NDIS Support for Intellectual Disability
If you or someone you love has an intellectual disability, Homage can help with a wide range of supports, from personal care and nursing to community participation and skill-building.
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What Is Intellectual Disability?
An intellectual disability is a condition characterised by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. It typically presents before the age of 18 and affects how a person learns, reasons, solves problems, and manages everyday tasks.
Intellectual functioning refers to mental abilities such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving, often measured through IQ assessment.
Adaptive behaviour refers to the practical, social, and conceptual skills a person uses in everyday life, such as communicating, managing personal care, handling money, or navigating social situations.
Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition, which is one of the reasons the NDIS is so well positioned to provide sustained, funded support for people living with it.
Severity levels of intellectual disability
Intellectual disability is classified into four severity levels based on the level of support a person requires:
Mild intellectual disability: IQ range approximately 50-69. Many people can develop basic academic skills and live semi-independently with some support.
Moderate intellectual disability: IQ range approximately 35-49. Daily activities are possible with structured support. Communication skills can be developed.
Severe intellectual disability: IQ range approximately 20-34. Significant support is needed for daily living. Communication is limited, but some understanding is possible.
Profound intellectual disability: IQ below 20. Around-the-clock support is needed. May have associated physical and sensory disabilities.
Types of Intellectual Disability Supported by Homage and the NDIS
The NDIS supports people across a wide range of conditions that result in intellectual disability. Below are the most common conditions Homage works with, and how they sit within the NDIS eligibility framework.
- Down syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Angelman syndrome
- Global developmental delay
- Acquired brain injury (ABI)
- Mild intellectual disability
- Intellectual disability + autism
Not sure whether your condition qualifies? The NDIS eligibility checker is a good starting point, and our Support Coordination team can help you understand what evidence you need.
Does Intellectual Disability Qualify for the NDIS?
Yes. Intellectual disability is explicitly included in the NDIS eligibility framework.
Moderate, severe, and profound intellectual disability sits on NDIS Condition List A, meaning it is pre-accepted as meeting the NDIS impairment criteria without the need for additional functional assessment. 95% of applicants with intellectual disability are found eligible.
Basic eligibility criteria
- Under 65 years old at the time of application
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder living in Australia
- Permanent intellectual disability that significantly reduces functional capacity
- Requires ongoing disability-specific support for daily activities
Evidence you will need
- Psychologist’s report with IQ and adaptive behaviour assessment
- Specialist or paediatrician letter confirming diagnosis
- OT or speech pathology report (if relevant)
- Documentation of how the disability impacts everyday tasks
What Does the NDIS Fund for Intellectual Disability?
NDIS funding for intellectual disability is allocated across three budget categories. Each category funds a different type of support, and your plan will specify how much is available in each. See the Homage NDIS Budgets guide for a breakdown of how each budget works.
| Budget | What it funds | Examples of psychosocial disability funding |
|---|---|---|
| Core Supports | Everyday assistance that helps with daily activities and participation | Personal care, meal prep, transport, community access, respite |
| Capacity Building | Supports that develop skills and increase independence over time | Speech therapy, OT, psychology, job coaching, support coordination |
| Capital Supports | Higher-cost items supporting long-term independence | Assistive technology, home modifications, Supported Independent Living (SIL) |
What specific supports can be funded?
Within these three categories, the NDIS commonly funds the following for participants with intellectual disability
Daily living and personal care
- Bathing, grooming, dressing and toileting
- Meal preparation and feeding support
- Continence care and mobility assistance
- Help with household routines
Community and social participation
- Attending social groups and recreational activities
- Transport to appointments and community events
- Supported employment and job readiness
- Building friendships and social networks
Therapies and skill development
- Speech therapy and communication programs
- Occupational therapy and life skills training
- Psychology and behaviour support
- Social skills programs
Equipment and housing
- Communication devices and visual aids
- Adaptive tools and assistive technology
- Home modifications for safety and access
- Supported Independent Living arrangements
How does Homage work?
Speak to a Care Advisor
Call us at 0480 093 788 or request a callback from our friendly Care Advisory team. Learn more about our range of services and find out how Homage Care Professionals can help.
Make a Care Plan together
We will work with you to develop a personalised Care Plan based on your loved one’s health status, care requirements, and additional preferences.
Your personalised care begins
Together we will match you and your loved ones with an exceptional Care Professional. Stay up to date after every appointment with detailed reports on the Homage app.
FAQs for NDIS for Intellectual Disability
What is the difference between intellectual disability and a learning disability?
An intellectual disability affects overall cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviour, significantly impacting daily life across multiple areas.
A learning disability, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, affects specific areas of learning but does not significantly impact overall cognitive ability or adaptive functioning. The NDIS does not generally fund support for learning disabilities alone.
Does mild intellectual disability qualify for the NDIS?
Yes, but it requires stronger evidence. Mild intellectual disability (IQ 50-69) sits on NDIS Condition List B, meaning you need to demonstrate how the condition permanently and substantially impacts daily life.
A detailed psychological report and occupational therapy assessment are typically required.
Can someone with intellectual disability and autism receive NDIS support for both conditions?
Yes. The NDIS assesses the combined functional impact of all a participant’s diagnoses.
A participant with co-occurring intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder can receive supports addressing both conditions.
It is important to document all diagnoses clearly in the application.
What NDIS budget category covers personal care for intellectual disability?
Personal care and daily living assistance are funded under the Core Supports budget, specifically the Assistance with Daily Life support category.
Our NDIS Budgets guide explains how each category works in plain language.
Can I switch to Homage if I am unhappy with my current provider?
Yes. NDIS participants have the right to change providers at any time without waiting for a plan review. Reach out to us, and we can guide you through the transition.
Is Homage available for NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants?
Yes. Homage accepts all three funding types. For NDIA-managed participants, we submit invoices directly to the NDIA. For plan-managed participants, we invoice your plan manager.
For self-managed participants, we issue invoices directly to you. See our pricing page for details.
What is the difference between NDIS and My Aged Care for people with intellectual disabilities?
The NDIS is the relevant scheme for people with intellectual disabilities who are under 65.
My Aged Care is for people aged 65 and over. If you are unsure, our NDIS vs My Aged Care guide explains the key differences.
Does Homage provide support for children with intellectual disabilities?
Yes. Homage supports NDIS participants from age 7 upward. For children under 9, support is typically accessed through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, and Homage works alongside families to implement the supports in the child’s plan once it is approved.
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