Supporting People with disability

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative designed to provide individualised support to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

The NDIS offers funding for a range of services, including support to increase social participation, support with daily activities and funding for allied health. The NDIS can also provide support for people to participate in sports and recreational activities, making it easier for people with disabilities to lead active and fulfilling lives. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can provide funding to support your participation in footy. The NDIS can only fund supports that are related to your disability and to the goals in your NDIS plan.

This might include: 

• Specialised equipment, such as wheelchairs for wheelchair AFL or other adaptive sports gear. 
• Support workers to assist you attend and participate in footy activities.  
• Assisting with some costs associated with attending sporting events or training. 
• Membership fees for disability sports programs. 

To find out if you might be eligible for the NDIS, you can use Maple’s NDIS Eligibility Calculator to find out if you qualify for support under the NDIS. 

To find out how much funding you may be eligible for, you can use Maple’s NDIS Funding Calculator to get an estimate of the potential funding you may be entitled to receive based on your individual disability needs. 

If you don’t already have an NDIS plan, you may be eligible. The process involves: 

• Checking Eligibility: Use Maple's NDIS Eligibility Quiz to see if you qualify. You can also contact the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator for more information.  
• Applying: If eligible, collect evidence and submit an application to the NDIA to receive an NDIS plan. 
• Creating Your Plan: If you meet access, you will meet with an NDIS representative to create your NDIS plan, including outlining your goals and what supports you will need to achieve them. 
• Using Your Plan: Once you have a plan, you can allocate funds towards your sporting goals.
• Resource: How to start an NDIS plan and what to consider when applying.

If you already have an NDIS plan, you’re well on your way to accessing the support you need to participate in footy. Here’s how you can use your existing plan to support your involvement in AFL and other sports: 

• Review Your Plan: Check your current NDIS plan to see what supports are already included that can help with your goals to participate in AFL programs. 
• Request a Plan Review: If your current plan doesn’t include funding for skill development or functional equipment, you can request a plan review. This process allows you to update your plan to better reflect your needs. 
• Allocate Funds: Either independently, or if you have a support coordinator and/or plan manager, you can allocate funds towards specific footy programs, equipment, or services you need. 
• Connect with Maple Community Services: For expert assistance and guidance, reach out to the team at Maple Community Services. They can help you navigate your NDIS plan, identify additional resources, and assist with connecting you with local AFL clubs or programs that offer inclusive sports opportunities.

Maple Community Services is a leading NDIS provider of support services for individuals with disabilities across Australia. With years of experience and a deep commitment to inclusivity, Maple has become a trusted partner for thousands of NDIS participants, helping them achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.

Maple's expertise in navigating the complexities of the NDIS, coupled with their passion for creating inclusive opportunities in sports, makes them a key player in the NDIS space.

We are proud to collaborate with Maple Community services to ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy and participate in Australian Rules Football.  Our core aim is to turn Australia's favourite sport into the most inclusive.