NDIS glossary

AAT review

Administrative Appeals Tribunal review. An independent external review process available if you disagree with the outcome of an NDIA internal review. Must be applied for within 28 days of the internal review outcome.

Advocate

A person — usually from a funded disability advocacy organisation — who supports you in navigating the NDIS. Advocates are free, confidential, and independent of the NDIA. They can attend planning meetings, help with reviews, and provide information about your rights.

Agency-managed

When the NDIA manages your NDIS funding. Providers are paid directly by the NDIA through the myplace portal. Restricted to NDIS-registered providers only.

Capacity building

An NDIS funding category designed to help you build skills and independence over time. Includes support coordination, therapies, employment support, and improved living arrangements.

Core supports

The NDIS funding category that covers everyday support needs — including personal care, community participation, consumables, and assistance with social and economic participation. Generally the most flexible category.

DANA

Disability Advocacy Network Australia. The national peak body for disability advocacy organisations. Their website (dana.org.au) has a directory to find a free advocate in your area.

Early childhood approach

The NDIS pathway for children under 9 with developmental delay or disability. Provides supports focused on family capacity building and early intervention, often without a formal plan.

Foundational supports

A new tier of disability supports below the NDIS, funded by state and territory governments. Intended for people with disability who do not meet NDIS eligibility thresholds but still have support needs. Being developed following the April 2026 reforms.

Functional capacity assessment

A new assessment process introduced in 2025–26 to determine NDIS eligibility. Focuses on what a person can and cannot do in their daily life rather than diagnosis alone. Conducted by approved assessors.

Internal review

A formal process to ask the NDIA to reconsider a decision about your plan or eligibility. Conducted by a different officer from the original decision-maker. Must be requested within 3 months of the decision.

NDIA

National Disability Insurance Agency. The independent government body that implements the NDIS, makes funding decisions, and manages participant plans.

NDIS

National Disability Insurance Scheme. A federal government program that provides funding and supports for Australians with a permanent and significant disability. Managed by the NDIA.

NDIS Plan

A personalised document that outlines the reasonable and necessary supports the NDIA will fund for a participant. Plans have a fixed duration and are reviewed periodically.

Plan management

A way of managing your NDIS funding where a registered plan manager pays your providers and handles the financial administration on your behalf. Gives you access to both registered and unregistered providers.

PRODA

Provider Digital Access. The federal government digital identity system used by NDIS providers to access the myplace provider portal for service bookings, claiming, and reporting.

Reasonable and necessary

The legal test the NDIA uses to decide what supports to fund. A support must be related to your disability, represent value for money, and not be something that should be funded by another system (like Medicare or education).

SDA

Specialist Disability Accommodation. NDIS funding for purpose-built or modified housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Separate from SIL funding.

Self-managed

When you (or a nominee) manage your own NDIS funding. You pay providers directly and are reimbursed by the NDIA. Gives the most flexibility — you can use unregistered providers — but comes with more administrative responsibility.

SIL

Supported Independent Living. NDIS funding for support workers to help you live independently in your own home or in shared accommodation. One of the largest and most complex support types.

Specialist support coordinator

A more intensive version of support coordination for people with complex needs. Focuses on reducing complexity and building resilience in your support network.

Support coordinator

A person funded through your NDIS plan who helps you understand, implement, and get the most out of your plan. They can help you find providers, resolve issues, and prepare for plan reviews.