If you are in the process of applying for the NDIS, here are some tips to help you with your application.
You will need to fill out an Access Request Form to apply for the NDIS. The form is available to download online or you can contact the NDIA and they will post it to you.
Your treating health professional can help you to fill out the Access Request Form and provide evidence about your disability. Usually, this will be an Ophthalmologist or GP who knows you best.
Firstly, you will need your treating doctor to provide you with a recent letter of diagnosis, stating the nature of your eye condition, that it is permanent and lifelong and that it will not improve with conventional treatments. They may choose to provide this information directly on the Access Request Form.
The next step is important. Your GP or Ophthalmologist will need to specify how your disability impacts you, what type of disability-related support you need and how often you need it, by completing Section 2, Part B, of the Access Request Form.
Essentially, the NDIA want to be sure that your disability makes it much more difficult for you to carry out tasks or activities in one or more areas of your life; communication, mobility, self-care, self-management, social interaction and learning.
The NDIA may decline your access request if:
- Your disability is not permanent.
- Your disability does not affect your daily life.
- You have not provided enough evidence about your disability or how it affects your daily life.
- The letter of diagnosis has not been completed by the appropriate health professional. For example, a report completed by an Optometrist will not be considered.
Remember: if you have had a few unsuccessful attempts at applying, you can ask the NDIA to review the decision and submit an internal review. Alternatively, if you have new evidence about your disability, your circumstances have changed or you have missed the deadline for an internal review, you can fill out a new Access Request Form.
For more information or to speak to the experts at Vision Austraila, call 1300 84 74 66 or email [email protected]