What are mainstream services? 

Mainstream services are supports that are available to both people with disability, and the wider community. 

This can include services like: 

• Healthcare services: This includes public hospitals, general practitioners (GPs), mental health services and dental care. People with disabilities can access these supports as part of their general healthcare, and separate form NDIS support services. 
• Education: Schools, Universities, and training programs. This includes general education, and any special accommodations for students with disabilities that schools provide. 
• Housing services: Public housing programs and affordable housing initiatives are part of mainstream services that assist anyone in need to access stable housing options. 
• Justice and law enforcement: From Police services to legal aid, court support and correctional services, this is available to everyone in the community. 
• Public Transport: such as buses, trains and other forms of public transport are mainstream, and are accessible for people with disabilities. 
• Employment services: Mainstream employment services offer job-seeking assistance, skills training and support for all job seekers, including people with disabilities. 

The list of mainstream services above is not exhaustive, there may be more support available to both NDIS participants and the wider community. However it is important to maximise the use of mainstream services, so your NDIS funding remains available for supports specific to your disability needs. 

Supports that are NDIS supports - “In’s” 

Disability supports that are eligible for funding by the NDIS, and you can use your plan funding to support include services and products that are specialised for disability support, and not generally required by the wider community. 

Examples of these services and supports are: 

• Assistive technology (e.g. wheelchairs, communication devices) 
• Home modifications for accessibility 
• Personal care support 
• Therapeutic supports (e.g. Occupational Therapy) 
• Employment support related to a participant’s disability needs. 
• Support by a provider to access mainstream services or venues and activities that are available to the wider community. It’s important to note, depending on your personalised NDIS plan, funding can be approved for supports to pay a provider to transport you to an activity that is not itself a support – or to a support that is delivered by another provider.

There are 37 categories of goods and services that are listed as NDIS funded supports. You read more about services by clicking here. 

Supports that are not NDIS supports - “Out’s” 

“Out’s” are supports and services that are not eligible for funding by your NDIS plan and includes products and services that are available in mainstream services, but also everyday expenses that everyone needs to cover, as part of day-to-day living. 

Examples include: 

• General living expenses like rent, food, and utilities. Note: The NDIS can provide funding for assistance with daily living, and can include food preparation services
• Items primarily for education or employment purposes - unless directly related to the participant’s disability support needs, e.g. communication devices
• General medical services and medications, as these fall under mainstream healthcare responsibilities. 
• General expenses for family members or other people without disabilities
• General expenses for travel, transportation, and admissions to venues available to the wider community and not disability specific. Note: Funding can be available for a support worker to assist with community engagement and community participation depending on your plan and individual goals.  

There are 15 categories of goods and services that are not NDIS supports. These are services, items and equipment that can’t be funded by the NDIS. You can read more by clicking here. 

Replacement Supports 

If you believe your goals could be better supported by alternative means that would meet your specific needs more effectively, you can request “replacement” supports. The NDIS reviews each request on a case-by-case basis to ensure it meets the NDIS funding principles. 

The replacement support might not be on the NDIS lists specifically, and you would have to demonstrate: 

• The replacement value and appropriateness
• The support you currently have funding for that it could replace
• How it will better help you achieve your goals.

For example, you might consider a kitchen appliance that could better assist you to cook by yourself, and  replace the need for prepared meals delivered on a regular basis. The NDIS may choose to fund this on the basis that the one-time cost might be better value than the regularly delivered meals, and it aligns with your goals for greater independence. 

IMPORTANT: A replacement support is not an extra support. It will replace an existing NDIS support in your plan. Your total budget amount will not change if the NDIS approves a replacement support. 

You can read more about replacement supports here. 

Questions? 

Reach out to one of our knowledgeable staff anytime on 1300 966 119, email hello@blitzit.com.au or use the chat box on our website.