Core module: Access to supports
The Core module outcome access to supports: every quality indicator the NDIS Practice Standards set for it (Core 18.1, Core 18.2, Core 18.3), what an auditor asks to see under each, the common gaps, and a free worksheet to fill in.
NDIS Practice Standards Core 18.1, Core 18.2, Core 18.3
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Rules Schedules 1 to 8, Compilation No. 6 (F2026C00527) and Quality Indicators Guidelines Compilation No. 3 (F2026C00528), in force 1 July 2026
6 October 2026, Federal Register: both compilations are the latest version on 6 October 2026
Registered NDIS providers audited by certification: registered for early childhood supports, specialist behaviour support, implementing behaviour support plans or regulated restrictive practices, or specialised support coordination. An individual or partnership whose only certification requirement is early childhood supports meets only Core clause 7 (freedom from abuse) and Module 3 (Rules s 20(4) and (5)).
NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators on the standards library
The NDIS Commission's review of the Practice Standards (a proposed quality framework and changes to the standards and how they are assessed) is still being considered; nothing from it is in force.
The provider defines and documents the supports it offers and any access or entry criteria, including associated costs, and tells each participant about them in the language, mode of communication and terms that participant is most likely to understand.
- Service catalogue or intake information sheet listing supports, eligibility criteria and costs
- Easy Read or translated versions of the intake information
- Intake records showing how entry criteria and costs were explained to the participant
- Website and brochure copies reviewed for consistency with the price list
- Costs or cancellation charges not disclosed before supports start
- Information only available in standard English print
The provider makes reasonable adjustments to the environment where supports are delivered and monitors them, so the setting stays fit for purpose and supports each participant's health, privacy, dignity, quality of life and independence.
- Environment or home safety assessments recording adjustments made
- Requests for adjustments and the provider's response in participant files
- Monitoring checks or site inspection records for group settings
- Equipment and modification register for shared venues
- Adjustments agreed at intake never re-checked
- No record of why a requested adjustment was refused
The provider helps each participant understand when supports can be withdrawn, and does not withdraw or deny supports a participant needs only because that participant has made a dignity of risk choice.
- Exit and withdrawal of services policy with the dignity of risk safeguard
- Service agreement clauses on circumstances for ending supports
- Records of any withdrawal decision with reasons and the participant's response
- Risk enablement or dignity of risk assessments for participants making risky choices
- Services ended after a participant chose a risky activity, with no risk discussion recorded
- Withdrawal grounds not explained to the participant before signing
| Ref | Held (yes, partly, no, not applicable) | Where it is kept | Owner | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core 18.1 | |||||
| Core 18.2 | |||||
| Core 18.3 |
Completing this worksheet records what your practice holds and where. It does not make a practice compliant or ready for audit, and it is not legal advice.
Related requirements
NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
- Core 16A.1 to Core 16A.9Core module: Emergency and disaster
- Core 19.1 to Core 19.9Core module: Support planning
- Core 16.1 to Core 16.5Core module: Continuity of supports
- Core 20.1 to Core 20.5Core module: Service agreements
- Core 15.1 to Core 15.10Core module: Human resources
- Core 21.1 to Core 21.4Core module: Responsive supports
- Core 14.1 to Core 14.4Core module: Incident management
- Core 22.1, Core 22.2, Core 22.3Core module: Transitions
- Every page of this instrument
See every requirement for your practiceSee the specimen practice