Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the terms and jargon on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) website? We know that navigating the NDIS can be challenging, especially when you come across words that feel unfamiliar or complicated. You might be wondering, “What exactly is a ‘plan nominee,’ and how does it help me?” or “What does ‘developmental delay’ mean for my child?”
It’s completely normal to feel this way. The NDIS supports a wide range of people, each with unique needs and situations, so it’s understandable that the language used can sometimes seem confusing. But here’s the good news—understanding these terms doesn’t have to be difficult.
To make sure everyone is on the same page, we’ve created a short but helpful NDIS glossary and go over some of the NDIS terminology, perhaps lesser-known phrases, and their meanings. We will explain some key terms that might be confusing to you when browsing the NDIS website.
We’ll also provide helpful links to NDIS-related resources to help you understand some interesting terms when browsing the website
Mental Health Terms
Here are some common terms related to mental health that you might come across when learning about various conditions and experiences:
- Co-Morbidity
This term is used to describe the presence of two disorders at the same time. Though it’s considered somewhat outdated, you may still encounter it. Modern alternatives include “co-existing” or “co-occurring,” but we’ve included it here in case you come across it.
- Lived Experience of Disability
Someone’s personal experience of living with a disability, which could include mental health conditions.
- Psychiatric Condition
This refers to any mental health condition. The term “psychiatric” is often used by mental health professionals and in related fields.
People Terms
Below are some common terms related to people who provide support and advocacy within the mental health and disability sectors:
- Consumer/Peer Advocate
This refers to a person who has been asked by a client to speak on their behalf and address any concerns. Usually, this advocate is someone close to the client who shares the same goals.
- Health Liaison Officer (HLO)
An HLO helps bridge the gap between hospitals and the NDIS, ensuring participants have the support they need when they are discharged.
- Justice Liaison Officer (JLO)
JLOs work to connect the NDIS with the justice system to help participants transition back into the community when they leave custody.
- Key Worker
An early childhood professional who works with families to coordinate services and support children’s development.
- Local Area Coordinators (LAC)
LACs are staff from NDIS-funded organizations who provide support to people with disabilities and help them connect with services in their area.
- Plan Nominee
An NDIS nominee or NDIS plan nominee is someone who assists with the development, review, or replacement of a participant’s NDIS plan. The NDIS plan nominee application is made at the request of a delegate of the NDIS CEO. If you’re looking to apply, the NDIS nominee form should be available on its website.
Planning/Treatment Terms
Here are some commonly used terms related to planning and treatment within the NDIS and disability support services that you might come across:
- Access Request
The process of applying to join the NDIS, which includes submitting details about one’s disability.
- Assistive Technology (AT)
Tools and devices that help people with disabilities carry out tasks that might otherwise be difficult for them.
- Care Plan
A care plan is a written document outlining the nursing, health outcomes, and interventions that a client will receive. This ensures the client understands what support they’re getting.
- Choice and Control
The freedom for participants to choose what supports they receive, when they receive them, and who provides them.
- Community and Mainstream Supports/Services
Services and activities that are available to everyone, such as local social groups or government-provided services like health and education. These supports are meant to provide opportunities for community engagement and access to essential services outside the NDIS framework.
- Community Connections
Support provided by coordinators to help people, even those not in the NDIS, find and connect with services in their area. This assistance aims to ensure individuals have access to the resources they need for their well-being and community involvement.
- Developmental Concerns
Developmental delays that don’t meet NDIS criteria but still affect a child’s daily life. These concerns might impact a child’s ability to reach milestones, participate in activities, or interact with others.
- Early Childhood Approach
A program designed to support young children and their families when developmental delays or disabilities are present. It provides tailored interventions and resources to help children reach their full potential as they grow.
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Significant delays in young children’s development in multiple areas, like movement and speech. This diagnosis often indicates a need for additional support and early intervention to address developmental challenges.
- Internal Review of Decision
A process where the NDIS reviews a decision if a participant disagrees with it. The review ensures that the decision complies with NDIS guidelines and considers the participant’s circumstances accurately.
- Local Area Coordination
A program that helps people with disabilities access local services, even if they aren’t NDIS participants. Local area coordinators work with individuals to build their capacity, connect with community resources, and pursue their goals independently.
- NDIS Participant Plan
An NDIS participant plan is a detailed document approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). It includes the participant’s statement of goals, aspirations, and supports. Like the NDIS plan nominee form, you can find more information about creating an NDIS participant plan and its requirements on the NDIS website.
- Operational Guidelines/Our Guidelines
Documents that explain how the NDIA makes decisions based on the NDIS laws. These guidelines provide detailed information on the processes and criteria used by the NDIA, helping ensure transparency and consistency in their decision-making.
- Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT)
A tool used to measure how a child’s disability affects daily activities compared to other children their age. It assesses various functional areas like mobility, social interaction, and self-care, offering insights that inform tailored interventions and support plans for the child.
Understanding NDIS Terminology for Better Support
Navigating the NDIS can feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to make the best decisions for yourself or your loved ones. But understanding these key terms can make the process much simpler. By familiarising yourself with the terminology, you’re taking an important step toward gaining more control and confidence over your NDIS journey.
Have more questions about what these terms mean for you or how they fit into your situation? Curious about the next steps you should take now that you have a better understanding? The NDIS website offers a wealth of resources to explore, including detailed explanations and support guides.
For more detailed resources, you can find information on the NDIS and funding here.
For additional resources, please view the Glossary: Key terms for understanding the NDIS and psychosocial disability PDF published by the NDIS themselves.
There is also a general glossary for use online, which can be viewed here. And if you need more personalised help, don’t hesitate to reach out to an NDIS advisor for personal support.
