NDIS Jargon Busting: Understanding Common NDIS Terms
This is a long one so strap in!
The National Disability Insurance Agency and the NDIS can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when you are hearing new words, abbreviations, and funding terms for the first time.
Whether you are new to the NDIS or have been navigating it for a while, understanding the language used can make meetings, plans, and supports much easier to manage.
Here is a simple guide to some of the most common NDIS terms explained in everyday language.
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NDIS
NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It is Australia’s disability support system that provides funding to eligible people with permanent and significant disabilities to help them achieve their goals and improve independence and community participation.
NDIA
The NDIA stands for the National Disability Insurance Agency. This is the government organisation responsible for running and managing the NDIS.
The NDIA:
Approves access to the NDIS
Manages participant plans
Oversees funding and policy changes
Works with participants and providers
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Participant
A participant is a person who has been approved to receive funding through the NDIS.
Participants may receive support for:
Daily living
Community access
Therapy supports
Employment goals
Assistive technology
Personal care and more
Support Coordinator
A Support Coordinator helps participants understand and use their NDIS plan effectively.
They can assist with:
Connecting participants with providers
Building confidence and independence
Coordinating supports and services
Navigating challenges or changes
Preparing for plan reviews
Support Coordinators help participants get the most out of their funding and supports.
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Plan Manager
A Plan Manager helps manage the financial side of an NDIS plan.
They can:
Pay invoices
Track budgets
Provide monthly statements
Help participants understand their funding
Using a Plan Manager also allows participants to access both registered and non-registered providers.
Registered vs Non-Registered Providers
Registered Provider
A registered provider has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and meets specific government standards and requirements.
Non-Registered Provider
A non-registered provider can still offer supports to many participants, particularly those who are self-managed or plan-managed.
The right option depends on the participant’s plan management type and personal preferences.
Core Supports
Core Supports funding helps with everyday activities and daily living needs.
This may include:
Personal care
Community access
Transport
Household tasks
Consumables
Core funding is often flexible, meaning it can sometimes be used across different support categories depending on the participant’s needs.
Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building funding is designed to help participants develop skills and increase independence over time.
This may include:
Therapy supports
Support coordination
Employment assistance
Life skills development
Improved health and wellbeing supports
The goal is to help participants build confidence and achieve long-term goals.
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Capital Supports
Capital Supports funding is used for larger, higher-cost items and equipment.
Examples may include:
Wheelchairs
Assistive technology
Home modifications
Vehicle modifications
These supports usually require quotes or assessments before funding is approved.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Assistive Technology refers to equipment or devices that help a person complete daily tasks more safely or independently.
Examples include:
Mobility aids
Communication devices
Shower chairs
Sensory supports
Modified equipment
Informal Supports
Informal supports are unpaid supports provided by family members, friends, carers, or community networks.
The NDIS recognises the important role informal supports play in a participant’s life.
Formal Supports
Formal supports are paid services funded through the NDIS or other systems.
This can include:
Support workers
Therapists
Cleaning services
Community access supports
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Service Agreement
A Service Agreement is a written document between a participant and a provider outlining:
What supports will be provided
Costs and pricing
Cancellation policies
Responsibilities of both parties
It helps ensure everyone understands expectations and services being delivered.
Goals
NDIS goals are the things a participant wants to work towards or achieve.
Goals may focus on:
Independence
Social participation
Employment
Education
Health and wellbeing
Building life skills
Funding decisions are often linked to the participant’s goals.
Plan Review
A plan review is when a participant’s NDIS plan is reassessed to make sure supports still meet their needs.
Reviews may occur:
Annually
When circumstances change
If additional supports are needed
Participants may discuss progress, challenges, and future goals during the review process.
Community Participation
Community participation refers to being involved in everyday community life and activities.
This may include:
Attending events
Joining groups or programs
Social outings
Volunteering
Recreational activities
Building community participation can improve confidence, wellbeing, and social connection.
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Final Thoughts
The NDIS can feel complicated at first, but understanding the common terms and language used throughout the system can make navigating supports much easier.
Remember—it is always okay to ask questions, request clarification, and seek support when needed. The NDIS is designed to help participants build independence, achieve goals, and access supports that improve quality of life.
