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. Think of it as a reference you can come back to whenever something doesn’t quite make sense.
A.
AT
Assistive Technology
Devices that assist individuals in doing tasks that they may be unable to do themselves
AFO
Ankle Foot Orthotics
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
ART
Administrative Reviews Tribunal
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
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
A CPSN staff member 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
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
A payment available via Services Australia to individuals with a disability who meet the eligibility criteria.
G.
GMFCS
Gross Motor Function Classification Scale
Measures CP severity on a scale 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
This can assist with accessibility and mobility needs by offering cheaper rides in taxi and rideshares
MYLAK
Master Locksmiths Association Access Key
This special 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 National Disability Insurance Scheme
NDIS
National Disability Insurance Scheme
The Federal Scheme for funding disability supports
NDIS Commission
National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguard Commission
This commison is the regulating body that ensures the safety and quality of National Disability Insurance Scheme supports and services
O.
OT
Occupational Therapist
An allied health practitioner who can provide treatments
P.
PEG
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding
This feeding method bypasses the mouth, delivering liquefied food and nutrients directly to the stomach
PODD communication
Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display
A book or other device containing symbols to enable communication via pointing or eye gaze
R.
R&N
Reasonable and Necessary
A way the National Disability Insurance Scheme measures if a funding type is needed in your plan.
S.
SDA
Supported Disability Accommodation
SIL
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
Is a term for out-of-home respite supports also called Short Term Respite. Formerly known as STA.
CPSN
