There are many roles within the NDIS, all carrying out different functions. Below is a breakdown of the main roles you may encounter on your NDIS journey. Understanding each role and the responsibilities of that role can make navigating the NDIS a much smoother process.
NDIA - National Disability Insurance Agency
National Disability Insurance Agency. This is the government agency that oversees the running and implementation of the NDIS. They are responsible for determining who is eligible for the NDIS and who isn't. They hold all funds contributed by commonwealth, state and territory governments to manage the scheme's funds, and approve payments of a participant's plan.
My NDIS Contact is a key support person for NDIS participants, helping them navigate the NDIS and stay connected to the supports they need. Their core roles and responsibilities include providing information, connecting to services, supporting plan uses, monitoring progress and advocacy/guidance. NDIS participants can find their My NDIS Contact listed in their NDIS Plan.
ECEI - Early Childhood Early Intervention Partners
Early Childhood Early Intervention Partners assist families and carers with children under the age of 9, to access and, once an approved participant, understand and utilise their plan. They have experience working with children with developmental delay and disability. Early Childhood Early Intervention Partners will differ depending on where you are in Australia.
LAC - Local Area Coordinators
These are local organisations that work in partnership with the NDIA to help participants over 18, their families and carers, access the NDIS. Once a person is an approved participant, LACs will help them write, manage and understand their plans as well as assist with the connect ionto supports and mainstream services in the community. The LAC organisations differ depending on what area you are in Australia.
NDIA Delegate
An NDIS Delegate is a person who has the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the NDIS CEO under the NDIS Act 2013. This authority is formally given through a legal process known as delegation.
They are appointed by the NDIS CEO and have decision-making authority, such as, approving or varying participant plans, determining what supports are “reasonable and necessary”, deciding on internal reviews and managing funding approvals for assistive technology or home modifications.
Only NDIA staff with formal delegation from the CEO (typically through a legal instrument under section 9 of the NDIS Act) can be considered NDIS Delegates.
NDIA Planner
When a participant's circumstances and needs are complex an NDIA Planner may take the role, over from a Local Area Coordinator, to develop and monitor their plan.
Plan Manager
You can choose the way your funding is managed, with one of the options being Plan Managed. A Plan Manager is a service provider that supports you to manage your funding by paying your provider invoices. Being Plan Managed allows you to use registered and non-registered providers. Your Plan Manager will support you to understand your funding, and how you can use it. They also provide you with monthly statements and other digital budgeting tools to get better insight into your spending. Additional funding is placed into your plan for this service and you can choose to switch to Plan Management from Self-Management at any time.
Support Coordinator
Is a person who delivers one of three levels of Support Coordination:
- Support Coordination Level 1
- Support Coordination Level 2
- Support Coordination Level 3 -Specialist Support Coordination
If you need additional help to understand your plan, engage with providers and other government agencies, Support Coordination might be funded in your plan. A Support Coordinator works with you to ensure a mix of supports is used to increase capacity, help maintain relationships, manage service delivery tasks, live more independently and be included in your community.
Participant / Nominee
The NDIS was created to revolve around its participants, with its main aim of giving those with a disability the chance to live normal, fulfilling lives. Participants have met the access requirements of the scheme and will be supported for as long as they need in their lifetime. Not all participants can make decisions on their own, so a nominee may be appointed to assist.