New National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Navigator service to support parents and carers

Belmore School is excited to be part of the NDIS Navigators initiative. NDIS Navigators will be in all Victorian government specialist schools by 2025 to help you navigate and understand the NDIS and get the most out of the supports available for your child.

The NDIS Navigator will:

provide information and advice on the NDIS and available supports, including guidance on where to look for services and how to make the best selection for your child
support you to:
- understand the structure of the NDIS and how to navigate and engage with the system
- understand the ongoing management of NDIS plans and how to raise questions or concerns with the NDIA or NDIS funded organisations
assist you to access NDIS Local Area Coordination partners for advice and support.

Emily Crawford is our new NDIS Navigator at Belmore, working in this role one day a week from Term 1, 2024.

Emily can be contacted on 9859 8762 or email belmore.sch@education.vic.gov.au and would be delighted to discuss how the NDIS Navigator service can support your family.

FAQ's-for parents and carers

The Department of Education is committed to supporting children with disability and their families. That is why we are introducing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Navigators in all Victorian government specialist schools.

NDIS Navigators can help you to:

navigate and understand the NDIS
apply for and access NDIS funded supports for your child
understand activities like a plan reassessment.
find out how to raise issues about your child’s plan or with a provider.

NDIS Navigators will not:

contact the NDIS or NDIS funded therapists, or complete applications and paperwork on your behalf, but they can help you to do these things yourself
provide individual student case management or crisis management
recommend or make referrals to specific NDIS service providers.

Who does the NDIS Navigator work for?

The NDIS Navigator is employed by the school and works at the school. They do not work for the National Disability Insurance Agency or any NDIS funded agency.

Does it cost money to speak to the NDIS Navigator?

No, there is no charge for the NDIS Navigator’s services to you.

Do I have to get advice from the NDIS Navigator?

The NDIS Navigator’s services are completely optional. You do not need to speak to the NDIS Navigator to get support for your child from the NDIS or your school.

How do I find out more information?

For further information about the NDIS Navigator, contact Emily Crawford on 9859 8762 or email belmore.sch@education.vic.gov.au .

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