NDIS Transport Support Guide: Options for Enhanced Independence

Ndis travel and transport assistance is an important aspect of NDIS, ensuring participants can access healthcare services, employment opportunities, and social activities. The following guide outlines some of the different options available for NDIS transport support.

Individuals are eligible for transport funding when they work with a planner or coordinator to develop a personalised plan. This involves a process that covers the following elements:

Public transport

NDIS participants can get funding for public transport if they need help with getting to places such as medical appointments, shopping or community activities. This is a core support item and it can be claimed through your NDIS online portal. However, this funding only covers the cost of travel for the participant and doesn’t include any expenses related to family members, carers or service providers.

NDIA Assist Travel/Transport services are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual participant, including wheelchair accessibility and flexible pricing options. These services provide door-to-door transport assistance and include public transport training, taxi or rideshare services, vehicle modifications, and regional and remote travel support.

Participants can also build additional transport supports into their NDIS plans, such as driving assistance from a support worker or Occupational Therapist. This is typically funded through the Capacity Building component of their plan, or as an Increased Social and Community Participation support item. This can be a great option for those who want to avoid the costs and commitments of owning their own car.

Private transport

NDIS participants who prefer private transport services can choose specialised vehicles from registered NDIS service providers. These vehicles are specially designed for people with disabilities and can accommodate wheelchairs. The NDIS can also provide transport funding to cover these expenses, which come out of the Improved Daily Living budget.

Alternatively, NDIS participants can use general transport funding to pay a provider to travel with them on public buses or trains. However, this only relates to the participant and doesn’t include their family or support workers.

This type of transport assistance can be booked through a taxi or private car service and is like having your own chauffeur! It’s an ideal solution for NDIS participants who can’t easily get around or are unable to navigate public transportation. It’s a great way to attend appointments, go shopping, or visit friends. It can also be used to help you learn how to use public transport, which will boost your independence.

Support workers

The NDIS can fund a variety of transport services for people with disabilities, including public transport, taxi or rideshare services, and customised vehicle modifications. These can be a great way to overcome challenges related to independent travel, and help participants build confidence. These services are often funded under the Capacity Building and Assistive Technology categories.

NDIS funding can also be used to pay a support worker to accompany the participant on community involvement or social connections trips. These expenses are typically charged at an hourly rate and detailed in the service agreement between the Participant and Provider.

It’s important that NDIS providers correctly claim worker travel time and costs. This helps ensure that they’re not overpaying for these expenses, and it also makes the NDIS more likely to reimburse the correct amount. Software like ShiftCare can help make this process easier by attaching travel allowances to shift records, improving accuracy and record-keeping.

Vehicle modifications

NDIS vehicle modifications are designed to help individuals with disabilities navigate their daily lives more easily. These modifications can include hand controls, technology for transporting a wheelchair safely in or on vehicles, and other adaptive equipment that improves accessibility and comfort. However, the NDIS does not cover general car-related expenses such as the purchase of a vehicle or regular maintenance.

The NDIS can also fund specialised transportation services, such as taxis or rideshare services, to allow participants to travel independently and comfortably. They may also fund a support worker to accompany them during their travels and provide assistance as needed. Funding for travel and transport assistance is provided through a structured process, ensuring that the support is tailored to the participant’s needs and goals. This is achieved through a combination of planning, coordination, and advocacy. This approach promotes a holistic, person-centered approach to disability care and is essential for improving independence and community engagement.