NDIS and other Funding

Persons with a Diagnosed Disability recognized by the NDIS (Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme) can access funding for certain programs offered at the Listen And Learn Centre. We recommend speaking with one of our friendly team members to learn more about our programs and how these can partly or fully financed by NDIS. Call (03) 9816 8811

To find out more about the NDIS and if you or your child would be eligible for funding, visit ndis.gov.au

Medicare has introduced new items for diagnosis and early intervention treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These include Autism and other less prevalent pervasive developmental disorders such as Rett’s disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

Medicare items cover:
a) Paediatricians and child Psychiatrists to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for children aged up to 12 years on referral from a GP;

b) Psychologists and Speech Pathologists to assist with the assessment where necessary and,

c) Allied health providers such as Psychologists, Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists to provide early intervention treatment following diagnosis (up to 20 services per child).

These items are available for children aged up to 12 years with ASD and their families. Further information is available from the Helping Children with Autism Inquiry Line on 1800 289 177 and TTY 1800 260 402 and from www.health.gov.au/autism.

Some children with disabilities are eligible for additional assistance at school from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) under the Program for Students with Disabilities.

Victorian Government school students with a disability and additional learning needs are eligible for the Program for Students with Disabilities if they meet the eligibility criteria for one of seven categories:

• Physical Disabilities
• Visual Impairment
• Severe behaviour disorder
• Hearing impairment
• Intellectual disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Severe Language Disorder with Critical Educational Needs

The application process for the Program for Students with Disabilities can be a complicated one. Often families are unaware of the significance of particular elements of applications and this can affect the level of support they receive. The Listen And Learn Centre can guide you through this process with our consultant who specialises in assisting with writing applications. The Listen And Learn Centre can assist by establishing which assessments and reports are required, conducting assessments, liaising with school psychologists and administrators and helping to create a comprehensive application for funding.