If you have been approved as a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) — then yes. Provided that you are self-managed or on a plan and have consumables funding included in your package, you can have your Zip Sheets purchases reimbursed — because our product is deemed reasonable and necessary on most plans.

If you’re new to all this, this post explains what the NDIS is all about, and how it helps people with disabilities.

What is the NDIS?

The was set up to improve the quality of life and provide greater independence for eligible participants, by providing funding for necessary supports.

How do I apply for funding through the NDIS?

If you or a family member or person you care for has a disability, you can apply for  funding from NDIS, verbally by calling 1800 800 110,  or online by completing an Access Request Form. As part of the application process, you must provide evidence of your disability and your identity, or evidence of your authority to act on someone else’s behalf.

Once approved, applicants work with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to develop a Plan. The NDIA reviews your goals and provides funding to overcome disability-specific barriers that may hinder you from reaching your goals.

Participants of the Scheme receive funding to connect with medical professionals, community support groups, libraries and assistance with education as well as a whole range of other things.

There are currently approximately 500,000 Australians with a disability who receive support through NDIS funding.  This number includes 80,000 children who receive access to supports that provide early intervention, with the aim of achieving the best outcome for their quality of life.

What resources are available to manage an NDIS plan?

‘Myplace’ is one of the resources for you or a trusted nominee to use to help manage your  NDIS plan The myplace portal is linked to your myGov account and allows you to:

• View current plan and previous plans
• Check contact details
• View messages from the NDIS
• Create and view payment requests
• Create and manage service bookings
• Upload documents, including assessments or service agreements
• Share a plan, or parts of a plan, with service providers
• Find service providers

The NDIS website is also an excellent resource for learning how to manage a plan, with advice on:

• How to use the myplace portal
• Managing the plan budget
• Understanding pricing changes
• My NDIS mobile app
• Sharing the plan

Managing the purchase of zip sheets with NDIS funding

We’ve had many NDIS participants buy zip sheets to assist in meeting their goals. Although we are not  yet a Registered Supplier with the NDIS;, our products can be purchased under the Assistive Technology criteria. According to the NDIS website, Assistive Technology (AT) is described as ‘equipment or devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability; it may also help you do something more easily or safely’.

All AT purchases must help achieve one the goals outlined in the NDIS plan, and as a low-cost item that supports independence, zip sheets should be eligible. While most NDIS plans include AT funding, we recommend all participants check their plans to be sure.

To make your purchase with NDIS funding, choose your payment option (PayPal, credit card etc.) and submit your tax invoice to be reimbursed if you are self-managed. For plan-managed participants, you can also choose the NDIS payment button and receive an invoice with payment options via your confirmation email to forward to your Plan Manager.

For further details on how zip sheets have helped many of our customers maintain independence, visit our People with Disabilities page.