It is even more important to stay healthy now, and one way to do so is by engaging in sports. Studies have shown that this has great benefits physically, mentally, and even socially. Mindfully working on these aspects of our lives leads to a significant improvement in quality. But we also know that this can be costly, and not everyone can afford to finance their sporting equipment to achieve this. Luckily, the NDIS aims to help eligible people reach their goals through their plans, which can also cover sporting expenses if they are essential to the objectives of your plan.
First, let’s have a look at the two NDIS support categories for sports:
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Increased Social & Community Participation
This support focuses on building one’s capacity and ability. It covers sports and group activities that are instrumental in developing one’s skills in sports and in being able to socialize in group settings for better social development. Examples of the activities covered here include team sports, fitness classes, and other sports that enhance specific skills. This can also cover more personal activities, such as one-on-one sports and classes for activities.
Assistance with Social and Community Participation
Being the support that focuses more on one’s core and values, this is more considerate and lenient. Under this, a more comprehensive range of activities is offered as well as services. This is inclusive of having moral and physical support by a support person to boost morale. This category is not exclusive to specific disabilities. Instead, it encourages diversity and the ability to socialize and have fun with each other.
Now, for the funding of sporting gear by the NDIS, it also falls under two categories:
Special Equipment or Assistive Technology
This refers to sporting gears that need to be customized to better aid one person’s specific needs. A specialist disability supplier provides products like these, and in turn, are more pricey than standard sports equipment because of all the modifications. An OT assessment, a process carried out by an occupational therapist, is then performed to determine if the modified product is necessary for the participant and suits their needs appropriately. Once that is done, and the equipment is approved, the NDIS would deem it valid and compensate for this.
Modified Daily Adaptive Equipment
This applies to purchasing a regular sporting product or equipment that only needs to be tweaked to fit an individual’s needs, such as using add-ons or modifying certain parts to best cater to the person. While it is not a fully custom-made product, the NDIS will not cover the total cost of the excess spent. They will fund any alterations made outside the standard retail price. The participant would only need to pay the original base price of the product and let the NDIS pay for the rest.
For questions about NDIS funds or if you what to have your plan managed, check NDIS plan management Sydney or any NDIS accredited agencies near you.
Also read: Tips for Buying Sportswear Online
