Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding eligibility criteria.
This article aims to clarify the types of disabilities and medical conditions, and the significance of the NDIS list of disabilities in determining eligibility for NDIS support.
We’ll explore key aspects like functional assessment, evidence of disability, and how the NDIS supports individuals with various impairments.
Understanding Disability and NDIS
In the context of NDIS, Disability encompasses a wide range of impairments that can be physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial.
These impairments may be permanent or result in functional impairments that substantially reduce a person’s ability to participate effectively in activities or perform tasks, impacting daily living and community participation.
Understanding the different types of disabilities is important for accessing appropriate NDIS support.
The NDIS Act provides a framework for defining and addressing the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.
Importance of NDIS List of Disabilities
The NDIS list of disabilities is a crucial reference point, although it’s important to note that simply having a condition on the list does not automatically guarantee NDIS eligibility.
Instead, the NDIS focuses on the impact of a person’s impairment on their functional capacity and their need for disability support.
For example, individuals with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or a spinal cord injury may be eligible for NDIS access if their condition results in significant functional impairment.
A health professional assessment and additional evidence are often required to demonstrate the extent of the disability and the need for NDIS support.
The NDIS covers a broad spectrum of conditions, provided they meet the criteria of permanence and functional impact.
List A: Conditions Highly Likely to Meet NDIS Disability Requirements
These conditions almost always meet the NDIS rules because they cause permanent and significant functional impairment.
People with these conditions usually do not need extensive evidence beyond confirmation of diagnosis.
Intellectual Disability (Moderate, Severe or Profound)
Yes, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds support for people with an intellectual disability, as long as the disability is permanent, began before age 18, and significantly affects daily functioning.
Intellectual disability impacts learning, communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and independence.
Many people need long-term support with self-care, social interaction, daily routines, and community participation.
Families often ask, “is intellectual disability funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund diagnoses, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when there is clear evidence of functional impairment from qualified health professionals.
How NDIS supports intellectual disability
- Therapies: Funding for Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Pathology, Psychology, and Physiotherapy to build communication, mobility, social, and daily living skills.
- Daily Living: Support workers for personal care, household activities, meal preparation, and fostering independence.
- Skill Development: Programs for communication, social skills, emotional regulation, budgeting, decision-making, and learning life skills.
- Assistive Technology: Tools such as visual schedules, AAC devices, communication apps, or safety supports that help with independence.
- Employment Support: Training, job-readiness programs, workplace assistance, and customised employment pathways.
- Respite & Short-Term Stays: For carer breaks, routine stabilisation, and participant support in safe environments.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent Impairment: The intellectual disability must be permanent and ongoing.
- Significant Impact: It must clearly affect at least one functional area such as mobility, communication, social interaction, self-care, self-management, or learning.
- Evidence Needed: Reports from health professionals (e.g., paediatricians, psychologists, OTs, therapists) must show how the disability affects daily functioning and why supports are needed.
Autism: Level 2 or Level 3 (DSM-5)
Yes, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds support for people diagnosed with Autism Level 2 or Level 3, as these levels involve substantial or very substantial support needs.
Autism at Level 2 or 3 can significantly affect communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and daily living skills.
Many families ask, “is autism Level 2 or 3 funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis itself, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when assessments show permanent and significant functional impairment.
Because Level 2 and Level 3 autism present ongoing, high-support needs, individuals often meet NDIS disability access requirements when the diagnosis is confirmed.
How NDIS Supports Autism Level 2 or 3
- Therapies: Funding for Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Pathology, Psychology, and Behaviour Support to build communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing and daily living skills.
- Daily Living: Support workers for routines, personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and building independence.
- Skill Development: Programs that support social skills, community interaction, emotional understanding, planning, decision-making, and daily life skills.
- Assistive Technology: Tools such as AAC devices, communication apps, sensory supports, visual schedules, or behavioural aids.
- Community Access: Support to participate safely in community activities, appointments, and social environments.
- Respite & Short-Term Stays: For carer breaks, routine stability, and participant support in safe, predictable environments.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent Impairment: Autism Level 2 or 3 is considered a permanent developmental condition.
- Significant Impact: The NDIS requires evidence showing how autism affects communication, social interaction, learning, self-care, safety, or daily routines.
- Evidence Needed: Reports from health professionals (e.g., paediatricians, psychologists, OTs, speech therapists) confirming the diagnosis and describing functional impact.
Cerebral Palsy: GMFCS Level 3, 4 or 5
NDIS funds support for people with cerebral palsy at GMFCS Level 3, 4, or 5, as these levels involve significant and permanent functional impairment.
Cerebral palsy at these levels can affect mobility, balance, posture, muscle control, and independence with daily activities.
Many families ask, “is cerebral palsy GMFCS Level 3, 4 or 5 funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when the disability clearly limits functional capacity.
These levels of cerebral palsy are considered severe, and individuals typically meet NDIS disability requirements once the diagnosis and classification level are confirmed.
How NDIS Supports Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS 3–5)
- Therapies: Funding for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Pathology, and ongoing physical rehabilitation to improve mobility, strength, communication, and daily living skills.
- Mobility & Transfers: Support workers for positioning, transfers, mobility assistance, and safe movement at home and in the community.
- Assistive Technology: Equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames, hoists, seating systems, pressure care devices, and communication aids.
- Daily Living: Assistance with personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and building independence where possible.
- Home & Community Access: Modifications, transport supports, and assistance to participate in school, work, therapy appointments, or social activities.
- Respite & Short-Term Accommodation: To support families and provide safe, structured care environments.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent Impairment: GMFCS Levels 3, 4, and 5 are classified as permanent motor impairments.
- Significant Impact: The disability must significantly affect mobility, communication, posture, self-care, and daily functioning.
- Evidence Needed: Reports from specialists (e.g., paediatricians, neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists) confirming GMFCS level and describing functional impact.
Genetic Conditions
Genetic conditions are lifelong disorders caused by changes in a person’s DNA, often affecting development, mobility, cognition or daily functioning.
Angelman Syndrome
NDIS funds support for people diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, as it is a permanent genetic condition that causes severe functional impairment.
Angelman Syndrome affects intellectual development, speech, movement, coordination, behaviour, and sleep, often resulting in lifelong, high-support needs.
Families often ask, “is Angelman Syndrome funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis itself, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when the disability significantly impacts daily life.
Because Angelman Syndrome causes substantial, lifelong support needs, most individuals meet NDIS disability access requirements once the diagnosis and functional impact are confirmed.
How NDIS supports Angelman Syndrome
- Therapies: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy, Behaviour Support, and Feeding/Swallowing support to assist communication, mobility, safety, and daily skills.
- Daily Living Support: Assistance with personal care, eating, bathing, dressing, sleep routines, and helping the person participate in daily activities.
- Assistive Technology: AAC devices for communication, safety equipment, mobility aids, specialised seating, sensory supports, and home modifications.
- Community Access: Support workers to assist with outings, appointments, social activities, and safe participation in community environments.
- Respite & Short-Term Stays: To support families, manage behavioural or medical needs, and provide structured care.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent Impairment: Angelman Syndrome is a lifelong genetic condition with severe developmental impacts.
- Significant Functional Impact: Reports must show how it affects communication, mobility, learning, behaviour, self-care, and daily routines.
- Evidence Needed: Diagnosis from a paediatrician or genetic specialist, plus therapy reports (OT, speech, physio) describing functional abilities and support needs.
Coffin-Lowry Syndrome (in males)
NDIS funds support for males diagnosed with Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, as it is a lifelong genetic condition that causes significant functional impairment.
Coffin-Lowry Syndrome can affect intellectual development, muscle tone, mobility, behaviour, and skeletal growth, often leading to high and ongoing support needs in daily life.
Families commonly ask, “is Coffin-Lowry Syndrome funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when the condition clearly impacts a person’s ability to communicate, move, learn, and manage daily activities.
Because Coffin-Lowry Syndrome is permanent and substantially affects functioning, males with this diagnosis typically meet NDIS access requirements once evidence is provided.
How NDIS Supports Coffin-Lowry Syndrome
- Therapies: Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Behaviour Support to assist mobility, communication, strength, learning, and daily living skills.
- Daily Living Support: Help with personal care, routines, meal preparation, dressing, bathing, and developing independence where possible.
- Assistive Technology: Mobility aids, communication devices, specialised seating, safety equipment, and supports for low muscle tone or skeletal differences.
- Community Access: Support workers to help with safe participation in community activities, appointments, and social engagement.
- Short-Term Accommodation & Respite: To support families, maintain routines, and provide structured care environments.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent Impairment: Coffin-Lowry Syndrome is a lifelong genetic condition with substantial developmental impacts.
- Significant Functional Impact: Evidence must show how the condition affects mobility, behaviour, communication, learning, and self-care.
- Evidence Needed: Diagnostic confirmation from a geneticist or paediatric specialist, plus functional impact reports from therapists (OT, speech, physio).
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds support for people with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, as it is a congenital condition that causes permanent and significant functional impairment.
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome affects intellectual development, growth, limb function, feeding, behaviour, and overall daily independence.
Families often ask, “is Cornelia de Lange Syndrome funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when the condition impacts communication, mobility, learning, and self-care.
Because support needs are lifelong and substantial, individuals with this condition typically meet NDIS access requirements when evidence is provided.
How NDIS Supports Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
- Therapies: Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Feeding/Swallowing supports, and Behaviour Support.
- Daily Living: Personal care assistance, dressing, bathing, feeding support, and help with routines.
- Assistive Technology: Communication devices, positioning equipment, mobility aids, sensory supports, and home modifications.
- Community Access: Support workers for outings, appointments, and safe participation in community activities.
- Respite & Short-Term Stays: To support families and provide structured, consistent care.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent impairment due to congenital condition.
- Functional impacts on communication, learning, mobility, behaviour, and daily activities.
- Diagnostic confirmation plus therapy reports showing support needs.
Cri du Chat Syndrome
NDIS funds support for people with Cri du Chat Syndrome, as it is a chromosomal condition that causes permanent developmental and functional challenges.
Cri du Chat Syndrome affects intellectual development, motor function, muscle tone, communication, and activities of daily living.
Families often ask, “is Cri du Chat Syndrome funded by NDIS?” The NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, but it can fund supports when the disability significantly affects daily functioning.
Because support needs are ongoing and substantial, most individuals with this condition meet NDIS disability criteria once the functional impact is documented.
How NDIS Supports Cri du Chat Syndrome
- Therapies: Speech Therapy, OT, Physiotherapy, Behaviour Support, feeding, and developmental therapies.
- Daily Living Support: Assistance with personal care, feeding, routines, hygiene, mobility, and communication.
- Assistive Technology: AAC devices, communication apps, muscle-tone equipment, mobility aids, sensory supports, and safety equipment.
- Community Access: Support for participation in learning programs, community activities, therapy appointments, and social skills building.
- Respite & Short-Term Accommodation: Helps families manage ongoing support needs.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent chromosomal condition with lifelong impacts.
- Evidence of functional impact in communication, learning, self-care, and mobility.
- Diagnostic confirmation and therapy reports are required.
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18 – Full Form)
NDIS funds support for children with Edwards Syndrome (full Trisomy 18) when they survive infancy and require lifelong, high-level assistance.
Edwards Syndrome is a severe chromosomal disorder affecting physical development, cognition, feeding, mobility, and overall health. Families often ask, “is Edwards Syndrome funded by NDIS?”
While the NDIS does not fund medical treatment or diagnosis, it can fund developmental supports and daily living assistance when the condition results in significant functional impairment.
Children who live beyond infancy typically need comprehensive, 24/7 support across all areas of daily life.
How NDIS Supports Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Therapies: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Feeding Therapy, developmental programs, and specialised support for mobility and cognition.
- Daily Living: Assistance with feeding, positioning, bathing, transfers, sleep routines, and all personal care needs.
- Assistive Technology: Mobility devices, specialised seating, feeding supports, respiratory aids, pressure care equipment, and home modifications.
- Medical & Health Support (within NDIS scope): Support for consumables, nursing supports (if disability-related), and complex care needs.
- Respite & Short-Term Accommodation: To support carers and provide structured, high-level care environments.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent and severe chromosomal disorder.
- High-level functional impairment across all domains (mobility, communication, learning, self-care, safety).
- Diagnosis from paediatric or genetic specialists plus functional reports outlining support needs.
Epidermolysis Bullosa (Severe Forms)
NDIS funds support for people with severe forms of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), as these conditions cause permanent, significant functional impairment and require complex daily care.
Severe EB, such as YR, RDEB, Hallopeau-Siemens, and JEB-Herlitz, results in extremely fragile skin, painful blistering, chronic wounds, scarring, and difficulties with mobility, feeding, and sometimes breathing.
Families often ask, “is Epidermolysis Bullosa funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when EB affects daily functioning and requires intensive care.
Because severe EB involves lifelong, high-level support needs, most individuals meet NDIS access requirements when evidence is provided.
How NDIS Supports Epidermolysis Bullosa
- Therapies: Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy, Pain Management support, Nutritional support, and Behaviour Support to maintain comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
- Daily Living: Assistance with dressing, bathing, positioning, feeding, personal care, and gentle handling to protect fragile skin.
- Assistive Technology: Pressure-relief mattresses, specialised bandaging supplies, wound-care equipment, communication aids, mobility supports, and home modifications for safe handling.
- Community Access: Support workers for safe participation in outings, appointments, social activities, and community environments.
- Respite & Short-Term Stays: To support families managing complex daily wound care and prevent burnout.
Eligibility & Application
- Severe EB forms are permanent conditions requiring lifelong, intensive care.
- The condition significantly affects mobility, skin integrity, feeding, self-care, and daily functioning.
- Diagnosis from dermatologists or genetic specialists, along with OT, physio, and wound-care reports, helps demonstrate support needs.
Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds support for people with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, as it is a permanent genetic condition that affects movement, behaviour, muscle tone, and daily functioning.
Families often ask, “is Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund supports when the condition impacts safety, mobility, learning, and personal care.
How NDIS Supports Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome
- Therapies: OT, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and behaviour support.
- Daily Living: Personal care, feeding, positioning, hygiene, supervision, and routine support.
- Assistive Technology: Protective equipment, seating systems, mobility aids and communication devices.
- Community Access: Support to participate safely in appointments and activities.
- Respite: To support families managing high daily care needs.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent condition with significant functional impact.
- Challenges with mobility, behaviour, communication, and self-care.
- Diagnosis plus therapy reports demonstrating daily support needs.
Leigh Syndrome
NDIS funds support for people with Leigh Syndrome, as it is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, feeding, breathing and daily functioning.
Families often ask, “is Leigh Syndrome funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund supports when the condition significantly impacts mobility, safety, and daily care needs.
How NDIS Supports Leigh Syndrome
- Therapies: OT, physiotherapy, feeding, and respiratory support.
- Daily Living: Personal care, feeding assistance, mobility help, and supervision.
- Assistive Technology: Seating systems, mobility aids, respiratory equipment.
- Community Access: Support for appointments and safe outings.
- Respite: For families managing high daily care needs.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent, progressive neurological condition.
- Significant impact on movement, breathing, feeding, and self-care.
- Diagnosis plus therapy reports showing support needs.
Leukodystrophies (Severe Forms)
NDIS funds support for people with severe leukodystrophies, such as Alexander disease, Canavan disease, Krabbe disease, and Congenital Pelizaeus-Merzbacher.
These conditions affect brain white matter, causing severe motor, cognitive and developmental impairment.
Families often ask, “is leukodystrophy funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when daily functioning is significantly affected.
How NDIS Supports Severe Leukodystrophies
- Therapies: OT, physio, speech, feeding, and developmental support.
- Daily Living: Assistance with all personal care, mobility, feeding, and routines.
- Assistive Technology: Positioning equipment, communication devices, mobility aids.
- Community Access: Support for appointments and safe participation.
- Respite: For families supporting intensive daily care.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent condition with severe functional impacts.
- Affects movement, learning, feeding, and daily activities.
- Diagnosis plus therapy reports demonstrating high support needs.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders (Severe Intellectual & Physical Impairments)
Yes, the NDIS funds support for severe lysosomal storage disorders, such as Gaucher types 2–3, Niemann-Pick A or C, Pompe disease, Sandhoff (infantile), Schindler type 1 and Tay-Sachs (infantile).
These conditions cause progressive neurological decline, loss of motor skills, feeding difficulties, and severe functional impairment.
Families often ask, “is this condition funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when daily functioning is significantly affected.
How NDIS Supports Severe Lysosomal Storage Disorders
- Therapies: OT, physiotherapy, speech, and feeding support.
- Daily Living: Full assistance with feeding, mobility, positioning, hygiene, and routines.
- Assistive Technology: Specialised seating, mobility aids, feeding equipment, and home modifications.
- Community Access: Support for safe outings and appointments.
- Respite: For families providing high-level daily care.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent condition with severe physical and cognitive impacts.
- Significant challenges in mobility, feeding, communication, and self-care
- Diagnosis plus multidisciplinary reports showing daily support needs.
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS I-H, MPS III)
NDIS funds support for people with severe forms of Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), including MPS I-H and MPS III, as these are permanent metabolic conditions causing significant functional impairment.
Families often ask, “is MPS funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund supports when the condition affects mobility, learning, behaviour, communication, and daily living skills.
How NDIS Supports Mucopolysaccharidoses
- Therapies: OT, physiotherapy, speech, and behavioural support.
- Daily Living: Assistance with personal care, feeding, routines, and supervision.
- Assistive Technology: Mobility aids, seating systems, communication supports, and home modifications.
- Community Access: Support for appointments and safe participation.
- Respite: To support families managing long-term care needs.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent metabolic condition with developmental regression.
- Significant impact on mobility, cognition, and daily functioning.
- Diagnosis plus therapy reports showing ongoing support needs.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Severe Forms)
NDIS funds support for people with severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta, as it is a permanent condition causing major functional limitations.
Fragile bone disorder causes frequent fractures, severe bone deformities, mobility restrictions, and chronic pain. Individuals often need daily assistance, mobility aids and environmental adaptations.
Families often ask, “is Osteogenesis Imperfecta funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when frequent fractures, pain, and mobility restrictions affect daily life.
How NDIS Supports Severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Therapies: Physiotherapy, OT, and pain-management support.
- Daily Living: Assistance with transfers, personal care, and daily routines.
- Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, protective equipment, and home modifications.
- Community Access: Support for safe outings and appointments.
- Respite: To assist families in managing ongoing care needs.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent condition with severe mobility and safety impacts
- Frequent fractures and high support needs
- Diagnosis plus therapy reports outlining functional limitations
Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
NDIS funds support for people with Patau Syndrome, as it is a severe congenital condition causing permanent and significant functional impairment.
Infants often experience significant medical complications, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.
Those who survive require full-time care, specialised medical support, and assistance with all daily activities due to substantial and lifelong functional impairments.
Families often ask, “is Patau Syndrome funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund the diagnosis, it can fund supports when the condition affects mobility, feeding, cognition, and daily care. Individuals who survive infancy typically require lifelong, high-level support.
How NDIS supports Patau Syndrome
- Daily Living: Full assistance with feeding, personal care, positioning and routines.
- Therapies: OT, physiotherapy, feeding, and developmental support.
- Assistive Technology: Specialised seating, feeding equipment, and mobility aids.
- Respite: To support families providing intensive care.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent congenital condition
- Severe functional impairment across all daily activities
- Diagnosis plus specialist and therapy reports
Rett Syndrome
NDIS funds support for people with Rett Syndrome, a permanent neurological condition causing significant developmental regression.
Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder primarily affecting females, leading to loss of speech, reduced mobility, seizures, breathing irregularities, and repetitive hand movements.
Ongoing high-level support is needed for communication, daily activities, personal care, and maintaining safety and well-being.
Families often ask, “is Rett Syndrome funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when the condition affects communication, mobility, safety, and daily living. Ongoing high-level support is typically required throughout life.
How NDIS supports Rett Syndrome
- Therapies: OT, physiotherapy, speech, and behaviour support.
- Daily Living: Personal care, feeding, mobility and supervision.
- Assistive Technology: Communication devices, seatin,g and mobility supports.
- Respite: To support long-term care needs.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent neurological disorder
- Significant impact on communication and mobility
- Diagnosis plus therapy reports showing support needs.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA Types 1 & 2, X-linked)
NDIS funds support for people with severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy, including Types 1, 2, and X-linked forms.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) types such as Werdnig-Hoffman (Type 1), Dubowitz disease (Type 2), and X-linked SMA are severe genetic conditions causing progressive muscle weakness, breathing and feeding challenges, and significant mobility limitations.
These conditions lead to substantial loss of motor function from infancy or childhood and require ongoing high-level support, specialised equipment, and assistance with daily activities.
Families often ask, “is SMA funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when muscle weakness affects breathing, feeding, mobility and daily care.
These conditions usually require lifelong, high-level support.
How NDIS Supports Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Daily Living: Assistance with all personal care and transfers.
- Therapies: Physiotherapy, OT, and respiratory support.
- Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, respiratory equipment and seating systems.
- Respite: For families managing complex care.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent, progressive neuromuscular condition
- Severe impact on mobility and independence
- Diagnosis plus specialist reports
Spinal Cord Injury / Brain Injury (Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Tetraplegia)
NDIS funds support for people with spinal cord or brain injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
Permanent loss of movement and sensation in limbs and torso, affecting mobility, personal care, continence, and independence.
People require long-term daily support and assistive technology.
Families often ask, “is paralysis funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when permanent loss of movement affects daily living, continence, and independence.
How NDIS Supports Paralysis
- Daily Living: Personal care, transfers and continence support.
- Therapies: OT and physiotherapy.
- Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, hoists and home modifications.
- Community Access: Support for participation and appointments.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent loss of function
- Significant daily support needs
- Medical confirmation and functional reports
Hemiplegia (Severe)
Yes, the NDIS funds support for people with severe hemiplegia, where one side of the body is significantly affected.
Significant or total loss of strength and movement on one side of the body, impacting mobility, balance, daily activities and independence. Severe hemiplegia usually meets NDIS disability requirements.
Families often ask, “is hemiplegia funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when mobility, balance, and daily activities are substantially impacted.
How NDIS Supports Severe Hemiplegia
- Therapies: Physiotherapy and OT
- Daily Living: Assistance with mobility and self-care
- Assistive Technology: Mobility aids and home modifications
- Community Access: Support for safe participation.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent neurological impairment
- Significant functional impact
- Diagnosis plus therapy evidence
Permanent Blindness (Both Eyes)
NDIS funds support for people with permanent blindness in both eyes, as defined by NDIS criteria.
Permanent blindness in both eyes, as recognised by the NDIS, must be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist and includes vision of 6/60 or worse in both eyes, visual field constriction to 10 degrees or less, or any combination of defects causing the same level of functional blindness.
This level of impairment significantly affects daily activities, mobility and independence, requiring long-term support.
Families often ask, “is blindness funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when vision loss significantly affects mobility, safety and independence.
How NDIS Supports Blindness
- Daily Living: Orientation and daily task support.
- Assistive Technology: Mobility aids and adaptive equipment.
- Community Access: Support for travel and participation.
Eligibility & Application
- Meets NDIS visual impairment criteria
- Permanent functional blindness
- Ophthalmologist diagnosis required
Permanent Bilateral Hearing Loss (>90 dB)
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding supports people with permanent bilateral hearing loss greater than 90 dB, as this level of hearing loss is considered severe to profound and can significantly affect daily functioning.
Families often ask, “is severe hearing loss funded by NDIS?” While the NDIS does not fund diagnoses, it can fund reasonable and necessary supports when communication, safety, and independence are substantially impacted in everyday life.
How NDIS Supports Hearing Loss
- Communication Support: Auslan interpreting, communication support workers, and alternative communication methods.
- Assistive Technology: Hearing devices, alerting systems, visual alarms, and safety supports.
- Daily Living: Support to improve safety, independence, and participation at home and in the community.
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent severe to profound bilateral hearing loss.
- Significant impact on communication and daily functioning.
- Audiology reports and specialist evidence required.
Deafblindness
NDIS funds support for people with deafblindness, a combined permanent loss of vision and hearing.
Combined permanent loss of vision and hearing results in significant communication, mobility, and daily living challenges. Requires specialised support and communication methods.
Families often ask, “is deafblindness funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund specialised supports for individuals with significant communication and mobility challenges.
How NDIS Supports Deafblindness
- Communication Support: Specialised communication methods
- Daily Living: Assistance with mobility and routines
- Assistive Technology: Sensory and navigation supports
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent dual sensory loss
- High daily support needs
- Specialist assessments required
Amputation or Congenital Absence of Two Limbs
Yes, the NDIS funds support for people missing two limbs, whether through amputation or congenital absence.
Missing two arms, two legs, or one arm and one leg (not hands/feet).
This significantly affects mobility, personal care, and independence, requiring lifelong adaptive support.
Families often ask, “is limb loss funded by NDIS?” The NDIS can fund supports when mobility, personal care, and independence are significantly affected.
How NDIS Supports Limb Absence
- Daily Living: Assistance with self-care and mobility
- Assistive Technology: Prosthetics, wheelchairs, and adaptations
- Therapies: OT and physiotherapy
Eligibility & Application
- Permanent physical impairment
- Significant functional limitations
- Medical confirmation required
Conclusion
The NDIS is designed to fund supports, not diagnoses, so what matters most is whether a condition is permanent and significantly impacts daily life.
List A clarifies eligibility because those conditions typically involve high support needs, whereas other diagnoses may still qualify with strong functional evidence.
The next best step is to obtain clear reports from qualified professionals documenting how the impairment affects mobility, communication, self-care, learning, or safety, so that appropriate supports can be funded.
