NDIS Glossary: 100+ Terms Every Provider Should Know

How to Use This Glossary

This glossary covers more than 100 terms that Australian NDIS providers encounter during registration, audit preparation, day-to-day operations, and compliance management. Each entry provides a plain English definition followed by practical context explaining how the term applies to your work as a provider.

Terms are organised alphabetically. Where an acronym is commonly used, we list both the acronym and the expanded form. Cross-references to related terms are included to help you build a complete understanding of how NDIS concepts connect to each other.

If you are preparing for your first NDIS audit, we recommend reading this glossary alongside our SIL Rescue Kit documentation, which provides the actual policy documents, forms, and registers you will need.

A

ABI (Acquired Brain Injury)

A brain injury that occurs after birth, caused by trauma, stroke, infection, tumour, or substance abuse. ABI is a common disability type within the NDIS, and participants with ABI often require specialised support approaches including behaviour support, cognitive rehabilitation, and structured daily routines. Providers delivering supports to participants with ABI should have staff trained in brain injury awareness.

ABN (Australian Business Number)

An 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government and community. You must have an active ABN to apply for NDIS registration. Your ABN must be consistent across all documentation including your NDIS application, service agreements, and invoices.

ACQSC (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission)

The Commonwealth regulatory body for aged care services. While separate from the NDIS Commission, the ACQSC is relevant because some providers deliver both aged care and disability services. Where a provider operates across both sectors, they must meet the compliance requirements of both regulators independently.

ADL (Activities of Daily Living)

Basic self-care tasks that people perform every day, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (moving between bed and chair), and continence management. ADLs are a core component of SIL support and are frequently referenced in support plans, progress notes, and funding justifications. See also: IADL.

Adverse Event

Any event that results in harm or has the potential to result in harm to a participant. Adverse events must be documented and may need to be reported as incidents depending on their severity. Providers must have systems to identify, record, and learn from adverse events as part of their continuous improvement processes.

Advocacy

Speaking up or acting on behalf of a person with disability to promote and protect their rights. NDIS providers must inform participants of their right to access independent advocacy services and must not restrict this right. Advocacy organisations include the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) providers.

APPs (Australian Privacy Principles)

The 13 privacy principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) that regulate how organisations handle personal information. NDIS providers must comply with the APPs when collecting, using, disclosing, and storing participant information. Key APPs for providers include APP 3 (collection), APP 6 (use or disclosure), APP 8 (cross-border disclosure), and APP 11 (security).

AQA (Approved Quality Auditor)

An organisation approved by the NDIS Commission to conduct quality audits against the NDIS Practice Standards. AQAs are accredited by JAS-ANZ and employ auditors with expertise in disability services. When applying for NDIS registration, you must engage an AQA to conduct either a verification or certification audit depending on your registration groups. Examples include SAI Global, BSI Group, and HDAA.

Assertive Outreach

A proactive approach to engaging participants who may be reluctant to access supports or who have complex needs that make traditional service delivery difficult. Assertive outreach is particularly relevant for participants experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or psychosocial disability.

Assistive Technology (AT)

Equipment, devices, or systems that help a person with disability perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do, or that make tasks easier and safer. AT ranges from low-cost items (non-slip mats, modified cutlery) to high-cost items (powered wheelchairs, communication devices). AT is a specific NDIS registration group with its own requirements.

Audit

A formal assessment of a provider's compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards, conducted by an Approved Quality Auditor. There are two types: verification audits (desktop review, for lower-risk registration groups) and certification audits (onsite assessment, for higher-risk groups including SIL). See also: Verification Audit, Certification Audit.

B

Banning Order

A legal order issued by the NDIS Commissioner that prohibits a person from providing NDIS supports and services. Banning orders are published on a public register and can be issued against individuals who have breached the NDIS Code of Conduct or who pose an unacceptable risk to participants. A banning order effectively ends a person's career in the disability sector.

Behaviour Support

Specialist services that assess and address behaviours of concern through evidence-based, person-centred strategies. Behaviour support practitioners develop Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) that prioritise positive approaches and aim to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices. Behaviour support is a specific NDIS registration group requiring practitioners with appropriate qualifications.

Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)

A written document developed by a behaviour support practitioner that identifies the reasons for behaviours of concern, outlines proactive strategies to reduce those behaviours, and specifies any authorised restrictive practices. BSPs must be lodged with the NDIS Commission and reviewed at least annually. SIL providers supporting participants with BSPs must ensure all staff are trained in the plan's strategies.

Bilateral Agreement

An agreement between the Commonwealth Government and a state or territory government about NDIS implementation, including funding arrangements, transition timelines, and the transfer of state-based disability services to the NDIS. Bilateral agreements affect which services are "in scope" for NDIS funding in each jurisdiction.

BSP

See Behaviour Support Plan.

C

CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)

A term used to describe communities, families, and individuals from cultural backgrounds other than the dominant Anglo-Australian culture, who may speak languages other than English at home. NDIS providers must ensure culturally safe and responsive service delivery for CALD participants, including access to interpreters, culturally appropriate communication, and respect for cultural practices around care and disability.

Capacity Building

NDIS supports that help participants build their skills and independence over time. Capacity building supports are time-limited and outcome-focused, as distinct from core supports which fund ongoing day-to-day assistance. Examples include support coordination, improved daily living skills, and therapeutic supports.

Certification Audit

An onsite audit conducted by an Approved Quality Auditor for providers registering in higher-risk registration groups (including SIL, SDA, behaviour support, and early intervention). Certification audits involve document review, staff interviews, participant interviews, and facility inspections. The audit assesses compliance against the NDIS Practice Standards Core Module plus any applicable supplementary modules. Certification is valid for three years, with a mid-term audit at approximately 18 months.

CI (Continuous Improvement)

An ongoing process of identifying opportunities to improve the quality and safety of supports and services. The NDIS Practice Standards require providers to maintain a continuous improvement system that includes collecting feedback, analysing incidents and complaints, conducting internal audits, and implementing corrective actions. Providers must maintain a CI register documenting identified improvements, actions taken, and outcomes achieved.

Code of Conduct

The NDIS Code of Conduct, established under Section 73V of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, sets out eight behavioural requirements that all NDIS workers and providers must follow. The Code applies to both registered and unregistered providers. All workers must acknowledge the Code in writing, and providers must provide Code of Conduct training at induction and annually.

Complaints Management

The system providers must have in place for receiving, recording, responding to, and resolving complaints from participants, families, staff, and other stakeholders. The NDIS Practice Standards require an accessible complaints process that is communicated to all participants, does not result in adverse consequences for the complainant, and feeds into continuous improvement. Providers must also inform participants of their right to complain directly to the NDIS Commission.

Compliance Notice

A formal notice issued by the NDIS Commission directing a provider to take specific actions to address non-compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards, the Code of Conduct, or conditions of registration. Failure to comply with a compliance notice can result in further enforcement action including suspension or revocation of registration.

Consent

Informed agreement given by a participant (or their nominee/guardian) to receive supports, share information, or participate in decision-making processes. Consent must be voluntary, specific, informed, and current. Providers must obtain and document consent for collecting personal information, sharing information with other parties, support delivery, and any changes to support arrangements. See also: Informed Consent, Supported Decision-Making.

Core Module

The set of NDIS Practice Standards that applies to ALL registered providers regardless of their registration groups. The Core Module covers four outcome areas: (1) Rights and Responsibilities of Participants, (2) Provider Governance and Operational Management, (3) Provision of Supports, and (4) Support Provision Environment. All audit assessments include the Core Module.

Core Supports

The NDIS funding category that covers everyday support needs including assistance with daily life, consumables, transport, and community participation. Core supports are generally flexible within the category, meaning participants can move funding between line items. Core supports funding is the most common source of SIL payments.

Corrective Action

Steps taken to address identified non-compliance or quality gaps. Following an audit, corrective actions may be required to address non-conformances before registration can be granted or renewed. Corrective actions must have clear timelines, responsible persons, and evidence of completion.

D

DAP (Data, Assessment, Plan)

A clinical note-writing format commonly used in allied health and some disability services. DAP notes have three sections: Data (objective observations), Assessment (clinical interpretation), and Plan (next steps). DAP is one of several accepted progress note formats alongside SOAP and narrative notes. Our free Notes Rewriter tool can convert your shift notes into DAP format automatically.

Dignity of Risk

The right of a person with disability to make their own choices, even when those choices involve a degree of risk. Providers must balance their duty of care with respecting a participant's right to take reasonable risks. Dignity of risk assessments should be documented, discussed with the participant, and reviewed regularly. This is a fundamental principle of person-centred support delivery.

Document Control

The system for managing organisational documents including policies, procedures, forms, and registers. Document control ensures that current versions are in use, superseded versions are archived, and all documents have clear version numbers, review dates, and approval records. Auditors check document control as part of governance requirements.

Duty of Care

The legal obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid acts or omissions that could foreseeably harm a participant. All NDIS workers have a duty of care when delivering supports. Duty of care must be balanced with dignity of risk and the participant's right to make their own decisions.

E

ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention)

A specific NDIS pathway for children aged 0 to 9 (previously 0 to 7) who have a developmental delay or disability. ECEI partners help families access early intervention supports, which may include NDIS-funded therapies. ECEI is a specific registration group requiring providers to meet the Early Intervention supplementary module of the Practice Standards.

Enforceable Undertaking

A written agreement between a provider and the NDIS Commission in which the provider commits to specific actions to address compliance concerns. Enforceable undertakings are a step between informal guidance and formal enforcement action. Failure to comply with an enforceable undertaking can result in further regulatory action.

Evidence

Documentation that demonstrates compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. Evidence can include policies, procedures, forms, registers, training records, meeting minutes, incident reports, participant feedback, and progress notes. Auditors assess evidence against quality indicators during verification and certification audits.

Exit Planning

The process of managing a participant's transition out of a service, whether to another provider, to reduced supports, or at the participant's request. The NDIS Practice Standards require providers to have transition policies that ensure continuity of support, timely handover of information (with consent), and no adverse impact on the participant.

F

Feedback

Information provided by participants, families, staff, and other stakeholders about the quality of supports and services. The NDIS Practice Standards require providers to actively seek, record, and act on feedback as part of their continuous improvement system. Feedback mechanisms must be accessible to participants with diverse communication needs.

Functional Capacity Assessment

An assessment that measures a person's ability to perform activities of daily living and participate in their community. Functional capacity assessments are often conducted by occupational therapists and are used to determine NDIS funding levels, develop support plans, and measure progress over time.

G

Governance

The structures, policies, and processes that direct and control an organisation. NDIS Practice Standards Outcome 2.1 requires providers to demonstrate effective governance arrangements including clear organisational structure, defined roles and responsibilities, financial management, risk management, and accountability mechanisms. Key personnel must be fit and proper persons.

Group Home

A shared living arrangement, typically housing two to five participants, where SIL support workers provide assistance with daily living. Group homes are the most common SIL delivery model. Providers operating group homes must ensure the property meets relevant safety standards, maintain house-specific documentation, and manage the dynamics of shared living while respecting each participant's individual support plan.

H

HCPA (Home Care Providers Australia)

An industry association offering compliance consulting, training, and document packages for care providers. HCPA is one of the larger commercial providers of NDIS compliance consulting services in Australia. Their standard document packages retail for $4,400 or more.

High Intensity Daily Activities

An NDIS registration group for providers delivering supports that require specialised skills or qualifications, such as complex bowel care, ventilator management, tracheostomy care, PEG feeding, or subcutaneous injections. The High Intensity supplementary module of the Practice Standards applies. Workers delivering high intensity supports must hold relevant clinical qualifications.

Human Rights

The fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled, regardless of disability. The NDIS is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Providers must uphold participants' human rights including the right to dignity, autonomy, privacy, freedom from exploitation, and participation in community life.

I

IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)

More complex daily activities that support independent living, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, managing finances, using transport, and managing medications. IADLs differ from ADLs (basic self-care) in that they require higher cognitive and organisational skills. SIL support plans typically address both ADL and IADL goals.

IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative)

A global framework that provides standardised terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened drinks used by people with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). NDIS providers supporting participants with mealtime management plans must understand and apply IDDSI levels correctly. The framework uses a numbered scale from 0 (thin liquids) to 7 (regular food).

ILO (Individual Living Options)

An NDIS approach that explores personalised living arrangements for participants, beyond traditional group home models. ILO can include living alone with drop-in supports, host family arrangements, co-residency models, or other individualised options. ILO supports are designed to maximise choice and control in housing and support arrangements.

Incident

Any event that causes harm or has the potential to cause harm to a participant. NDIS providers must have incident management systems that include identification, recording, investigation, response, notification (where required), and review. Some incidents are classified as reportable incidents and must be notified to the NDIS Commission within specified timeframes. See also: Reportable Incident.

Incident Register

A log maintained by providers documenting all incidents that occur in the course of service delivery. The incident register must include the date, nature of the incident, persons involved, immediate response, investigation findings, corrective actions, and review outcomes. Auditors review incident registers to assess the effectiveness of incident management systems.

Informed Consent

Consent that is given voluntarily by a person who understands the nature, purpose, and consequences of what they are agreeing to. Informed consent requires that information is provided in a way the person can understand, that the person has had the opportunity to ask questions, and that they are free from pressure or coercion. Providers must document informed consent and review it when circumstances change.

J

JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand)

The government-appointed accreditation body that approves Approved Quality Auditors (AQAs) to conduct NDIS audits. JAS-ANZ ensures that audit organisations meet international standards for conformity assessment. When selecting an auditor for your NDIS registration, verify their JAS-ANZ accreditation is current and covers the NDIS scheme.

K

Key Personnel

Individuals who hold key decision-making or management positions within an NDIS provider organisation, including directors, board members, the CEO, and senior managers responsible for service delivery. Key personnel must be assessed as fit and proper persons by the NDIS Commission. Changes to key personnel must be notified to the Commission. Key personnel bear personal responsibility for the organisation's compliance.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

Measurable targets used to evaluate the performance of an organisation, team, or individual. While not specifically mandated by the NDIS Practice Standards, KPIs are commonly used by providers to track quality outcomes including incident rates, complaint resolution times, staff training completion, and participant satisfaction scores.

L

LAC (Local Area Coordinator)

Organisations contracted by the NDIA to help participants and their families access the NDIS, develop plans, and connect with community supports. LACs operate in most NDIS service areas and are the primary point of contact for many participants. Providers interact with LACs during plan reviews, service coordination, and community engagement activities.

Lived Experience

The personal knowledge and understanding gained by a person through direct experience of disability, whether as a person with disability, a family member, or a carer. The NDIS values lived experience as a source of expertise and encourages providers to include people with lived experience in governance, service design, and quality improvement processes.

M

MAR (Medication Administration Record)

A document used to record the administration of medication to a participant, including the medication name, dosage, time, route of administration, and the name of the person administering or assisting. MARs are a critical compliance document for SIL providers, as medication errors are one of the most common reportable incidents in disability services.

Mealtime Management Plan

A plan developed by a speech pathologist that specifies safe food and drink consistencies, positioning during meals, supervision requirements, and signs of aspiration risk for a participant with swallowing difficulties. SIL providers must ensure all staff supporting a participant with a mealtime management plan are trained in its requirements and that the plan is accessible in the participant's home.

Mid-Term Audit

A surveillance audit conducted approximately halfway through a provider's three-year certification period. Mid-term audits are typically less comprehensive than initial certification audits but assess ongoing compliance, implementation of corrective actions from the initial audit, and the effectiveness of quality management systems. Failure at a mid-term audit can result in conditions being placed on registration.

MTA (Medium Term Accommodation)

Temporary accommodation funded by the NDIS for up to 90 days, provided when a participant needs a place to live while waiting for longer-term accommodation (such as SDA) or during a transition period. MTA is distinct from STA (Short Term Accommodation / respite), which is limited to 14 consecutive days.

N

NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)

The Commonwealth Government agency responsible for implementing the NDIS. The NDIA manages participant access, plan development, plan reviews, and funding administration. The NDIA is distinct from the NDIS Commission, which regulates providers. Providers interact with the NDIA primarily through the myplace provider portal for payment claims.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

Australia's national scheme for funding disability supports and services, established by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013. The NDIS provides individual funding packages to eligible Australians with permanent and significant disability, allowing them to choose their providers and the supports they receive. The scheme is administered by the NDIA and regulated by the NDIS Commission.

NDIS Commission (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission)

The independent Commonwealth body responsible for regulating NDIS providers, managing complaints, overseeing worker screening, and enforcing the NDIS Code of Conduct. The NDIS Commission sets the Practice Standards, approves quality auditors, maintains the provider register, and can take enforcement action against non-compliant providers. All registered providers must comply with the Commission's requirements.

NDIS Plan

A funded support plan developed by the NDIA for an eligible participant. The plan specifies the participant's goals, funded supports, and budget allocations across support categories. Providers must deliver supports in line with the participant's plan and goals, and should request to view relevant sections of the plan to ensure their services align with funded supports.

NDIS Practice Standards

The quality standards that registered NDIS providers must meet. The Practice Standards are structured as a Core Module (applicable to all providers) plus supplementary modules for specific registration groups. Each standard contains outcomes (what must be achieved), quality indicators (how achievement is measured), and evidence requirements (what documentation auditors expect). See also: Core Module.

Non-Conformance

A finding by an auditor that a provider does not meet one or more requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards. Non-conformances can be minor (a gap that does not significantly affect quality or safety) or major (a systemic failure or one that poses a direct risk to participants). Major non-conformances must be addressed before registration can be granted.

Nominee

A person appointed by the NDIA to act on behalf of a participant in managing their NDIS plan. There are two types: a plan nominee (who manages plan-related decisions) and a correspondence nominee (who receives NDIA communications). Nominees may be family members, friends, or formal guardians. Providers must verify nominee arrangements and communicate with nominees where appropriate.

Notes (Progress Notes / Shift Notes)

Written records documenting the supports provided to a participant during a shift or session. Progress notes should include the date, time, support activities, participant responses, progress towards goals, and any incidents or concerns. Notes are critical audit evidence and must be professional, objective, and free from subjective language. Our free Notes Rewriter tool helps support workers write compliant progress notes.

O

Outcome

In the NDIS Practice Standards context, an outcome is a specific result that a provider must achieve to demonstrate compliance. Each outcome has associated quality indicators that describe how achievement is measured. In a participant context, outcomes refer to the goals a participant wants to achieve through their NDIS-funded supports.

OT (Occupational Therapist)

An allied health professional who helps people with disability participate in daily activities and occupations. OTs commonly conduct functional capacity assessments, recommend assistive technology, assess home modifications, and develop strategies for improving independence. OTs are frequent referrers and collaborators for SIL providers.

P

Participant

A person with disability who has been accepted into the NDIS and has an active NDIS plan. The term "participant" is preferred over "client," "consumer," or "service user" in NDIS contexts. Providers should use person-first language (e.g., "participant with intellectual disability" rather than "intellectually disabled participant").

PBS (Positive Behaviour Support)

An evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing behaviours of concern that focuses on improving quality of life rather than simply managing behaviour. PBS strategies are proactive, person-centred, and aim to reduce and eliminate the use of restrictive practices. PBS is embedded in Behaviour Support Plans and is a key requirement of the NDIS Commission's approach to behaviour support.

Person-Centred

An approach to support delivery that places the participant at the centre of all decisions, respects their preferences and choices, and promotes their autonomy and independence. Person-centred practice is a foundational principle of the NDIS Practice Standards and is assessed across all outcome areas. Providers must demonstrate that supports are tailored to individual needs and delivered in accordance with participant preferences.

Plan Management

One of three ways a participant's NDIS funding can be managed. Plan-managed means a registered plan manager handles invoicing and payments on behalf of the participant. The other options are self-managed (participant handles their own finances) and NDIA-managed (the NDIA processes provider claims directly). Plan management is a specific NDIS registration group.

Plan Review

A reassessment of a participant's NDIS plan, typically occurring annually or when circumstances change significantly. During a plan review, the NDIA considers the participant's progress towards goals, whether current supports are meeting their needs, and any changes in functional capacity or life circumstances. Providers may be asked to provide reports to support plan reviews.

PRN (Pro Re Nata / As Needed)

A medical term used on medication charts indicating that a medication should be administered only when needed, rather than at scheduled times. Common PRN medications in SIL settings include pain relief, anti-anxiety medications, and laxatives. PRN administration must be documented on the Medication Administration Record with the reason for administration and the outcome observed.

Progress Notes

See Notes.

Provider

An organisation or individual that delivers NDIS supports and services. Providers can be registered (approved by the NDIS Commission after meeting Practice Standards through audit) or unregistered (not audited but still bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct). Only registered providers can deliver supports to NDIA-managed participants. See also: Registered Provider, Unregistered Provider.

Q

QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

The tribunal in Queensland that has jurisdiction over guardianship, administration, and certain disability-related matters. Equivalent tribunals exist in other states: VCAT (Victoria), NCAT (NSW), SAT (WA), SACAT (SA), TASCAT (Tasmania), ACAT (ACT), and NTCAT (NT). These tribunals may appoint guardians or administrators for participants who cannot make their own decisions.

Quality Audit

See Audit.

Quality Indicators

Specific, measurable criteria within the NDIS Practice Standards that define how an outcome is assessed. Quality indicators describe what auditors look for when evaluating compliance. Each outcome has multiple quality indicators, and providers must demonstrate evidence of meeting all quality indicators to achieve compliance with a given outcome.

Quality Management System

The organisational framework encompassing policies, procedures, processes, and records that ensures consistent quality in service delivery. A quality management system includes governance structures, document control, risk management, incident management, complaints handling, staff management, and continuous improvement. The NDIS Practice Standards effectively require providers to operate a quality management system.

R

Reasonable and Necessary

The criteria the NDIA uses to determine whether a support should be funded in a participant's plan. A support is reasonable and necessary if it helps the participant pursue their goals, is related to their disability, represents value for money, is likely to be effective, and takes into account informal supports. Providers should understand these criteria as they affect what services can be claimed against a participant's plan.

Registered Provider

A provider that has been approved by the NDIS Commission after meeting the relevant NDIS Practice Standards through audit. Registered providers appear on the NDIS provider register, can deliver supports to NDIA-managed participants, and must maintain ongoing compliance with Practice Standards and conditions of registration. Registration is valid for three years, subject to mid-term audit.

Registration Groups

Categories of NDIS support that define a provider's scope of practice. Providers apply for specific registration groups (e.g., SIL, SDA, community participation, behaviour support, early intervention) and are audited against the Practice Standards applicable to those groups. The registration group determines whether a verification or certification audit is required.

Reportable Incident

An incident that must be reported to the NDIS Commission within specified timeframes. Reportable incidents include: the death of a participant, serious injury, abuse or neglect, unlawful sexual or physical contact, sexual misconduct, and the unauthorised use of restrictive practices. Initial notifications must be made within 24 hours of becoming aware, with a detailed 5-day report to follow.

Restrictive Practice

Any practice that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. The five categories of restrictive practice under the NDIS are: seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, and environmental restraint. Restrictive practices must be authorised, used only as a last resort, be the least restrictive option, be proportionate to the risk, and be documented in a Behaviour Support Plan. Providers must report all use of restrictive practices to the NDIS Commission.

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying hazards, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of those hazards, and determining appropriate controls. NDIS providers must conduct risk assessments at organisational, service, and individual participant levels. Risk assessments should be documented, reviewed regularly, and linked to the risk register.

Risk Register

A log that records identified risks, their likelihood and consequence ratings, existing controls, additional actions required, responsible persons, and review dates. The NDIS Practice Standards require providers to maintain and regularly review their risk register as part of risk management governance requirements.

Roster

The schedule of staff allocated to shifts for delivering supports. SIL rosters must ensure adequate staffing levels to meet participants' support needs as specified in their support plans, including overnight and weekend coverage. Rosters should be maintained as records and are reviewed by auditors as evidence of appropriate service delivery.

S

Safeguarding

The actions taken to promote the welfare of people with disability and protect them from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Safeguarding is a cross-cutting theme throughout the NDIS Practice Standards and encompasses worker screening, incident management, restrictive practices oversight, complaints handling, and the Code of Conduct. Providers must have a safeguarding policy that addresses VANED (Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination).

SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)

Purpose-built or modified housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA is funded separately from SIL and is typically provided by specialist housing providers. SDA properties must meet specific design categories (improved liveability, fully accessible, robust, or high physical support) and are enrolled on the SDA register. Very few participants (approximately 6% of NDIS participants) qualify for SDA funding.

Self-Assessment

A document that providers must complete as part of the NDIS registration process, in which they self-evaluate their compliance against each applicable NDIS Practice Standard outcome and quality indicator. The self-assessment is submitted to the Approved Quality Auditor prior to the audit and forms the basis for audit planning. Honest and thorough self-assessment is critical for a successful audit outcome.

Service Agreement

A written agreement between a provider and a participant (or their nominee) that outlines the supports to be delivered, the cost and payment arrangements, cancellation terms, responsibilities of both parties, and how complaints and disputes will be managed. The NDIS Practice Standards require service agreements for all ongoing support arrangements. Agreements must be written in plain English and provided in accessible formats.

SIL (Supported Independent Living)

Assistance with and/or supervision of daily tasks to support participants to live as independently as possible in their own home or a shared living arrangement. SIL supports include personal care, household tasks, community access, and skill development. SIL is a specific NDIS registration group requiring certification audit against both the Core Module and the SIL supplementary module. All SIL providers must be registered by 1 July 2026.

SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)

A clinical note-writing format commonly used in healthcare and disability services. SOAP notes have four sections: Subjective (what the participant says), Objective (what you observe), Assessment (your professional interpretation), and Plan (next steps). SOAP is one of several accepted progress note formats in the NDIS. Our Notes Rewriter tool can convert shift notes into SOAP format.

SRS (Supported Residential Service)

A type of accommodation in Victoria and some other states that provides personal support to residents who need help with daily living due to disability, age, or other reasons. SRS facilities are regulated under state legislation separately from the NDIS, but some residents may also be NDIS participants. SRS providers delivering NDIS-funded supports must comply with both state SRS regulations and NDIS Practice Standards.

STA (Short Term Accommodation)

NDIS-funded temporary accommodation (respite) for up to 14 consecutive days. STA provides participants with a break from their usual living arrangements and gives informal carers (family members) a period of rest. STA can include individual or group respite in various settings. STA providers must be registered and meet Practice Standards including those related to safe environment and support delivery.

Stakeholder

Any person or organisation with an interest in or influence on a provider's services. NDIS stakeholders include participants, families, staff, support coordinators, plan managers, the NDIA, the NDIS Commission, other providers, and the broader community. Effective stakeholder engagement is a component of governance under the Practice Standards.

Supervision

The oversight and guidance provided to workers to support professional development, ensure quality service delivery, and maintain compliance. The NDIS Practice Standards require providers to deliver regular, structured supervision to all workers, with records maintained as evidence. Supervision frequency depends on the worker's role, experience, and the complexity of participants they support.

Support Coordination

A capacity-building support funded in some NDIS plans to help participants understand and implement their plan, connect with providers, coordinate services, and build skills to manage their own supports over time. Support coordinators are a key referral source for SIL providers. There are three levels: support connection, coordination of supports, and specialist support coordination.

Support Plan

A provider-developed document that translates a participant's NDIS plan goals into specific, measurable support activities delivered by the provider. Support plans should be developed with the participant, reviewed regularly, and updated when goals or circumstances change. They are distinct from the participant's NDIS plan (developed by the NDIA) and from Behaviour Support Plans (developed by behaviour support practitioners).

Supported Decision-Making

An approach that supports a person with disability to make their own decisions by providing information in accessible formats, explaining options and consequences, and respecting the person's will and preferences. Supported decision-making is the preferred approach under the NDIS, as opposed to substituted decision-making where someone else makes decisions on the person's behalf.

T

Thin Market

A geographic area or disability support type where there are insufficient providers to offer meaningful participant choice. Thin markets are common in regional, rural, and remote Australia, and for specialised support types such as behaviour support and complex health care. The NDIA has various strategies to address thin markets including provider of last resort arrangements.

Training Register

A record that documents all training undertaken by staff, including the training topic, date, duration, trainer, attendees, and the next scheduled training date. Training registers are critical audit evidence demonstrating compliance with staff development requirements under the Practice Standards. Providers should maintain training registers for both mandatory and optional training.

Transition

The process of a participant moving between services, providers, or life stages. The NDIS Practice Standards require providers to manage transitions in a way that ensures continuity of support and minimises disruption. Transition planning should begin well in advance and involve the participant, their family (where appropriate), and receiving providers.

TTP (Transition to Practice)

A structured period of supported practice for new graduates or workers entering a new area of disability support. While not a formal NDIS term, TTP is used by some providers to describe their approach to ensuring new staff are competent and confident before working independently. TTP periods typically include increased supervision, mentoring, and competency assessment.

U

Unauthorised Restrictive Practice

The use of a restrictive practice without proper authorisation, including seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, or environmental restraint that has not been approved by the relevant state or territory authorisation body and documented in a current Behaviour Support Plan. Unauthorised use of restrictive practices is a reportable incident that must be notified to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours.

Unregistered Provider

A provider that has not been through the NDIS registration and audit process. Unregistered providers can deliver supports to self-managed and plan-managed participants but cannot deliver supports to NDIA-managed participants. Unregistered providers are still bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct and can be subject to enforcement action by the NDIS Commission. From 1 July 2026, all providers delivering SIL supports must be registered.

V

VANED (Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination)

The five categories of harm that NDIS providers must actively work to prevent and respond to. VANED forms the basis of safeguarding policies and is referenced throughout the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct. Providers must train all staff to recognise, report, and respond to VANED, and must have clear reporting pathways that include both internal escalation and external reporting to the NDIS Commission.

Verification Audit

A desktop audit conducted by an Approved Quality Auditor for providers registering in lower-risk registration groups only. Verification audits are less comprehensive than certification audits and involve a review of documentation, policies, and procedures without an onsite component. Providers requiring certification for any registration group cannot substitute a verification audit — the certification audit covers all groups.

W

WHODAS (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule)

A standardised assessment tool used to measure disability across six domains: cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation. WHODAS is sometimes used in NDIS access and planning processes to assess the impact of a person's disability on their daily functioning. It provides a score that can be compared across different disability types and populations.

Worker Orientation Module

An online training module developed by the NDIS Commission that all NDIS workers must complete. The module covers the NDIS, the rights of participants, the Code of Conduct, reporting requirements, and quality and safeguarding expectations. Completion certificates should be retained in personnel files and recorded on the training register. The module is freely available on the NDIS Commission website.

Worker Screening

The process of checking whether a person is suitable to work with people with disability. Each state and territory has a worker screening unit that processes NDIS Worker Screening Check applications. A clearance is required for all workers in risk-assessed roles (those with more than incidental contact with participants). Clearances are valid for five years and are portable across states. Providers must maintain a worker screening register and must not allow persons without a valid clearance to perform risk-assessed roles.

Worker Screening Check

See Worker Screening.

Worker Screening Register

A register maintained by providers that records the worker screening status of all staff, including their name, screening check number, clearance date, expiry date, and the issuing state or territory. The worker screening register must be kept up to date and is reviewed by auditors to confirm that all workers in risk-assessed roles hold current clearances.

This glossary covers the most commonly encountered terms in NDIS provider compliance, registration, and service delivery. If you are a new or prospective provider, understanding these terms is an essential foundation for navigating the registration process, preparing for your audit, and delivering quality supports that meet the NDIS Practice Standards.

For practical tools to help with daily compliance tasks, try our free NDIS Notes Rewriter to convert your shift notes into audit-ready progress notes in seconds.