Who Can Access the NDIS?

You may be able to access the NDIS if you:

• are under 65 years old,

• are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and

• have a permanent or likely permanent disability that affects your daily life and independence.

 

The NDIS looks at:

How your disability affects your functional capacity

whether you need ongoing, reasonable and necessary supports

(Eligibility rules: NDIS Act & 2025 Access Guidelines)

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Changing or Reviewing Your NDIS Plan

You can ask for a plan review if:

• your needs have changed

• your disability has changed

• your supports are not enough

• something in your plan is incorrect

You can do this by contacting the NDIA or speaking to your Support Coordinator.

 (Plan review rules: NDIS Plan Reassessment Guidelines 2025)

 

Choosing Providers and Quality of Service

You have the right to choose any provider who is safe, respectful, and meets your needs.

All providers — registered and unregistered — must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, which requires them to:

• act safely and ethically

• respect your privacy and choice

• support your independence

• communicate clearly

• prevent harm

You can change providers at any time.

 

Supports for Neurodiverse Participants

Neurodivergent participants can receive supports such as:

• social skills development

• communication and emotional regulation coaching

• executive functioning support

• mentoring and daily living skills

• sensory or environmental supports

• community participation

• capacity building programs

Supports depend on your goals, your functional impact, and your funding categories.

 

Access in Regional and Remote Areas

The NDIS uses:

• face-to-face supports where possible

• telehealth and online supports

• remote and very remote pricing to improve access

• community connectors and local area coordinators

You can choose any provider willing to service your region, even if they are not local.

 

Managing NDIS Funding

Your funding can be managed in three ways:

• Self-Managed – you control payments and choose any provider.

• Plan-Managed – a Plan Manager pays invoices; you can choose registered or unregistered providers.

• NDIA-Managed – NDIA pays invoices; you must choose registered providers only.

 

Support Coordination & Mentoring Questions

What is Support Coordination?

Support Coordination helps you:

• understand your NDIS plan

• connect with providers

• build confidence to manage your supports

• assists to solve problems

• prepare for plan reviews

It’s about building your capacity, not doing everything for you.

 

What Are the Different Levels of Support Coordination?

1. Support Connection

Basic help to start using your plan and find services.

2. Support Coordination (Level 2)

More ongoing help to coordinate supports, solve issues, and build your independence.

3. Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3)

For people with very complex needs, behaviours of concern, or crisis situations.

 

How Does Mentoring & Coaching Fit with Support Coordination?

Support Coordination organises supports and helps you understand your plan.

 

Mentoring & Coaching helps you use your supports, practise skills, and build independence.

They work well together because one sets the plan up, and the other helps you live your goals day-to-day.

 

Who Is Mentoring & Coaching Suitable For?

Anyone who wants support with:

• independence and daily living skills

• emotional regulation

• communication and social skills

• executive functioning

• community participation

• confidence, routines and motivation

• using their NDIS plan

It is helpful for neurodivergent people, people with psychosocial disability, or anyone who learns best with clear guidance.

 

Can I Change My Support Coordinator or Mentor if It’s Not Working Out?

Yes, the NDIS gives you the right to change providers at any time if:

• the relationship isn’t working

• you don’t feel respected or safe

• you want a different approach

• your goals have changed

You do not need permission from the NDIA to change.

 

How Is Compliance and Quality Ensured Under the NDIS?

All providers must follow the:

• NDIS Code of Conduct

• NDIS Practice Standards (for registered providers)

• Privacy and confidentiality requirements

• Reportable Incidents rules

• Complaints and feedback processes

These rules ensure safety, honesty, respect, and accountability.

 

What If I Believe My Rights Are Not Being Respected, or a Service Isn’t Safe or Effective?

You can:

• Speak directly to the provider

• Make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

• Ask a Support Coordinator or trusted worker for help

• The NDIS Code of Conduct protects your right to:

• be safe

• be respected

• make your own choices

• receive quality supports

• speak up without fear

 

Do I Need to Pay Separately for Mentoring & Coaching if It’s in My Plan?

No. If Mentoring or Coaching fits within your NDIS funding categories (Core or Capacity Building), your sessions come from your existing budget.
 

You do not pay out-of-pocket unless you choose extra sessions beyond your plan.

 

How Often Will I Meet with My Mentor or Support Coordinator and How Long Will It Last?

This depends on:

• your goals

• your plan funding

• what you feel comfortable with

• Some people meet weekly, some fortnightly, some monthly.
  Sessions continue for as long as:

• they help you build capacity

• they align with your NDIS goals

• you want to keep going

 

How Do I Prepare for Sessions with My Mentor/Coach or Support Coordinator?

You can come prepared by thinking about:

• what you want to talk about

• any challenges that came up

• wins you want to celebrate

• questions about your plan

• new goals or things you want to try

• support you need for upcoming appointments or decisions

• You don’t have to be “perfectly organised” — your Mentor or Coordinator can help you sort through things step-by-step.

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