NDIS Support

While not everyone considers epilepsy to be a ‘disability’, for many people its impacts can be significantly disabling. If that’s your reality, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may be able to help.

The Australian health system is responsible for all medical treatment, but NDIS funding can help you to navigate the life impacts of this unpredictable condition. The word ‘impact’ is key – to be granted access to the scheme you must be able to demonstrate that your condition is permanent, including previous treatments and their outcomes, and how it affects areas such as your ability to live independently, connect socially, learn, work and take care of yourself.

We can help you to

Understand the NDIS and how it works
Understand the eligibility criteria
Review current and future needs and goals
Prepare for meetings
Identify relevant services and supports and how to access them

Contact our expert team.

NDIS Supports for Epilepsy

If you’re unable to monitor or manage your epilepsy on your own, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund relevant Supports. That might include assistance with creating and/or implementing your Epilepsy Management Plan, responding to your Emergency Medication Management Plan, or monitoring your seizures.

If included within your NDIS plan, the scheme can help with paying for seizure monitoring using assistive technology, as well as a nurse/support worker to assist at home and with getting out and about in your community.

NDIS Overview

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds the supports, and services Australians with a permanent and significant disability need to live well. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the organisation responsible for administering the scheme.

To meet eligibility requirements, you must be able to evidence that your condition is permanent or likely to be permanent, and that it significantly impacts on your day-to-day functioning and/or ability to participate meaningfully in community or vocational/employment pursuits.

If you’re assessed as being eligible for the NDIS, you’ll be invited to participate in a planning meeting where you’ll need to discuss not only current support needs but your future goals. Once your plan has been approved, you’ll receive funding for the ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports that will enable you to participate in your community and achieve your goals.

If you have been denied access to the scheme or are unhappy with your funding package, you can request a review.

If you have an approved NDIS Plan, which includes funding for Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, we can also provide the following services:

Assistance with seizure management, health and wellbeing and peer connection
Development or review of a comprehensive Epilepsy Management Plan, to be signed off by your GP or Neurologist
Guidance on assistive technology options aligned to your individual seizure presentations, such as seizure detection and alert devices, trigger management aids such as cooling mattress toppers and anti-suffocation pillows.
Training for support workers on Understanding Epilepsy including seizure types, triggers and seizure first aid
Training for support workers on the Administration of Midazolam

How Epilepsy Queensland can Help

Gaining access to the NDIS can be tricky, but we’re here to help. We can support you to navigate the system, make sure you’re heard, your needs are understood and that you’re in a position to make informed decisions about what works best for you and your family.

Examples of supports under the NDIS

A statement of current supports
Help to demonstrate how your condition affects your day-to-day functioning, safety, independence and wellbeing: Your application to access the scheme needs to focus on the impact of your epilepsy, in areas such as mobility, social connection, self-management, self-care, learning and communication, rather than just providing a confirmation of diagnosis.
Pre-planning support: Access a FREE, one to one NDIS pre-planning session with a knowledgeable Epilepsy Queensland team member as well as a comprehensive workbook to help you navigate the planning process.
Information and support to help prepare for meetings with the NDIA
A range of factsheets and resources for NDIS Participants, carers and families
Letters of support for NDIS access, review or change of circumstances
Support, information and referrals to other services, as needed.