Ability Links
Ability Links New South Wales is an initiative to build social inclusion for people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, their families and carers across NSW. Ability Links aims to assist people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More to be valued and equal members of their communities and to help build a society where people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More enjoy inclusive lives in all spheres; community, public, private and social.
Ability Links is the NSW approach to local area coordination. It is about building your informal networks to support you to achieve their goals and have your needs and interests met. It is also about promoting community inclusion and participation so that you are able to access and can participate in activities available to the general community. Ability Links forms part of the NSW contribution to the objectives of the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Agency.
Ability Links is for:
a diverse range of people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian’s and culturally and linguistically diverse people and communities.
There are a number of providers around the state who can put you in touch with a Linker. You can use the search functions on this website to find a Linker in your area.
Brochures are available in a number of languages.
For more information about eligibility and assessments for the NDIS click here
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) conducts independent reviews of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws, for example, decisions made by Australian Government ministers, departments and agencies.. The AAT was established by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. As an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, or an advocateAn advocate is a person who will support someone and help them stand up for their rights, needs and wants. An advocate can also sometimes speak or write on the behalf of another person. A person’s family or friends can be their advocates, or their advocate may be a professional. An advocate may or may not be a lawyer. More for an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, you can make an application to the AAT if you are unsatisfied with a ruling made by the NDIA in an internal review of a decision. For more information about reviews of an NDIA decision, click here.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
The AFCA considers complaints that previously would have been handled by the Financial Ombudsman Service, the Credit and Investments Ombudsman and the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal. They are the dispute resolution scheme for financial services, and consider complaints about:
The AFCA’s role is to assist you and small businesses to reach agreements with financial firms about how to resolve your complaints. They are impartial and independent, and do not act for either party to advocateAn advocate is a person who will support someone and help them stand up for their rights, needs and wants. An advocate can also sometimes speak or write on the behalf of another person. A person’s family or friends can be their advocates, or their advocate may be a professional. An advocate may or may not be a lawyer. More their position. If a complaint does not resolve between the parties, they will decide an appropriate outcome. Decisions made can be binding on the financial firm involved in a complaint. They can award compensation for losses suffered because of a financial firm’s error or inappropriate conduct. They do not, however, award compensation to punish financial firms or impose fines.
AFCA is not a government department or agency nor a regulator of the financial services industry. The AFCA is a not-for-profit company.
To read more about Australian ConsumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More Law and NDIS, and how you can bring consumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More law claims against NDIS providers to AFCA, click here.
Australian Consumer Complaints Commission (ACCC)
The Australian ConsumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More Complaints Commission (ACC) is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority whose role is to promote competition, fair trading and regulation of national infrastructure for the benefit of all Australians, while enforcing the Competition and ConsumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More Act 2010. In the context of the NDIS, the ACCC assists you to understand your rights when paying for a product or service through providing relevant resources. For more information about your rights in receiving quality services in the NDIS, click here.
Commonwealth Ombudsman
The Commonwealth Ombudsman deals with complaints about Commonwealth Government departments and agencies. As an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, you can contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman regarding an issue with the NDIA that cannot be resolved with an NDIA representative. For more information about complaints and the NDIS, click here.
National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)
The National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Advocacy Program (NDAP) provides people with access to effective disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More advocacy that promotes, protects and ensures full and equal enjoyment of all human rights enabling community participation. For information about advocacy and the NDIS, click here.
National Disability Insurance Agency
The National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statutory agency whose role is to implement the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme. For more information about the roles and responsibilities of the NDIA, click here.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (National website)
The national NDIS website provides information and resources for people interested in becoming an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More regarding what the NDIS can fund, how to apply, and includes information about existing mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More services and community supports.
The website also offers information targeted to families and carers of people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More regarding their role in the NDIS and what supports the NDIS and mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More services can provide to support them and their family members.
There is also information directed to NDIS participants about the planning process, making decisions, working with providers, rights and safeguards, and plan management.
The website also provides links to information in languages other than English, and translations and interpreter services.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme NSW Website
The NSW NDIS website provides information about the NDIS, accessing the NDIS in NSW and has links to useful resources targeted to people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, including information targeted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NDIS Appeals providers
|NDIS Appeals providers support you if you are seeking a review with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal review by providing a skilled disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More advocateAn advocate is a person who will support someone and help them stand up for their rights, needs and wants. An advocate can also sometimes speak or write on the behalf of another person. A person’s family or friends can be their advocates, or their advocate may be a professional. An advocate may or may not be a lawyer. More. The appeals providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More advocateAn advocate is a person who will support someone and help them stand up for their rights, needs and wants. An advocate can also sometimes speak or write on the behalf of another person. A person’s family or friends can be their advocates, or their advocate may be a professional. An advocate may or may not be a lawyer. More will act as a support person and access funding for legal services if the subject contains complex legal issues, provided by Legal Aid Commissions. The appointed advocates are from the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) and they can assist you by explaining the review process, the preparation of documents/evidence, offer advice and help you build the skills to better represent yourself, or attend the AAT meetings and hearings as a form of support. For more information about advocacy and the NDIS, click here.
All NDIS Appeals services are free of charge.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. For more information about the role and responsibilities of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, click here.
Anyone who wants to make a complaint or raise concerns about an NDIS providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More should contact the Commission.
NSW Health
NSW provides a diversity of resources on their website to better understand the interface between Mental health and the NDIS (psychosocial disability) and Working with people with mental illness and psychosocial disability.
NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading ensures that doing business in NSW is simple, accessible and fair for employees, consumers and industry. They provide community education to consumers, service providers and the disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More sector on awareness of consumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More rights and protections including scam awareness, entering contracts, hiring services and how to complain.
To view these resources, click here.
If you have a complaint about a product or service, including those provided by an NDIS providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More, you can lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.
NSW Ombudsman
The NSW Ombudsman is an independent integrity agency that holds NSW government agencies and certain non-government organisations accountable to the people of NSW. Through complaint handling, review, monitoring, investigation, advice, training and community education, they seek to improve the administration and delivery of public and community services in NSW.
They help agencies within our jurisdiction address problems with their performance. These problems may be uncovered by complaints from the public or by people who work for those agencies. Problems may also come to our attention through our work in scrutinising agency systems, overseeing investigations or reviewing the delivery of services. They are responsible for keeping the following types of organisations under scrutiny:
agencies delivering public services – including correctional centres and state-owned corporations
agencies delivering community services – including services for people with disabilities, people who are homeless and elderly people.
Reimagine.today
reimagine.today is an online resource developed by the Mental Health Coordinating Council. It exists to support potential participants and their supporters to better understand what the NDIS is and what it can offer people living with psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More resulting from a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More.
As well as assisting you to understand how you can apply for the NDIS and how to choose the right providers to deliver the services to help you to meet your identified aspirations and goals, reimagine.today presents information with a using a strengths-based approach towards decision making and helps you develop strategies to maintain health and wellbeing.
MHCC has been working with communities across Australia to create new and improved resources that are tailored to support you through your NDIS journey. These ‘Hubs’ were designed for and by people with lived experienceLived experience is the knowledge and understanding acquired from living through or with something. This manual frequently refers to people with lived experience of mental illness; in this context it means people living with mental health conditions and all this entails (sometimes called consumers) and family or friends supporting someone living with mental illness (sometimes called carers). More of mental health conditions, their carers and other support persons from within each of these communities. These include:
You can also select from a number of languages if English is not your first language.
Uniting
Uniting is a not-for-profit organisation that is an example of one of the NSW NDIS Partners in the Community which delivers Local Area Coordination services. This organisation covers the Nepean Blue Mountains, Northern Sydney, Western Sydney, Southern NSW and Illawarra Shoalhaven regions of NSW.
For more information about Local Area Coordination, click here.
Social Futures
Social Futures is also an example of a not-for-profit organisation that is one of the NSW NDIS Partners in the Community which delivers Local Area Coordination services. This organisation covers the Far West, Murrumbidgee, Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and Western NSW regions of NSW.
For more information about Local Area Coordination, click here.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a not-for profit organisation that is one of the NSW NDIS Partners in the Community which delivers Local Area Coordination services. This organisation covers the South Western Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter New England, Sydney and South Eastern Sydney regions of NSW.
For more information about Local Area Coordination, click here.
To find a Local Area Coordinator near you, click here.
Updated December 29, 2020
