NDIS – Albinism Fellowship of Australia

National Disability Insurance Scheme (7-65)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for Australians aged 7 to 65 with a permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. It will provide them with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life, taking a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. Having a diagnosis of albinism does not automatically qualify you for NDIS (although you need this as a basis). The type and amount of funding will depend on the effect your vision has on your ability to function in daily life and how it may prevent you from reaching your goals. Eligibility does not rely on a vision measurement (eg legally blind), but rather on your functional vision, how it effects your daily activity.

For those with albinism, the level of support may change over the lifetime, with areas of higher need in early childhood, as young children or during key changes in circumstance and lifestyle (eg during transitions in education levels or to employment, retirement etc). Once children have learned the skills to adapt to low vision they will not require the same support, and as teenagers or adults they may not need to have an NDIS plan. Once they have registered and been accepted, if they encounter a difficulty due to their vision or lack of melanin at a later time, they can apply for further assistance under a new plan.

Ideas to help adults with albinism understand the NDIS – (pdf) an AFA produced document.
Examples of prior successful NDIS funding for adults with albinism – (pdf) an AFA produced document.
Explaining Albinism Vision – (pdf) This AFA produced document can be used for demonstrating albinism vision to others – including NDIS planners or those in the workplace.
Sun and glare protection statement from the Albinism Fellowship of Australia – (pdf) This AFA document can be used to verify the need for sun and glare protection (including glasses, clothing, sunscreen, outdoor shade and home modifications).
AFA letter of support (example) to include the cost of attending the next AFA biennial conference in the NDIS plan.

It is important that you seek information directly from the NDIS website for the correct process and official guidelines, as the AFA is not an authority on this, nor an official provider. Easy Read Guides are also available and are a good starting point.