Access and Service Availability
Advice Care provides fair, transparent and person-centred access to disability support services for eligible NDIS participants across Melbourne.
Access Support
- Referral review
- Service suitability check
- Participant needs discussion
- Funding and plan review
- Support planning
- Clear communication
Access and Service Availability
Advice Care is committed to providing accessible, inclusive and person-centred services for NDIS participants. We aim to ensure participants, families, carers, support coordinators and referrers understand how services are accessed and when services may be available.
We believe every person should be treated with dignity, respect and fairness regardless of age, gender, cultural background, religion, disability, language, sexual orientation or personal circumstances.
Fair Access
We aim to provide fair and respectful access to services for eligible NDIS participants.
Clear Process
We explain the referral, review, service agreement and support planning process clearly.
Safe Support
We check whether supports can be provided safely and effectively before services start.
Who Can Access Our Services?
Advice Care provides support services to eligible NDIS participants who require assistance to achieve their goals and improve independence, wellbeing and community participation.
NDIS Participants
Participants can contact Advice Care directly to discuss support needs.
Families and Carers
Family members, carers, guardians and nominees may contact us with consent.
Support Coordinators
Support coordinators can submit referrals and discuss service availability.
Plan Managers
Plan managers may assist with funding information and service arrangements.
Health Professionals
Hospitals, healthcare providers and allied health professionals may refer.
Community Services
Schools and community organisations may contact us about participant support needs.
Our Access Process
Starting support should feel simple and clear. Advice Care follows a practical process to review referrals and confirm whether services are suitable and available.
1. Referral Received
We receive a referral or enquiry from the participant, family, carer or referrer.
2. Needs Review
We review participant needs, goals, location, funding and service requirements.
3. Initial Discussion
We speak with the participant, family, representative or support coordinator.
4. Availability Check
We check service capacity, worker availability, suitability and safety requirements.
5. Service Agreement
We explain supports, responsibilities, privacy, cancellations, fees and service terms.
6. Support Starts
Support begins once arrangements are agreed and suitable supports are available.
Service Availability
Service availability depends on participant location, support requirements, staffing availability, funding arrangements, participant preferences and operational capacity.
Advice Care aims to respond to referrals promptly and provide realistic information about waiting times and service availability.
- Participant suburb and travel distance
- Type of support required
- Preferred support days and times
- Worker availability and matching
- Safety and risk considerations
- NDIS funding and plan details
Important Information
Submitting a referral does not automatically guarantee service availability. Each referral is assessed individually to ensure supports can be delivered safely and effectively.
Submit ReferralWhen We May Not Be Able to Provide Services
There may be situations where Advice Care cannot immediately provide services. Where possible, we will discuss alternative options or referral pathways.
No Current Capacity
There may be no current service capacity in the participant’s area.
Outside Scope
The required supports may be outside Advice Care’s current scope of service.
Specialist Needs
Participant needs may require specialist services not currently available.
Safety Concerns
Work health and safety risks may not be able to be reasonably managed.
Funding Not Clear
Funding arrangements may be unclear, unavailable or not suitable for the requested support.
Service Matching
A suitable worker or service match may not be available at the requested time.
Equal Access and Non-Discrimination
Advice Care is committed to equal access and does not unlawfully discriminate against any person seeking services. We promote diversity, inclusion and cultural safety in all aspects of service delivery.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- People of all genders and sexual orientations
- People of all faiths and beliefs
- Children, young people and adults
Inclusive Support
We aim to respect each participant’s rights, culture, language, identity, privacy and dignity.
Privacy & ConsentReasonable Adjustments
Advice Care will work with participants to identify reasonable adjustments that support communication, understanding, participation and access to services.
Language Support
Interpreter or language support may be considered where required.
Communication Support
Alternative communication methods may be used to support understanding.
Accessible Information
Information may be provided in clearer or more accessible formats where possible.
Flexible Meetings
Meeting arrangements may be adjusted based on participant needs.
Support Person
Participants may involve a support person where consent is provided.
Participant Choice
We support participant choice and control during planning and service access.
Participant Choice and Control
Advice Care recognises participant choice and control as a core principle of the NDIS. Participants have the right to choose their service provider, make decisions about supports, provide feedback, raise complaints without fear of disadvantage and request changes to supports where appropriate.
We aim to communicate clearly, respect participant decisions and support each person to stay involved in their own support planning.
Need to Check Service Availability?
Contact Advice Care to discuss support needs, service availability, referral options and next steps.
Make a ReferralFrequently Asked Questions
Does submitting a referral guarantee service?
No. Each referral is reviewed based on service suitability, safety, location, funding and current availability.
Who can make a referral to Advice Care?
Participants, families, carers, support coordinators, plan managers, health professionals and community organisations may contact Advice Care.
What affects service availability?
Availability may depend on participant location, support needs, funding, preferred times, staffing and safety requirements.
Can Advice Care make reasonable adjustments?
Yes. Advice Care can consider reasonable adjustments to support communication, understanding, participation and access to services.