This guide provides helpful information about the types of supports the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund for participants with hearing impairments. The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.
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Low-Risk Supports – Commonly Funded
These supports are commonly funded by the NDIS without the need for extensive supporting evidence, provided the relevant Support Category is included in the participant’s plan.
Interpreting and Translation
- ✅ Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreting services
- ✅ Supports that assist participants with communication in personal, social, cultural, or community settings where translation or interpretation is required due to disability.
Sometimes Funded by the NDIS – Participant Evidence Required
These supports may be funded if participants provide appropriate evidence demonstrating the relevance and necessity of the support within their plan. It is strongly recommended to seek written confirmation from the NDIS to avoid payment risks.
Hearing Equipment
- ⚠️ Low-cost, low-risk consumables enhancing functional capacity or safety, such as, visual fire alarms.
Sometimes Funded by the NDIS – NDIS Approval Required
These supports require formal written approval from the NDIS or inclusion in the participant’s plan.
Hearing Equipment
- ⚠️ Visual and tactile alerting systems
- ⚠️ Products aiding information processing in different forms
- ⚠️ Hearing equipment not covered by the Hearing Services Program but directly related to permanent hearing impairment
Hearing Services
- ⚠️ Specialist audiological assessments and services
- ⚠️ Prescription and management of audiological aids for complex needs
Not Funded by the NDIS
The following supports are typically not funded by the NDIS because they are considered:
- Day-to-day living costs
- More appropriately funded by other services (e.g., health or education systems)
- Not evidence-based or inconsistent with NDIS guidelines
Hearing Equipment
- ❌ Hearing aids or devices provided through the Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program
- ❌ Hearing loops and other campus-related capital works (education-related)
- ❌ Textbooks, teaching aids in alternative formats (education-related)
Hearing Services
- ❌ Hearing services delivered through the Hearing Services Program
- ❌ Surgical services for hearing
- ❌ Tutors or scribes (education-related)
Participant Responsibilities
As an NDIS participant, you are responsible for ensuring your supports align with your plan. Key responsibilities include:
- Know Your Goals: Supports must contribute towards achieving your NDIS goals.
- Understand Budget Categories: Each budget has rules about what can be purchased.
- Be Aware of Stated Supports: Specific supports in your plan must be followed.
- Monitor Plan Periods: Understand how your funding is allocated over time.
- Comply with Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines: Ensure all spending aligns with NDIS principles.
If you are unsure whether a support is covered, contact your My NDIS Contact or Plan Manager before proceeding.
Want to Get a Support Funded by the NDIS?
The NDIS can guide you in determining if a support is eligible for funding. For more information, visit:
Kismet Healthcare – NDIS Supports