Understanding the types of disability evidence required for various conditions is crucial for accessing appropriate supports and services in Australia, such as through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This guide provides an overview of best-practice disability evidence, focusing on the treating health professionals involved and the preferred evidence for each disability type.
Understanding the different types of disability reports can help participants prepare stronger NDIS plan review evidence during reassessments.
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Primary Disability: Acquired Brain Injury
Treating Health Professionals:
- Neurologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Neuropsychological assessments
- Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
- World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0
Primary Disability: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Health Professionals:
Autism is typically diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team or specific specialists such as:
- Paediatrician
- Psychiatrist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Therapist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)
- Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (Vineland-II)
- WHODAS 2.0 (for individuals 17 years and over)
- PEDI-CAT (for individuals 16 years and under)
Primary Disability: Cerebral Palsy
Treating Health Professionals:
- Paediatrician
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Gross Motor Functional Classification Scale (GMFCS)
- Manual Ability Classification Scale (MACS)
- Communication Function Classification System (CFCS)
Primary Disability: Hearing Impairment
Treating Health Professionals:
- Audiologist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Hearing Impairment Responses and Groupings Guide (17 years and over)
- PEDI-CAT (16 years and under)
- Hearing Acuity Scores
Primary Disability: Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay, Global Developmental Delay, or Down Syndrome
Health Professionals:
Typically assessed by a multidisciplinary team, which may include:
- Paediatrician
- Psychologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Therapist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- DSM-V
- Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (Vineland-II)
- WHODAS 2.0 (17 years and over)
- PEDI-CAT (16 years and under)
Primary Disability: Multiple Sclerosis
Treating Health Professionals:
- Neurologist
- Disease Steps Trained Nurse Examiner
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Disease Steps Assessment
- Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS)
- Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
Primary Disability: Psychosocial Disability
Health Professionals:
- Paediatrician
- Psychiatrist
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Psychologist (in specific cases)
Other health professionals who can provide evidence:
- Clinical psychiatric staff (e.g., mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists)
- Mental health allied health professionals
- Australian Mental Health Outcomes and Classification Network (AMHOCN)-trained staff
Preferred Disability Evidence:
A statement from a treating health professional should include:
- Length of time the professional has worked with the participant
- Evidence of the mental health condition (diagnosis, if available)
- Details of treatments tried and those not explored (with reasons)
- Functional impact of the mental health condition on everyday life
Functional Assessments:
- Life Skills Profile 16 Measure (LSP-16)
- Health of the Nation Outcomes Scale (HoNOS)
- WHODAS
NDIS Access Request Assessment
Need functional evidence for an NDIS access request?
A diagnosis names your condition — the NDIA also needs to see how it affects everyday functioning. Our OT-led telehealth assessment prepares that functional information for you.
- ✓ 5 hours of dedicated occupational therapist time
- ✓ Standardised tools (WHODAS 2.0 / CANS) selected on clinical suitability
- ✓ Functional information prepared for the access request, incl. Section 2 guidance
- ✓ Telehealth Australia-wide · adults & adolescents
Payment plans available at checkout. Optional service — you can make an NDIS access request directly at no cost. Clinical suitability reviewed after intake. The NDIA independently determines eligibility; purchase does not guarantee NDIS access or funding.
Primary Disability: Spinal Cord Injury
Treating Health Professionals:
Typically involves a multidisciplinary team, including:
- Neurologist
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Recreational Therapist
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Level of lesion
- American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (ASIA/AIS)
- WHODAS 2.0 (17 years and over)
- PEDI-CAT (16 years and under)
Primary Disability: Stroke
Treating Health Professionals:
- Neurologist
- Other multidisciplinary team members
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Modified Rankin Scale (mRS)
Primary Disability: Vision Impairment
Treating Health Professionals:
- Ophthalmologist
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- Vision Impairment Questionnaire (17 years and over)
- PEDI-CAT (16 years and under)
- Visual Acuity Ratings
Primary Disability: Other Disabilities
Health Professionals:
Other disabilities may be assessed by professionals such as:
- Paediatrician
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Social Worker
Preferred Disability Evidence:
- WHODAS 2.0 (17 years and over)
- PEDI-CAT (16 years and under)
Importance of Disability Evidence
Disability evidence is essential for determining eligibility and planning supports under the NDIS. The evidence provided must clearly outline the nature of the disability, its functional impact, and any specific needs of the individual. Health professionals play a critical role in documenting this evidence to ensure participants can access the best supports available.
Which assessment do you need?
Complex situation? Start with the free decision tree.
Different NDIS purposes call for different assessments. Answer a few questions and we’ll point you to the right service — or talk it through with our intake team first.
Or phone 1300 976 400. General information only — not a guarantee of NDIS funding.
Tips for Gathering Disability Evidence
- Work with Qualified Professionals: Engage with health professionals who have experience in the relevant disability area. Their expertise ensures high-quality, accurate assessments.
- Understand Preferred Assessments: Provide evidence in the preferred formats, as listed above, to avoid delays or complications in the application process.
- Include Functional Impacts: Ensure that the evidence highlights how the disability affects everyday life and aligns with NDIS criteria.
- Keep Evidence Up-to-Date: Disability evidence should reflect the participant’s current needs and situation to ensure they receive the most appropriate supports.
By working with the right health professionals and providing comprehensive, best-practice evidence, individuals can access life-changing supports tailored to their unique circumstances.
For further guidance on disability evidence requirements, visit the NDIS website or consult a trusted health professional.
If you would like a Functional Capacity Assessment please reach out via our referral form.
Author: Phil Bamback is a Director within regulated disability services, focused on governance frameworks and structured operating pathways across the NDIS.