Temporary measures were introduced earlier this year to make sure National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants could keep getting the support they need during the coronavirus (COVID-19).

These measures will now be extended until February 2021. They include:

• eligible NDIS participants can use funding to buy low-cost Assistive Technology, such as smart devices (up to $1,500)
• greater plan flexibility to make sure participants can access supports
• deep cleaning of homes and other residences if a person’s support worker has a positive coronavirus test
• extra support, including a deep cleaning service, for participants who:
  • test positive for coronavirus
  • live in Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes and must isolate
• in Victoria, a clinical first response through Aspen Medical for any identified outbreak. This will make sure that infection control procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) and nursing support is in place for residents and workers, if needed.

In states most affected by coronavirus, NDIS participants and workers will keep getting up to $50 a week for PPE. In Victoria, this will continue until the end of November. In New South Wales, this will continue until the end of October.

The National Disability Insurance Agency and the Australian Government will keep reviewing the temporary measures to make sure they are supporting the needs of people with disability.

Original resource

National Disability Insurance Scheme website.