Note: Inclusion of resources and documents on this webpage does not imply SPEVI's approval of or agreement with the content of these documents
Information provided to SPEVI by the NDIA in April 2024 around Registration as NDIS Service Provider
Qualified specialist teachers (vision) are still able to register as NDIS service providers.
To become registered a person must have a suitability assessments, which includes both their good standing (financially and key personnel), as well as the services provided and a self assessment against the practice standards. The business must then engage a quality auditor to undergo an audit and then if successful will undergo worker screening.
In the self assessment stage, the business is asked to upload documents that are relevant, such as Specialist Teacher status with SPEVI.
So it will certainly help to be registered as Qualified Specialist Teacher (Vision) with SPEVI, but we could not guarantee it would obtain provider registration, as there are so many other elements that are required in the progress.
This link was provided https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/becoming-registered-provider/registration-requirements-process-and-timeline
MEDIA RELEASE from Federal Government - Simpler process to improve NDIS Assistive Technology - 28 February 2019
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants will find it easier to replace their Assistive Technology (AT) to enable them to continue to pursue their goals following the introduction of simpler processes. Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher said replacement for standard AT items will be quickly assessed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) without needing a full re-assessment, and will only require one quote for items valued between $1,500 and $15,000.
"We recognise the importance of Assistive Technology to NDIS participants. AT enables people with a disability to live a better, more independent and inclusive life," Mr Fletcher said.
"By improving and streamlining the process for approvals, we are cutting back on the red tape to replace items, while also reducing the delays in the assessment process and delivery of AT.
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson said that feedback from participants and stakeholders has guided these changes.
"By refining the AT process, and simplifying the AT replacement process, NDIS participants are better supported to maximise use of their funding and focus on their goals," Ms Henderson said.
David Sinclair, Executive Officer of the AT industry body Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia (ATSA) agreed saying, “ATSA welcomes this announcement and looks forward to the improvement it will make to NDIS participants."
From April 2019, the NDIA will commence the pilot of a new approach to improve the quality and timeliness of assessment for participants requiring complex and non-standard AT. In June 2019, the NDIA will introduce changes making it easier for participants to access refurbished or pre-used AT.
These changes build on earlier improvements to AT processes. Since May 2018, low cost, low risk AT under $1,500 could be purchased without further assessment, quotes or approvals once approved as reasonable and necessary in a participant’s plan. This benefited an estimated 45 per cent of participants requiring AT. Since December 2018, no more than two quotes have been required for AT costing greater than $1,500. When the NDIS is fully rolled out, it is estimated that approximately $1 billion per annum will be spent on AT. For more information please visit the NDIS website.
Link to this media release
Report NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Approach 26 February 2016
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with a range of leading Australian early childhood intervention practitioners and researchers to design an Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach. This approach will help identify the type and level of early intervention support each child needs to achieve their best outcomes. … Supports will be delivered through a family-centred approach, which builds on family and carer strengths in order to improve the child’s developmental trajectory and overall quality of life. A child who requires more intensive early intervention support services will get a plan of supports and each family will be able to choose a provider(s) to best meet their child and their own needs… Read the full report as pdf file
Or download a Word version here: NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Approach 26 February 2016
NDIS - Principles to Determine the Responsibilities of the NDIS and Other Service Systems
The purpose of this document is to define the activities funded by the NDIS and other systems. According to COAG, responsibility for the identified activities will be reviewed based on the NDIS launch experience. The document identifies specific activities funded by the NDIS and by other systems, including Early childhood development and School education. Downloads in Word and PDF format are available from the COAG website at: Principles to Determine the Responsibilities of the NDIS and Other Service Systems
NDIS Service Providers Guide
The NDIS Service Providers Guide aims to help agencies and service providers that are engaging with people with a disability deliver information which meets the needs of clients and employees. The resource contains a lot of information about how people with a vision impairment access digital content and what assistive technology tools are available to them in mainstream technology. The guide shows organisations how they can adjust and adapt their existing office systems, programs and equipment so that they are accessible for people with disabilities. The accessibility of social media is also discussed. This resource was commissioned by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Practical Design Fund and was researched and written by Dr Scott Hollier.
The guide can be downloaded as an accessible pdf or word document from:
http://www.mediaaccess.org.au/research-policy/guides/disabilitycare-service-providers-accessibility-guide
VI criteria in NDIS Factsheet Evidence of Disability
The NDIS website currently provides a “Factsheet- Evidence of your Disability”, which gives an indication of how vision impairment will be assessed. It will determine whether a person meets the disability or early intervention access requirements. The VI-NDIS – SPEVI working group is concerned about these criteria. We will keep pushing for change and advocating for improved assessment and interpretation of the severity of the impact of vision impairment on the individual’s functional vision.
Download the Factsheet here: NDIS Factsheet Evidence of Your Disability