NDIS and Sexual Health: How to Get Funding for Supports That Matter

Sexual health and wellbeing are important parts of beinghuman, but for people living with disability, these needs are often overlookedor misunderstood.
Under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), you can include sexual health supports in your plan if they are directly related to your disability and help you live a more independent, fulfilling life.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand, plan, and request funding for sexual health supports through the NDIS.

Step 1: Identify Your Sexual Health Needs

Start by thinking about how your disability affects your sexual health or relationships.
Some examples include:

• Difficulty accessing inclusive sexual health services
• Needing education about consent, safety, or relationships
• Physical barriers that impact sexual expression
• Needing communication or advocacy support in appointments

Acknowledging these needs helps you link them directly to your NDIS goals.

Step 2: Set Clear NDIS Goals

Your goals should show how sexual health supports help you gain independence, confidence, or connection.
Here are some examples:

Goal 1: Sexual Health Education

“To complete a tailored sexual health education program thatbuilds understanding of consent, relationships, and personal boundaries.”

Goal 2: Access to Inclusive Services

“To attend regular sexual health check-ups with a providerexperienced in supporting people with disabilities.”

Goal 3: Advocacy and Communication Skills

“To develop confidence in expressing sexual health needs andpreferences during medical or social interactions.”

Goal 4: Relationship Skills

“To participate in supported social activities that build confidence in relationships and communication.”

Each goal should include a clear outcome such as increased confidence, better understanding, or improved access to healthcare.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence

NDIS is more likely to fund sexual health supports when there’s clear evidence of need.
You can strengthen your request with:

• Letters or reports from your GP, psychologist, or sexual health professional
• Assessments showing how your disability affects your ability to manage sexual health independently
• Notes from support workers or therapists explaining how these supports would improve wellbeing

These documents help demonstrate that the supports are reasonable and necessary under NDIS guidelines.

Step 4: Submitting Your Request

You can include sexual health supports when:

1. Your NDIS Plan is up for review, or
2. You make an additional funding request if your needs change.

During your planning meeting, explain:

• Why the support is needed
• How it relates to your disability
• What outcomes it will help you achieve

If you have a Support Coordinator, they can help you prepare the paperwork and submit your goals through the NDIS portal or directly to your planner.

Step 5: Linking to “Reasonable and Necessary” Criteria

To be funded, your request must meet the NDIS test of being reasonable and necessary.
That means showing that the supports:

• Are related to your disability, not general health care
• Promote independence and wellbeing
• Are good value for money
• Help you participate more fully in community or relationships

Example justification:

“These supports will improve my ability to manage personalrelationships safely and independently, supporting both mental and physicalwellbeing.”

Step 6: What Happens Next

Once submitted, NDIS will review your request and may:

• Approve the supports and include them in your plan
• Ask for more information, or
• Decline the request, in which case you can appeal with further evidence

If approved, you can start booking sessions with educators, counsellors, or healthcare professionals who understand disability-inclusive sexual health.

Examples of Sexual Health Supports You Can Request

• Specialist sexual health clinics with accessible services
• Educational workshops on consent, body awareness, and relationships
• Sex therapy or counselling tailored for people with disabilities
• Support workers trained in sexual health to help with communication, planning, or access
• Adaptive devices or aids that support physical comfort or safe sexual expression
• Training for carers and family members on boundaries and sexual health support

Step 7: Monitor and Review Progress

Keep notes about your progress and experiences, this helpswhen you review your plan or request additional support later.
Examples include:

• Confidence improvements
• Increased participation in relationships or education
• Positive feedback from support workers or healthcare providers

Your journey is unique, and your goals can grow over time.

Sexual health is a fundamental part of being human, itdeserves the same care and respect as any other aspect of wellbeing.
Through the NDIS, you have the right to access supports that help you understand your body, build healthy relationships, and live with confidence and dignity.

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to your Support Coordinator, GP, or a sexual health educator experienced in working with people with disabilities.

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