The NDIS can feel complex, with a lot of unfamiliar terminology and acronyms that can make it difficult to confidently understand your plan and the supports available to you.
At CPSN, we know that clarity matters. We’ve already broken down NDIS funding types and explained the different roles of a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and a Support Coordinator.
In this next instalment, we unpack some of the most common NDIS terms, phrases and acronyms so you can better understand your plan, your supports, and your choices.
a.
AT - Assistive Technology - Devices that assist individuals to do a task that they may be unable to do themselves
AFO = Ankle Foot Orthotics are an orthotic worn on the lower limb to support stability while also helping with muscle weakness and high muscle tone
AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication. - gives a person a way to communicate instead of speech. This may be using an electronic device, or app on a display, or may be via a book, commonly called a PODD
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
ART - Administrative Reviews Tribunal is the new name for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, which looks into NDIS reviews. This was previously known as the AAT - Administrative Appeals Tribunal
AHPA - Allied Health Professionals Australia is the peak body for Allied Health practitioners
b.
Brain Injury - A brain injury can occur at or near birth due to lack of oxygen or bleeding in the brain, resulting in a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.
c.
Capacity Building Supports - Supports in your NDIS plan aimed at building up your independence and improving your quality of life. Read a full breakdown of terms in your NDIS Plan
Capital Supports - supports in your plan for more specialised disability-related equipment, such as orthotics or new wheelchairs. Read a full breakdown of terms in your NDIS Plan
CLC (a CPSN acronym) - Customer Liason Coordinator that is assigned to you when you use CPSN’s Individual Supports that assists in coordinating your support worker team to deliver the supports you need.
CP - Cerebral Palsy is life long non-degenerative condition affecting movement and movement and muscle control
Community Access - Community access is a funding type determined by the NDIS. This funding type covers support workers assisting you to access the community
Core Supports- Core supports are your everyday essentials, the flexible part of your NDIS plan designed to help you manage daily living. These supports cover assistance with things like personal care, community access, transport, and consumables (such as continence aids or low-cost Assistive Technology). Read a full breakdown of terms in your NDIS Plan
Choice and Control - This ensures that the individual choosing support has the right to make their own decisions about their own support
d.
DES - Disability Employment Providers is a former program offered by the government to support people with disability in employment. This was replaced in late 2025 by Inclusive Employment Australia. You may still work or engage with a DES provider. You can find out more information about the change from DES to Inclusive Employment Australia here.
DSP - Disability Support Pension is a payment available via Services Australia to individuals with a disability who meet the eligibility criteria.
f.
FA – Fully Accessible SDA design category.
g.
GMFCS - Gross Motor Function Classification Scale and measures CP severity, rated 1 (low) to 5 (high)
h.
High complex Supports – Support that require a higher level of care, these may involve breathing machines, a catheter or feeding support.
HPS – High Physical Support SDA design category.
i.
ILC - Information, Linkages and Capacity building
ILO - Independent Living Options - A flexible way for an NDIS participant to choose how they want to live. ILO is often, but not always, in private accommodation and not staffed 24/7. Read more about our Independent Living Service
l.
LAC – Local Area Coordinator - A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is your starting point when working with the NDIS. Employed by the NDIS, they help you set up your plan. Read our breakdown of Local Area Coordinators vs Support Coordinators
m.
MPTP - Multi Purpose Taxi Program assist with accessibility and mobility needs by offering cheaper rides in taxi and rideshares
MYLAK - A Master Locksmiths Association access Key) key can help you gain access a 24/7 accessible toilet facilities within Australia.
My CP Guide - My CP Guide is a comprehensive online resource of credible information collected, reviewed and assessed by experts, relevant to all experiences of cerebral palsy
n.
NDIA - National Disability Insurance Agency - the Government Agency responsible for the NDIS
NDIS -National Disability Insurance Scheme - the Federal Scheme for funding disability supports
NDIS Commission - NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission is the regulating body that ensures the safety and quality of NDIS supports and services
o.
OT - Occupational Therapist is an allied health practitioner who can provide treatments
p.
PEG - Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding is a method that bypasses the mouth, delivering liquefied food and nutrients directly to the stomach
PODD communication - Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display is a book or other device containing symbols to enable communication via pointing or eye gaze
r.
R&N - Reasonable and Necessary
s.
SDA - Supported Disability Accommodation SIL: Supported Independent Living - Supported Independent Living - A flexible way for an NDIS participant to choose how they want to live. Sil is often, but not always, in shared accommodation and will have support workers available overnight. Read more about our Independent Living Service
Support Coordinator – A Service paid for with funds from your NDIS plan. A Support Coordinator is an expert at navigating the NDIS. If you have a Support coordinator, they can liaise with the NDIS on your behalf. Read our breakdown of Local Area Coordinators vs Support Coordinators
Support Worker – A person you may hire using NDIS or private funds to help assist you with things you cannot do, or may struggle to complete
STR - Short-Term Respite- NDIS term for out-of-home respite supports also called Short Term Respite. Formerly known as STA.
CPSN
