Intellectual Disability and the NDIS: What You Need to Know!

Intellectual disability is part of everyday life for many people and families across Australia.

It is also one of the most common disability groups supported by the NDIS, particularly for children, young people and adults who need ongoing help with learning, daily living and community participation.

At Lifely, we support people with intellectual disability of all ages across regional Victoria, Melbourne’s outer west and border communities in New South Wales and South Australia. In some situations, we may also support people in other locations based on individual needs.

Our approach is local, respectful and focused on what matters to you. Lifely has more than 40 years’ experience supporting people with intellectual disability, working alongside families, carers and communities.

We use the social model of disability, which means we focus on the environment, attitudes and supports around a person, not on “fixing” them. This approach shapes how we deliver intellectual disability and NDIS supports every day.

This guide explains intellectual disability and the NDIS in simple, easy-to-read language.

What Is Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability is a lifelong disability that affects a person’s:

• Learning and understanding
• Problem-solving and reasoning
• Everyday skills such as communication, social interaction and self-care

Intellectual disability begins before adulthood and is often identified in childhood, although some people are diagnosed later.

People with intellectual disability have a wide range of strengths, abilities and support needs. There is no single “type” of intellectual disability.

Some people prefer the term person with an intellectual disability. Others may use different language. At Lifely, we always use the words you or your family prefer.

There is no single test for intellectual disability. Diagnosis usually involves assessments by psychologists and other health professionals, combined with information from families, schools and support services.

How Common Is Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability affects many people and families across Australia.

The State of Play in Intellectual Disability Health report, released in March 2025 by the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, estimates that people with intellectual disability make up around 1.8 per cent of Australia’s population. Intellectual disability is more common in males than females, particularly in childhood.

The report also highlights inequality in access to health, education and early support. Around 8 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have an intellectual disability, which is significantly higher than in the general population.

People with intellectual disability often experience more complex health needs and may require extra support to stay well. This can mean more frequent use of public health services and the need for better access to coordinated, preventative and ongoing care across a person’s life.

These findings help explain why timely, appropriate and ongoing support through intellectual disability and the NDIS is so important. With the right supports in place, people with intellectual disability can build skills, stay connected to their community and enjoy a good quality of life.

How Intellectual Disability Can Look at Different Ages

Intellectual disability can affect people differently across their life.

Babies and young children may:

• reach developmental milestones later
• need extra help with learning and communication
• require support with play and social interaction

School-aged children may:

• need learning adjustments or specialist education
• find change or new routines challenging
• benefit from extra support with friendships and social skills

Teenagers and adults may:

• need help with daily living skills
• require support to work, study or volunteer
• benefit from structure, routine and clear communication

Support needs can change over time, especially during major life transitions.

Levels of Intellectual Disability

You may hear intellectual disability described as mild, moderate, severe or profound. These terms are used in clinical settings to describe how much support a person may need with learning and everyday activities.

These levels do not describe a person’s value, personality or potential. They are used to help plan the right supports.

At Lifely, we focus on the person, not the label.

Does the NDIS Support People With Intellectual Disability?

Yes. The NDIS does fund support for people with intellectual disability.

Intellectual disability is one of the largest disability groups on the NDIS. Many participants with intellectual disability need ongoing support with daily life, communication, decision-making and community participation.

NDIS funding:

• Is not means-tested
• Is based on individual support needs
• Looks different for every person

Children aged eight and under may receive NDIS support through the early childhood approach, even before a formal diagnosis, if developmental delay or disability is evident.

What Supports Can the NDIS Fund?

Depending on your goals, intellectual disability and NDIS supports may include:

• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Psychology
• Behaviour support
• Help at home or in the community
• Social and life skills development
• Support with work, study or volunteering

How Lifely Supports People With Intellectual Disability

Lifely has more than 40 years’ experience supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual disability. Where reasonable and necessary, our services can support people to reach their goals and enjoy everyday life.

NDIS supports

One-on-one support
Personalised support for children, teens and adults in Bendigo and Mildura, including nearby towns within about 40 km of each CBD. Other locations may be considered based on individual needs.

Read more about one-on-one support

In-home support
Support across Bendigo, Mildura and surrounding areas, helping people live independently and feel safe and comfortable at home.

Learn more about in-home support

Personal care
Personal disability care is hands-on support that helps a person with everyday personal tasks, such as showering, dressing, toileting and getting ready for the day, in a safe, respectful and private way.

Find out more about Lifely approach to personal care

Shared support
Sharing NDIS support means two or more people, such as friends, family members or housemates, receive support together when they have similar needs, allowing them to share a support worker while still getting help that suits each person.

Learn more about how Lifely can support friends and family together

Community participation
Community participation support helps a person take part in everyday activities in their local community, such as going to shops, cafés, events, sports or classes, building confidence, skills and social connections.

Find out how Lifely can help connect you with your community.

Our Choice day program
A structured and supportive day program for adults, based in Bendigo, that is community-based rather than centre-based, supporting people to get out and about, take part in real-world activities and stay connected to their local community.
Learn more about what makes Our Choice unique.

Social groups
Inclusive social groups for children, teens and adults in Bendigo and Mildura, focused on friendship, confidence and fun.
Find a Lifely social group that suits your needs

Level 2 support coordination
Level 2 support coordination helps you understand your NDIS plan, find and connect with the right services, and build the skills and confidence to manage your supports and reach your goals. Available across Ballarat, Bendigo, Maryborough, Mildura and surrounding communities.
Read more about support coordination

Plan management
Available Australia-wide, with a strong focus on regional Victoria. Plan management helps you manage your NDIS funding by paying providers, tracking your budget and handling invoices, so you can focus on your life and goals instead of paperwork.

Learn more about plan management

Supported Independent Living
Support to live as independently as possible in Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura and nearby communities. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS-funded support that helps people with disability live as independently as possible at home, with help from support workers for daily tasks, routines and building life skills.

Learn more about Lifely’s SIL services

Non-NDIS Supports

Carer and family support
Available in Bendigo and Mildura for unpaid carers of people with disability. Includes in-home respite, family holidays, carer support groups and a young carer social group.

Find out how Lifely supports families and carers

All-abilities sport
Bendigo Netball for All, Mildura Basketball for All and Mildura Dancing for All. Junior and senior participants welcome. No NDIS required.

Learn more about our all-abilities sports teams

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
High-intensity after-school and holiday programs for children with disabilities attending specialist schools in Bendigo, Melton and Sunbury.

Learn more about OSHC at Lifely
Learn more about the high-intensity OSHC program

You Are Not Alone

With the right support, people with intellectual disability can live full, meaningful lives in their local community.

Talk to Lifely

If you or someone you care for has an intellectual disability and needs support, our friendly intake team is ready to help.

Call 1300 799 421
Email intake@lifely.org.au
Complete the Lifely disability services intake form online
Fill in the Lifely carer support services form online