Speech & Language Impairment — NDIS Support
Yes — Speech & Language Impairment can qualify for NDIS support. SLI is on the NDIA’s List B — permanence is recognised, and you evidence the functional impact on daily life. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Speech and language impairment (SLI) refers to difficulties producing, understanding or using spoken language that are not explained by hearing loss, intellectual disability or acquired brain injury. It encompasses a broad range of conditions including developmental language disorder (DLD),…
SLI & the NDIS FAQs
- Does speech impairment qualify for NDIS?
- It depends on severity. SLI is a List B condition — having the diagnosis does not guarantee NDIS eligibility. The NDIA must be satisfied the impairment is permanent and substantially affects functional capacity. Children with severe SLI that does not respond to intervention, or where SLI co-occurs with ASD,…
- Can a non-speaking child get NDIS funding for AAC?
- Yes. Children who are non-speaking or minimally verbal due to ASD, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy or other conditions can receive NDIS funding for AAC assessment, device prescription and therapy. An AAC assessment by a speech pathologist experienced in assistive technology is the first step. Devices can range…
- What is the difference between speech impairment and language impairment?
- Speech impairment refers to difficulties producing the sounds of language clearly — articulation errors, stuttering, voice disorders or motor speech disorders like apraxia. Language impairment refers to difficulties understanding or formulating language itself — vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and discourse.…
- How is speech therapy funded under NDIS?
- Speech pathology is funded under the Capacity Building Supports budget in an NDIS plan, specifically the "Improved Daily Living Skills" category. Funding amounts vary based on individual needs, with higher amounts for those with severe impairment or complex needs such as AAC. Children in the Early Childhood approach…
- Can adults with speech impairment apply for NDIS?
- Yes. Adults under 65 with a permanent speech or language impairment that substantially affects daily functioning can apply for NDIS. Common presentations in adults include developmental language disorder (DLD) persisting from childhood, acquired communication disorders from stroke or brain injury (which may be List A…
SLI & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Speech & Language Impairment
- Assistive Technology for Speech & Language Impairment
- Day Programs & Community Participation for Speech & Language Impairment
- NDIS Early Childhood & School Support for Speech & Language Impairment
- NDIS Employment Support (SLES & DES) for Speech & Language Impairment
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Speech & Language Impairment
- Therapy & Allied Health for Speech & Language Impairment
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Speech & Language Impairment
Related conditions
- Dyslexia and the NDIS
- Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and the NDIS
- Fragile X Syndrome and the NDIS
- Angelman Syndrome and the NDIS
- Prader-Willi Syndrome and the NDIS
- Rett Syndrome and the NDIS
- Williams Syndrome and the NDIS
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and the NDIS
- Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and the NDIS
- Smith-Magenis Syndrome and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.