If the NDIS sometimes feels like a wall of acronyms, you are not alone. Use this glossary to decode the words you will see in your plan and meetings.
Plans and funding
- NDIS: National Disability Insurance Scheme, Australia's scheme that funds support for people with permanent and significant disability.
- NDIA: National Disability Insurance Agency, the body that runs the NDIS.
- Plan: your individual document setting out your goals and funded supports.
- Core Supports: flexible funding for everyday help and community participation.
- Capacity Building: funding to build your skills and independence.
- Capital Supports: funding for higher-cost items like equipment and home modifications.
- Reasonable and necessary: the test the NDIS uses to decide what it will fund.
Housing and daily support
- SIL: Supported Independent Living, funding for help with daily tasks in your home.
- SDA: Specialist Disability Accommodation, funding for specially designed housing.
- Assistance with Daily Life: everyday personal and household support.
People and roles
- LAC: Local Area Coordinator, who helps you understand and use the NDIS.
- Support Coordinator: helps you put your plan into action and connect with providers.
- Provider: an organisation or person who delivers your funded supports.
- Participant: a person with an approved NDIS plan.
Managing your plan
- NDIA-managed: the agency pays your providers directly; you use registered providers.
- Plan-managed: a plan manager handles payments and paperwork for you.
- Self-managed: you manage your funding and payments yourself.
- Plan review: a check-in where your plan can be updated or renewed.
Still stuck on a term? Ask your provider or coordinator to explain it in plain words. A good one will never make you feel silly for asking.
How AFT Care can help. We are happy to explain any of these terms in plain English or Arabic, and show how they apply to your situation. Get in touch with a real person.