes reference to the equipment they need.

It is important to remember that ACTES no longer has a budget to fund equipment directly to people who are eligible for the NDIS.

What about the ACTES Reissue Pool?

The ACTES reissue pool is not available for clients with approved NDIS Plans.

How are repairs and maintenance funded?

Funding for repairs and maintenance of equipment should be included in the client’s NDIS Plans. If it is not, clients should be encouraged to request a review of their support plan with the NDIS.

RACC Clinical Technology Workshop at Village Creek is an in-kind provider to the NDIS, meaning that NDIS clients will be directed here for all repairs and maintenance within the Workshop’s normal scope of service. ACT Health will submit claims for Workshop services directly to the NDIS, and clients will not need to arrange payment from their NDIS funding.

If the repair is not included on the Plan but it is urgent and the client is at risk, please contact the Clinical Technology Workshop at Village Creek (02) 6207 0658.

The mobile repair service is available to NDIS clients, within its normal scope of service.

What about existing ACTES equipment?

Clients’ existing ACTES equipment will become their personal property upon their

registration as an NDIS participant. Clients will assume responsibility for the maintenance, repairs, modifications, disposal and replacement of their equipment. Funding for these will be included in the NDIS Plan. If adequate funding has not been included, clients should be encouraged to request a review of their Plan with the NDIS.

What about clients who are not eligible for the NDIS?

For these clients – people

, people who do not meet the NDIS eligibility requirements, and people are not yet able to phase in to the Scheme – it is “business as usual” . ACTES will continue to assess applications and provide funding as per existing eligibility.

What about the Equipment Loans Service (ELS)?

ELS is not affected by the NDIS.