Understanding Independent Living Options (ILO) Under NDIS

Independent Living Options (ILO) is an innovative support model under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, designed to help people with disabilities live independently, with the level of support they need, in a home environment of their choosing. This personalized approach to housing and support empowers NDIS participants to explore, design, and implement living arrangements that align with their preferences, lifestyle, and goals.

What is Independent Living Options (ILO)?

Independent Living Options is a flexible support framework that allows NDIS participants to live independently while receiving the necessary support tailored to their unique needs. Unlike traditional Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements, which often involve group homes with shared support, ILO focuses on individual arrangements where the participant has more control over where and how they live.

ILO supports can be delivered in various settings, including:

• Living alone with support: The participant lives independently in their own home with supports tailored to their needs.
• Co-residency: The participant lives with a host or a housemate who provides some level of support in exchange for rent or other agreed-upon arrangements.
• Living with family: The participant lives with family members, receiving additional support to complement family care.
• Living with friends or other participants: The participant shares a home with friends or other NDIS participants, with individualized support arrangements.

Key Components of ILO

ILO is a multi-stage approach that involves:

1. Exploration and Design: This initial phase involves working with an NDIS planner or support coordinator to explore different living options, assess the participant's needs, and design a support package that suits their preferences.

2. Support Development: Once the living arrangement is chosen, the participant collaborates with their NDIS planner or a support coordinator to develop a detailed support plan. This plan outlines the types of support needed, who will provide it, and how it will be delivered.

3. Implementation and Monitoring: After the support plan is finalized, it is put into action. The NDIS participant begins living in their chosen arrangement with the necessary supports in place. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure that the support continues to meet the participant’s needs.

Benefits of ILO

• Personalization: ILO provides a high degree of personalization, allowing participants to create a living arrangement that truly reflects their lifestyle and goals.

• Flexibility: Participants have the flexibility to change their living arrangements as their needs or circumstances evolve, without being locked into a particular type of housing or support structure.

• Empowerment: By giving participants control over their living arrangements, ILO fosters independence and empowers individuals to make decisions that enhance their quality of life.

• Community Integration: ILO encourages participants to live in mainstream housing within their communities, promoting social inclusion and engagement with broader society.

Funding for ILO

ILO funding is included in a participant’s NDIS plan under the "Capacity Building" supports category. The amount of funding allocated depends on the participant's needs, goals, and the complexity of the chosen living arrangement. This funding can cover a range of supports, including personal care, household assistance, and coordination services.

Who is ILO Suitable For?

ILO is suitable for NDIS participants who:

• Want to live independently but need tailored support to do so.
• Are seeking alternatives to traditional group homes or SIL arrangements.
• Desire more control over their living situation and the supports they receive.
• Are motivated to explore creative and individualized living arrangements.

How to Access ILO?

To access ILO, participants should discuss their interest with their NDIS planner or support coordinator during their planning meeting or plan review. They will work together to explore the participant's living goals and determine if ILO is the right option. If ILO is deemed suitable, the participant can then proceed with the exploration, design, and implementation phases.

Conclusion

Independent Living Options (ILO) under the NDIS represent a progressive and flexible approach to disability support, offering participants the opportunity to live independently in a way that aligns with their personal preferences and needs. By focusing on choice, control, and community integration, ILO empowers individuals to design a living arrangement that enhances their quality of life and promotes independence. For NDIS participants exploring their housing and support options, ILO provides a pathway to achieving a more autonomous and fulfilling life.