About Universal Unity
At Universal Unity, we believe that real change in the NDIS sector starts with clarity, context, and connection.
Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that providers, clinicians, and sole traders deserve more than surface-level support — they deserve personalised, profession-specific guidance that empowers them to deliver meaningful, ethical, and sustainable services.
We don’t deal in generic advice or compliance checklists.
We focus on education, strategy, and systems — because when you understand how the NDIS works in practice, you’re better equipped to make it work for the people who rely on it.
We exist to make the complex feel clear.
To turn overwhelm into direction.
To support the people who support others.
Because at its core, the NDIS is about possibility — and we’re here to help you navigate it with purpose, confidence, and impact.
our future vision: community funding
Expanding Access Through Community Support
At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that everyone deserves access to the support and resources they need to navigate the NDIS confidently, regardless of their financial circumstances. We recognise that many participants and applicants face significant barriers—whether it’s the cost of assessments, lack of understanding, or challenges accessing the right services.
Our vision is to expand our services to ensure no one is left behind. With the help of community donations, community funding and contributions, we aim to offer support to participants who need guidance and resources to better understand and manage their plans. Additionally, we want to strive to provide financial assistance for applicants who may struggle with the cost of critical assessments required to access the NDIS.
We are working to build a model that combines expert guidance with compassionate community-driven support, we hope to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for everyone to take control of their journey. We hope that, with the generosity of donors and our commitment to empowerment, we can make a lasting impact and foster an inclusive, accessible future for all NDIS participants.
The Reality of Assessments and Funding Challenges
Navigating the NDIS application process in Australia can be a daunting and expensive journey for many individuals and families. A critical part of accessing the NDIS is obtaining formal assessments, such as a diagnosis or a functional capacity assessment, which can be financially and emotionally overwhelming.
The Cost of Assessments:
- Diagnostic assessments for conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or mental health conditions can range from $1,200 to $3,500, depending on the provider and the complexity of the diagnosis.
- Functional capacity assessments, which evaluate a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and access necessary supports, often cost between $800 and $2,000.
- Neuropsychological assessments, often required for cognitive conditions, can exceed $5,000.
Barriers to Accessing Funding:
While the NDIS is designed to provide life-changing supports, the funding process itself can be a major obstacle for many:
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Before even being accepted into the NDIS, participants must cover the costs of assessments themselves, which creates a significant barrier for low-income individuals and families.
- Lengthy Waiting Periods: Delays in securing assessments and diagnosis can take months, leaving individuals without access to critical supports in the meantime.
- Complex Application Process: Many applicants face difficulties navigating the intricate application and evidence submission process, often requiring professional assistance or advocacy to succeed.
- Ineligibility Risks: Even after significant financial and emotional investment, some applicants are deemed ineligible due to insufficient evidence or misinterpreted assessment results.
The Human Impact
For families and individuals already experiencing financial hardship, the costs of assessments are often prohibitive, forcing many to forgo applying altogether. Others may rely on free or low-cost community services, which can have limited availability and long wait times. The result is a system where many people who need NDIS support are left behind simply because they cannot afford to access the required evidence.
Our Commitment:
We believe this system must change. That’s why we are committed to addressing these challenges by offering guidance, support, and—where possible—financial assistance to those facing barriers to entry. By expanding our services through community funding and support, we aim to help individuals secure the assessments and evidence they need without the stress of unaffordable costs. Everyone deserves the chance to access the support that can improve their quality of life, and we’re here to make that a reality.