Intellectual disability does not define who a person is, how they should be treated, or how they want to live. Most people think of a person with intellectual disability as someone who is not able to learn or function in the same way as other people.
For Australians living with intellectual disability—whether in Queensland, Tasmania, or anywhere across the country—support is available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS official website provides comprehensive information about how the scheme works, who is eligible, and what funding supports are available.
A person with intellectual disability has a mental impairment that affects their ability to learn, think, and communicate. Some people may have difficulty reading, writing, speaking, or doing basic maths. Others may have more severe disabilities that prevent them from performing daily duties such as dressing or caring for their personal needs. In short, intellectual disability is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s intellectual skills and behaviour in different situations.
The NDIS provides funding for supports and services that help participants build independence, develop skills, and engage with their communities. Learn more about how NDIS funding works and what it can cover for you or your loved one.
Types of Intellectual Disability
The various types of intellectual disability include:
- Down syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Developmental delay
- Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
Under the NDIS, participants with these conditions may access funding across three support categories: Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. Funding amounts are based on individual needs as outlined in each participant’s NDIS plan.
5 Tips for Supporting a Person with Intellectual Disability
If you are supporting a family member, friend, or NDIS participant with intellectual disability, here are five tips to ensure respectful and appropriate engagement:
1. Be aware of their capabilities and limitations
Don’t expect them to understand everything or be able to carry out complex tasks on their own. Know what abilities they have and respect those boundaries. Under the NDIS, Support Coordinators can help assess individual capabilities and match participants with appropriate supports.
2. Speak slowly and calmly
Keep your voice level so they can understand you clearly. Use simple sentences and avoid pressure or harsh language when communicating. For NDIS participants, Speech Pathology services are available under the Capacity Building budget to support communication development.
3. Avoid making assumptions
Just because someone has intellectual disability doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of understanding certain things. And just because someone has difficulty speaking doesn’t mean they cannot communicate well in other ways. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission sets out the rights of people with disability and the Code of Conduct all providers must follow to treat participants with dignity and respect.
4. Make the environment comfortable
If a room is too bright, noisy, or crowded, it can be difficult for a person with intellectual disability to focus. Consider reducing visual clutter, limiting screen time, and ensuring furniture provides appropriate support. Many NDIS participants use Assistive Technology (AT) funding to create comfortable, accessible home environments. The NDIS Assistive Technology guidelines explain what equipment and supports are available.
5. Provide gentle but firm support
Most people with intellectual disability benefit from consistent, reliable support throughout the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed—emotionally and physically. Through the NDIS, participants can access Supported Independent Living (SIL) or In-Home Support to receive daily assistance tailored to their needs. Learn more about Supported Independent Living options and whether this support category is right for you.
Getting Support in Queensland, Tasmania, and Across Australia
If you are concerned about a loved one with intellectual disability, support is available. You can discuss ways to identify and assess the extent of disability with your doctor, a mental health professional, or your NDIS planner.
For NDIS participants in Queensland, Tasmania, and across Australia, Bharosa provides compassionate, person-centred support services. Whether you need assistance navigating your NDIS plan, accessing daily living support, or simply need guidance on next steps, we’re here to help. Learn more about Bharosa and our approach to disability support.
