What is intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability means a person learns, processes information and solves problems differently, and may need support with some everyday tasks. It starts in childhood and lasts throughout life.
People with intellectual disability have their own personalities, goals, talents and opinions. With the right support, they can live full lives at home, at work and in the community. Intellectual disability can affect daily life in ways such as:
- Needing more time or practice to learn a new task
- Finding money, time or complex instructions harder to manage
- Needing information in plain language or with pictures
- Needing support to plan, make decisions or stay safe in new situations
The level of support varies a lot from person to person. Some people need a few hours a week, and others need help through most of the day.
How do support workers help people with intellectual disability?
Support workers help people with intellectual disability do everyday things, learn skills and take part in activities they enjoy, while keeping them in charge of their choices.
A worker might break a task like cooking pasta into small steps, then do less each week as the person gains confidence. They might help someone write a shopping list with pictures, use a bank card, or catch the train to a social group.
Good workers practise supported decision-making. That means giving clear information, talking through options and respecting the person's choice, even when it differs from what the worker would choose. Families stay involved in the way the person wants.
Our post on building independence at home has ideas for small, practical steps. You can also explore our life skills development support.
What should you look for in an intellectual disability support worker?
Look for a worker who is patient, uses plain language, encourages independence and treats the person as an adult who makes their own choices.
Signs of a good fit include:
- They speak to the person directly, not just to family members
- They are happy to repeat steps and celebrate small wins
- They let the person try things, rather than doing everything for them
- They share interests or hobbies with the person
- They communicate clearly with family and other supports
Enrichment Care sends you worker profiles before you choose, and you meet your worker before supports start. That way the person can have a real say in who supports them. If the first match does not feel right, we listen and suggest someone else.
Can the NDIS fund intellectual disability support?
The NDIS can fund support for intellectual disability when it substantially reduces a person's ability to do everyday activities, or when a young child meets early intervention requirements.
Plans for people with intellectual disability often include Core supports, such as Assistance with Daily Life and community participation, plus Capacity Building funding for skills and learning. What is funded depends on each person's goals and needs.
Evidence from treating health professionals, teachers and people who know the person well helps show how intellectual disability affects daily life. A Local Area Coordinator or early childhood partner can help with the application.
To learn more about how the scheme works, read what is the NDIS. The NDIA is making changes to access assessments in 2026, so check ndis.gov.au for current details.