The NDIS supports people who have a wide range of disorders, including psychosocial disabilities.
Here at Bright Plan Management, we’ve answered the most common questions about psychosocial disabilities and the NDIS.
What is a psychosocial disability?
A psychosocial disability is the term for a disability that arises from a mental health issue. It’s important to note that not everyone who has a mental health issue automatically has a disability.
Someone who has a psychosocial disability most likely experiences social consequences as a result of their mental health issue and the longevity of the mental health issue often means the individual’s recovery is impacted.
While there is a range of mental health issues that impact a person’s social ability, there are a few that most often lead to psychosocial disabilities. These include mood disorders, severe anxiety disorders and schizoid disorders.
What is recovery in the NDIS?
According to the NDIS website, the NDIA defines recovery as “achieving an optimal state of personal, social and emotional wellbeing, as defined by each individual, whilst living with or recovering from a mental health condition.”
NDIS participants who have a psychosocial disability are able to access supports and services that assist them in achieving this optimal state of wellbeing.
A new initiative to support those with psychosocial disabilities has launched this July. Trained recovery coaches are now available within the NDIS structure to support participants to take more control of their lives and manage the complexities of day-to-day living with a psychosocial disability. Through collaboration with participants, carers, families and other services, recovery coaches work towards implementing a recovery plan for participants.
How does someone with a psychosocial disability access the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, participants must be under the age of 65 when applying, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meet certain disability criteria.
For those with a psychosocial disability, this criteria states that participants need to have a permanent (or likely permanent) disability as a result of their mental health issue. This issue must have a demonstrated and significant impact on their daily life and ability to contribute to their community. It also needs to be probable that the mental health issue will require support for the rest of their life.
For those who meet these requirements, getting in contact with the NDIA to discuss the application progress is the best course of action.
Got questions? The team at Bright Plan Management are here to help. Reach out today!