NDIS Consumables Examples

For anyone with any kind of disability, meeting the challenges associated with their particular disability can be tough. However, today, there are specialist products available that can both improve quality of life and make daily life easier. Many of these products are covered by NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding, and so are known as NDIS consumables for short. 

The term ‘consumables’ is pretty broad. After all, every disabled person has a wide and unique range of needs and requirements. However, for the purpose of the NDIS scheme’s definition it includes a variety of everyday items, like incontinence pads and syringes, as well as more specialist products such as low cost communication equipment.

If you qualify for NDIS funding, then the particular products you will be able to purchase will depend on how your disability is categorised, and finding out exactly which products are included in your NDIS budget will help you to better meet your support needs and live life to the full. Here then, we take a look at NDIS consumables so you can understand the program and make the most of its benefits. Read on to learn more 

 

What Are NDIS Consumables?

NDIS consumables are one of the four NDIS Core Supports designed to help achieve the goals and objectives of an NDIS plan. The other NDIS Core Supports are assistance with daily life, assistance with social and community participation, and transport.

NDIS Consumables include everyday products that NDIS participants need to manage their specific disabilities, and access to these products can help disabled people with their personal care, nutrition, communication and community participation.

The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) determines which consumables qualify for funding assistance, and each product is determined by specific disabilities. This means that a huge range of consumables are potentially covered under the NDIS scheme, with some high-cost items, like wheelchairs and assistive technology, also available in your NDIS plan. However, these items fall into a different category known as NDIS Capital Support and you should carefully check your NDIS scheme to see if they are covered in your case. 

The most common products covered by the NDIS Consumables scheme include: 

Bottle Openers and Knob Turners

Bottle openers and knob turners enable disabled people with mobility issues to live more independently. These products are often covered by a NDIS Consumables plan.

Catheters and Continence Products

Continence products, such as nappies, incontinence pads and catheters, are often essential for daily living. As a result, continence products are counted as NDIS Consumables.

Home Enteral Nutrition Equipment

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) equipment allows carers to ensure people living with disabilities are able to get the nutrition they require. Nutritional supplements may also be considered consumables.

Food Preparation Products and Eat Aids

Food preparation products and eating aids are designed to enable disabled people to prepare and consume food more easily.

Adapted Footwear and Orthotics

Specialist footwear and orthotics can help to reduce pain and discomfort and increase mobility. 

Interpreting and Translating Services 

People living with disabilities can use the fund to pay for interpretation and translation services. It can also pay for sign language training.

Specialist Bedding

Specialist bedding, like mattresses and pillows, is generally considered a consumable. Specialist bedding can help to provide extra support and make it easier for people with mobility issues to get in and out of bed themselves.

Vision or Hearing-Related Technology

Low-cost assistive technology, such as hearing aids, can be purchased from NDIS registered providers. 

Bathroom Aids

Bathroom aids are an important part of independent living for many people with disabilities. 

Skincare

Skincare and wound care products are often covered by a NDIS consumables package.

  

What Is the Budget of NDIS Consumables Package?

The NDIS consumables budget is primarily aimed at low cost items. Products under $1,500 will generally not require a quote, while those over $1,500 require at least two quotes before purchasing. If you’re unsure of your NDIS Consumables budget, talk to your plan manager or local disability support coordinator.

 

How to Purchase NDIS Consumables?

There are three NDIS plan management options. These are self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA managed. If you choose to self manage your plan, the NDIA will provide you with the funding so that you can access the products and support that best suit your needs.

If you opt for plan-managed - also known as agency managed - NDIS funding, a plan manager or support coordinator will track your fund and pay providers on your behalf. This can be suitable for people with learning difficulties, autism or another type of learning impairment.

If you choose a NDIA managed plan, the agency will pay providers directly on your behalf.

In Australia, retailers that provide NDIS consumables must meet strict government guidelines. These guidelines ensure that all products purchased under the scheme meet high Australian quality and safety requirements.

If your plan is agency managed, you’ll have to buy products from NDIS registered providers. NDIS providers can vary from large retailers to online shops, and sole traders to charities. 

If you have a plan manager, you can ask them for advice on where to purchase the products you require. There are also a number of charities that offer information on the types of products that you can buy with your NDIS funding.

When buying NDIS consumables, you’ll generally have to provide your NDIS service number, your address, date of birth and the start and end date of your plan. In some cases, you may also need to inform the retailer of how your plan is managed.

In many cases, NDIS registered retailers provide information during the payment process. This information will help you to select the checkout process that’s right for you, and help to ensure your invoice is dealt with as quickly as possible.

The NDIS Consumables plan allows people living with disabilities to access the products and services they need to live healthy, active and comfortable lives. To find out more, and learn about the wide range of high quality medical products we offer, explore the Med Shop NDIS page or get in touch with a member of our team.