Many individuals with a disability struggle every day to maintain the necessities in their lives, such as feeding themselves and getting dressed. It is not unusual for those unable to use their hands or arms to dress at all. In addition, people paralyzed from the neck down lack the ability to feed themselves — many rely on caregivers. They must adhere to rigorous routines simply so they can eat enough each day.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other programs designed and implemented by Australian government agencies exist specifically to help these people meet these very challenges — but how do they address them?
Benefits of NDIS Support
Assistive technology is one of the major benefits of the NDIS. This includes devices designed to help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. These can range from simple items, such as grab bars in bathrooms, to complex equipment, such as special wheelchairs equipped with customized features allowing for better control and precision maneuvering. Under the NDIS, all devices are funded by government agencies to be available at no cost to those who need them. Under these circumstances, the only possible charge comes if an item needs replacement due to damage or loss — other than this rare instance, these items are entirely free.
Another benefit of the NDIS is having professional care providers on hand via homecare services. Instead of being required to hire a caregiver and go through the difficult process of coordinating their schedule, it is now possible to have a rotating group of nurses, personal assistants, and other healthcare workers who can be scheduled as needed. These individuals can administer a wide range of treatments from simple responsibilities, such as being present with those who suffer from seizures or episodes of psychosis, all the way to more complicated care, such as providing meals and bathing services.
For someone with any type of disability to maintain independence, they must have access to basic needs. Providing these necessities — things like clothes and food — via programs established by the NDIS provides people with disabilities one less thing they need to worry about on an already-overwhelming list.
In conclusion, the NDIS is doing a great job providing needed assistance to those with disabilities through programs such as the Assistive Technology Device Program and Home Care Service. These types of care remove the stigma from people who don’t know how to help those with special needs, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life without worrying about their limitations.