Empowering Lives Through Personalised Support – 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach, Melbourne
Up to 700,000 Australians live with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) that affects their ability to perform everyday tasks, form relationships, or engage in work and community life. ABI can be sudden and life-altering, leaving individuals and families seeking clarity, direction, and reliable support.
At 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach, we’re dedicated to walking beside people with ABI on their journey toward recovery, independence, and personal empowerment. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can support you or a loved one with an ABI—and how we can help make it all a little easier to navigate.
What is Acquired Brain Injury?
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth. Unlike developmental or congenital conditions, ABI results from an external or internal event. Common causes of ABI include:
Traumatic incidents (car accidents, falls, assaults)
Stroke
Infections (e.g., meningitis or encephalitis)
Brain tumours
Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
Degenerative neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease)
The impacts of ABI can vary widely. Some people may recover well, while others may live with long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
How ABI Affects Daily Life
ABI can lead to subtle or significant changes in how a person:
Thinks and processes information
Retains memory
Regulates emotions
Communicates and socialises
Manages personal care and safety
Physically moves or coordinates body functions
These changes often result in the need for ongoing support, therapy, or supervision to live safely and meaningfully. That’s where the NDIS comes in.
Is ABI Covered Under the NDIS?
Yes—if the impacts are permanent or likely to be long-term, and they significantly affect daily life. ABI may be recognised under the NDIS if it causes:
Cognitive impairments (e.g., issues with memory, reasoning)
Intellectual or learning difficulties
Mental health challenges (e.g., mood regulation, behavioural control)
Physical disabilities (e.g., reduced mobility, coordination problems)
Communication or social interaction barriers
To be eligible, applicants must meet general NDIS criteria, which include:
Age under 65 at the time of application
Australian citizenship or permanent residency
A permanent or likely lifelong disability that impacts functional capacity
Key Functional Areas Considered:
Mobility
Communication
Learning
Social interaction
Self-care
Self-management
You can check eligibility using the NDIS Access Checklist.
How the NDIS Can Help People with ABI
The NDIS supports people with ABI by funding the reasonable and necessary supports that improve quality of life, increase independence, and allow participants to engage with their community.
These supports fall into three major funding categories:
1. Core Supports
What They Help With:
Daily activities, transport, consumables, and social/community participation.
Examples:
Hiring a support worker for personal care or daily tasks
Assistance with meals, cleaning, or transport
Support to attend community or social groups
2. Capacity Building Supports
What They Help With:
Developing life skills, learning to manage finances, improving social skills, and preparing for work or study.
Examples:
Occupational therapy to increase independence at home
Psychology or counselling to manage behaviour or emotions
Support coordination to manage NDIS plans
Help with goal setting and life planning
3. Capital Supports (Assistive Technology & Home Modifications)
What They Help With:
Equipment, technologies or home changes that improve function or safety.
Examples:
Communication aids for people with speech/language difficulties
Mobility devices like walking aids or wheelchairs
Smart devices to assist with memory or scheduling
Safety rails, ramps or modified bathrooms
NDIS vs Health System: Who Does What?
It’s important to understand that NDIS is not responsible for rehabilitation services that are the domain of the mainstream health system (e.g., hospital rehab after stroke or surgery).
However, once rehabilitation is complete, and long-term impacts are identified, NDIS can step in to support ongoing needs.
Real-Life Examples of ABI Support via the NDIS
Case 1 – Emma, 29, ABI from a Car Accident
Emma experienced a traumatic brain injury after a car accident. The NDIS funds:
A support worker for personal care and grocery shopping
Cognitive therapy to assist with memory retention
Community access support to reconnect with social networks
Case 2 – Robert, 58, ABI from Stroke
Robert had a stroke resulting in mobility issues and difficulty with speech. His NDIS plan includes:
Physiotherapy and speech therapy
Modifications to his home
Technology to assist with communication
Transport assistance to attend group activities
The Role of a Lived Experience NDIS Coach
At 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach, we know how confusing and frustrating the NDIS process can be. That’s why we provide:
One-on-one coaching from people who understand disability
Help with accessing the NDIS, preparing reports, or reviews
NDIS plan interpretation and goal-setting guidance
Ongoing support coordination, mentoring and skill-building
Our personal lived experience means we relate better, advocate harder, and guide with empathy.
Ready to Get Support?
If you or someone you love is living with the effects of Acquired Brain Injury, you're not alone—and you don’t need to navigate the NDIS alone either.
Reach out to 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach today:
? 1300-09-09-88
? hi@123coach.com.au
? www.123coach.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is ABI the same as a developmental disability?
No. ABI refers to injuries to the brain after birth, whereas developmental disabilities are present from birth or early childhood.
2. Can I apply for the NDIS while in hospital or rehab after ABI?
Yes, you can begin the NDIS application process while in hospital or rehabilitation, but the long-term effects of your injury must be clearly documented to demonstrate eligibility.
3. Will the NDIS fund my rehabilitation services?
No, short-term rehabilitation and acute hospital care are funded by the public health system. However, NDIS can fund long-term supports needed after rehab ends.
4. What types of therapies can the NDIS fund for ABI?
NDIS may fund occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech therapy, behaviour therapy, and skill-building programs—as long as they are related to your disability needs.
5. Can NDIS fund a support worker to help me study or work?
Yes, the NDIS can fund supports that help you access or sustain employment or education, such as a job coach or a mentor.
6. I only need help remembering things and managing emotions. Can I still be eligible?
Yes. Cognitive and emotional impairments are just as significant as physical ones. If these issues are ongoing and impact daily life, you may be eligible.
7. Will I have to reapply for the NDIS every year?
No. Once you are accepted, you don’t need to reapply, but your plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure your supports match your current needs.
8. How do I show the impact of ABI on my daily life in the application?
Include medical reports, functional assessments, and input from therapists or support workers. Your NDIS Coach can help compile and interpret this evidence.
9. Can NDIS help my family or carers?
Yes. The NDIS can fund carer training, respite support, and assistive technologies that ease the carer’s load.
10. How do I start with 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach?
Simply call us on 1300-09-09-88 or email hi@123coach.com.au. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and help guide you through every step of the NDIS journey.
Final Thoughts
Living with an Acquired Brain Injury doesn’t mean giving up your goals. With the right support, recovery is not only possible—it’s achievable. The NDIS offers a framework of practical assistance and funding, while 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach brings the understanding, coaching and empowerment to help you thrive.
123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach – Personalised Support for Every Step Forward.
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been where you are, and we’re here to help.
