• Update: We are at full capacity, and not taking on new matters or consultation bookings until further notice.
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National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Special Voices specialises in National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) legal advice, representation and advocacy services to the parents and siblings of children and adults with autism or intellectual disability.

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What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national, government-run disability support system based on insurance principles.  The NDIS was progressively ‘rolled out’ across Australia between July 2013 and June 2021, replacing the ‘pre-NDIS’ state/territory-based disability support systems.

The NDIS’ main function is to provide funding for a package of supports tailored to the individual’s needs. There are two broad support types:

1. Disability

Funding to persons who are under 65 years old (at time of application) and have a significant, permanent disability over their lifetime, so that they can achieve their life goals and potential.

2. Early intervention

Funding of ‘early intervention’ supports to children younger than 6 years with a developmental delay for a period of time, so as to alleviate or reduce the longer term impact of their condition. Older children and adults with a disability may also be eligible for this type of ‘early intervention’ support funding.

Angela Cox

Principal Lawyer

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Why is the NDIS so complex?

Since its introduction in July 2013, the NDIS has proven to be complex and difficult for people with disability and their families and carers to navigate. 

This is because the NDIS:

  • is a maturing system that has been subjected to continual change during its eight-year rollout period (2013 to 2021)
  • has its own language and terminology
  • is run by many players – the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), its contracted Partners in the Community and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
  • has many layers – the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), the NDIS Regulations, the NDIA’s Operational Guidelines and NDIS-related Federal Court and Administrative Appeal Tribunal decisions

Your family's NDIS journey

The process of ‘getting into’, ‘going through’ or ‘being in’ the NDIS is something of a ‘journey’. For the parents, siblings of a child or adult with autism or intellectual disability, this journey will be a lifelong one, and will include most of the below steps:

  • Applying for NDIS funding (or ‘accessing’ the NDIS)
  • Becoming a nominee (that is, the authorised NDIS representative for your family member)
  • Preparing to make your NDIS plan
  • Deciding on a NDIS funds management option
  • Attending a meeting with the NDIA, a Local Area Coordinator, an Early Childhood Partner to make your first plan
  • Understanding your NDIS plan
  • Implementing your NDIS plan, including contracting a funds or plan manager and service, accommodation and equipment providers (as applicable)
  • Managing your contracts with NDIS providers
  • NDIS plan reassessment (as scheduled in the plan cycle, or unscheduled and due to an unexpected change in circumstances)

How Special Voices can help you navigate the complexity of your family’s NDIS journey

NDIS appeals and complaints

  • Provide you with plain English legal and strategic advice to empower you to advocate for yourself or your family member in a NDIS appeal (internal or external review application) or in making a complaint about the NDIA, Local Area Coordinator, an Early Childhood Partner or a service provider (self-advocacy option – you need some expert guidance on the process, or a specific question answered, but don’t need me to hold your hand all the way)
  • Advise and act on your behalf at all or some stages of a NDIS appeal or a complaint resolution process (legal representation option – to save you the effort and stress, I manage the process for you)

NDIS plans

  • Help you to prepare for the NDIS first plan making and subsequent plan reassessment processes
  • Represent you, as an independent advocate, at the NDIS plan meeting
  • Help you to understand your NDIS plan, and the supports that the funding categories can/cannot be spent on 
  • Help you to understand your plan management options, and advise on the option best-suited to your family’s circumstances

Service agreements

  • Help you to review, understand, negotiate and draft service agreements before you sign up, so that the agreements work for your family
  • Help you to understand NDIS pricing
  • Advise you on, and/or legally represent you, in bringing an action against a service provider, at consumer or contract law

Other

  • Guide you through the NIDS nominee (authorised representative) appointment process
  • Help you to complete NDIS-related paperwork and correspondence
  • Answer in plain English any specific and curly questions that you may have about any aspect of the NDIS

Testimonials

5/5
Angela recently helped me and my family with a critical application to an Australian government department.

She wrote multiple submissions and letters to authorities to argue my case. Without her advocacy and professional advice, I would not have been able to proceed with my application, and she never hesitated to help me in my case.

I highly recommend Angela’s service to parents and families of people with intellectual and complex disabilities
M.R.N.Father
"As the NDIS advocate for my brother who has Down’s Syndrome, Angela has always shown a great passion and determination to ensure he achieves the best outcomes to improve his quality of life.

Angela has an acute knowledge of the legal and operational functions of the NDIS and through all her hard work, persistence and negotiating skills, has even just recently managed to obtain a substantial increase in his funding and home care package.

I would highly recommend Angela to anyone seeking an honest, compassionate and diligent professional for their NDIS advocacy, who will always fight hard for the rights and wellbeing of people with disability and their families."
P.C.Brother
Angela explained the [NDIS] scheme, how it works and what it means to people who need it, to a broad range of people who found her presentation extremely informative and clarifying.

Angela’s ability to relate to people and answer their NDIS and legal questions in an easy to understand and friendly manner was greatly appreciated by all.

I would strongly recommend Angela’s professional services and personal experience, (as a guardian & advocate to her brother) to people with disability, their families, carers and advocates.
David AbelaCo Ordinator, Citizen Advocacy Sunbury
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Why Choose Special Voices

Easy-to-understand, plain English legal advice

Reasonable fees disclosed up-front

100% independent - I have your back

Empathy for families from lived experience

25 years' experience in disability law

Certified by the Victorian Legal Services Board

Next steps

How do I get Special Voices to help me and my family?

1

Book a consultation

The first step is to book a consultation with me. We will talk about your problem and get to know each other.

2

Receive a proposal

I will send you a written proposal detailing how I can help you to solve your problem. This will include a quote for the proposed work (no hidden or surprise costs down the track).

3

Get your problem solved

We work together to solve your problem and achieve your desired outcome as quickly as possible.

Book a consultation

Book a consultation

Book a consultation to discuss your NDIS problems and how Special Voices can help.

Book a consultation

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Special Voices is a bespoke, private legal practice specialising in helping the parents and siblings of children and adults with autism or intellectual disability solve their problems with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and substitute decision-making systems.

Contact

Level 30, 35 Collins Street (Collins Place), Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia

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