Every child deserves a fair shot at learning, no matter their abilities. For students with intellectual disabilities, school can sometimes feel overwhelming—but that’s where the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) comes in. The NDIS helps fund support to make sure these kids get what they need to succeed in the classroom, whether it’s extra help from a support worker, access to assistive technology, or therapy sessions.
In this blog, we’ll break down how NDIS funding helps kids with intellectual disabilities in school, what kind of supports are available, and share real-life stories of families who’ve seen the difference firsthand.
1. What NDIS Can Fund to Help Kids in School
The NDIS isn’t just about funding therapy—it can actually make a big difference in a child’s school life too. Here are some of the key ways NDIS can help:
1.1 Assistive Technology to Make Learning Easier
Some kids need extra tools to help them learn, and NDIS funding can cover things like:
– Speech devices for kids who are non-verbal or have trouble communicating.
– Learning apps and software that make reading, writing, or organizing tasks easier.
– Noise-canceling headphones for kids who struggle with sensory overload.
– Specialized keyboards and tablets to help with writing and comprehension.
1.2 Therapy Services to Build Essential Skills
NDIS covers different types of therapy that can be done in or outside of school to help students build skills they need in the classroom. This includes:
– Speech therapy to help with communication and language development.
– Occupational therapy to improve fine motor skills (like handwriting) and independence.
– Physiotherapy to support kids with mobility or coordination challenges.
1.3 Extra Support in the Classroom
Sometimes, students need one-on-one support to help them participate in school activities. NDIS may cover:
– Disability support workers who assist during class or break times.
– Mentors or personal aides who help with daily tasks, behavior management, or social skills.
– Training for teachers and school staff so they can better support students with disabilities.
2. How NDIS Works with Schools
Parents often ask, “How do schools and NDIS work together?” The short answer is: NDIS helps fill the gaps that schools can’t cover.
2.1 Personalizing a Child’s Learning Experience
Schools create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities. While schools provide the core learning adjustments, NDIS steps in to fund additional supports like therapy, technology, and personal care that aren’t covered by the education system.
2.2 Funding Therapy During School Hours
Many families use NDIS funding for therapists to visit their child at school. This makes it easier to integrate therapy into their daily learning routine without disrupting their education.
2.3 Teacher Training and Support
NDIS may also fund workshops and training for teachers, so they’re better equipped to support students with intellectual disabilities in the classroom.
3. Real Stories: The Difference NDIS Makes in Schools
Hearing from families who’ve seen the impact of NDIS support can be inspiring. Here are a few real-world examples:
3.1 Mia’s Journey with a Speech Device
Mia, a 10-year-old with an intellectual disability, used to struggle with communication. Thanks to NDIS-funded assistive technology, she now has a speech-generating device that allows her to express herself in class, boosting her confidence and engagement.
3.2 Ethan’s Success with Occupational Therapy
Ethan found it hard to hold a pencil and write clearly, making schoolwork frustrating. Through NDIS-funded occupational therapy, he learned techniques to strengthen his grip and improve his writing, making school tasks much easier.
3.3 Olivia’s Inclusive Classroom Experience
Olivia has global developmental delay and needed extra help adjusting to a mainstream school setting. With NDIS-funded support workers, she has someone to assist her during lessons and social activities, helping her thrive in an inclusive environment.
How Careable Can Help
At Careable, we specialize in helping families navigate the NDIS and get the right support for their child’s education. We offer:
– Expert NDIS support Coordination to make sure funding is used effectively.
– Connections to therapists, support workers, and assistive tech providers.
– Step-by-step guidance for parents applying for NDIS-funded school supports.
– Collaboration with schools to ensure a smooth experience for students.
📞 Need help accessing NDIS educational supports? Call Careable at 1300 DECIDE or email us at cx@careable.com.au!
Final Thoughts
Education should be inclusive for every child, and the NDIS helps make that happen. Whether it’s assistive technology, therapy, or extra classroom support, NDIS ensures that students with intellectual disabilities get the tools they need to succeed.
If you’re a parent looking for guidance, Careable is here to help. Reach out today and let’s work together to create the best learning experience for your child. Because at Careable, compassion is at the heart of our care.
