In the DS NMDS, the two data items forming this cluster are collected under one question on 'support needs'. This question records information about a person’s need for help or supervision in their overall life and, as such, may not be directly relevant to the service being provided.

The need must be due to the person’s disability, and should be ongoing (have lasted or be expected to last for 6 months or more). It must relate to the extent of need over and above that which would usually be expected due to their age, i.e. it should be evaluated in relation to a person of the same age without a disability.

Where support needs vary markedly over time, e.g. episodic psychiatric disability, please record the level of support needed during the reference week.

Mapping to ICF codes:

In the Disability Services Minimum Data Set (DS NMDS), the two data items forming this cluster are collected under one question on 'support needs'. This question records information about a person’s need for help or supervision in their overall life and, as such, may not be directly relevant to the service being provided.

The need must be due to the person’s disability, and should be ongoing (have lasted or be expected to last for 6 months or more). It must relate to the extent of need over and above that which would usually be expected due to their age, i.e. it should be evaluated in relation to a person of the same age without a disability.

Where support needs vary markedly over time, e.g. episodic psychiatric disability, please record the level of support needed during the reference week.

Mapping to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes: