In this week’s episode we discuss the recent allied health awards and the introduction of the NDIS transitional rules support for participants.  For those interested in the training workshop, please see link below:

https://www.verveotlearning.com.au/live-workshop-navigating-the-new-ndis-rules-and-operational-guidelines 

The recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have sparked a lot of discussion among participants and service providers. These updates focus on making sure NDIS funding is used for essential disability supports. While the changes aim to bring more clarity and fairness, many are still adjusting to the new rules, especially around Short-Term Accommodation (STA), respite care and other support services.

One of the biggest changes relates to funding for STA, especially for people who live alone. In the past, STA funding could sometimes be used for things like stays in nice accommodations, cruises and even international trips. This was possible because the funding covered everything from meals to activities, sometimes leading to what felt more like a holiday than respite care.

Some participants were receiving up to four weeks of STA a year, which could cost up to $20,000 per week if one-on-one support was needed. Understandably, this raised concerns about how NDIS funds were being used. The recent reforms make it clear that while STA is still available, it is meant for essential disability support and not for vacations or personal getaways.

The new rules are stricter but still allow for individual STA funding if it’s proven necessary for the person’s disability needs. For example, if someone needs constant care due to a severe condition like epilepsy, STA can still be funded to ensure they get the support they need. The idea is to provide the participant with time away from their informal supports, which in turn provides a break for their informal supports – the true meaning of respite.

This shift is about ensuring NDIS funds are used wisely and fairly. While some may feel disappointed, the goal is to return to supporting true disability-specific needs.

Another area seeing changes is animal-assisted therapy. The new guidelines say that while recreational activities involving animals, such as casual interaction with pets, won’t be funded, there’s an exception when animals are used in a therapeutic session led by an allied health professional.

For example, if a therapist uses an animal to help a participant engage more in their therapy, that session can still be covered. In this case, the animal-assisted therapy compliments the allied health intervention.

However when the focus of the activity directly involves the animal, such as horse riding, this and similar activities are now considered recreational and it appears for now that these sessions won’t be funded. While participants can still do these activities, they will need to cover the costs themselves or find other ways to pay for them.

Please keep in mind that even though the rules have changed, therapists can still recommend activities they believe will help their clients. The difference now is that participants may need to use their own money for some things.

The new NDIS rules bring a clearer focus on what the scheme should cover – disability-specific supports that help people improve their quality of life. This means some services or items that may have been previously funded before might not be funded anymore.

For example, a therapist might recommend a simple item like a hooded-towel to help with independence in drying off after a shower. While this could be useful, it’s now something participants may have to buy on their own instead of relying on NDIS funding. The same goes for other tools or products that improve day-to-day living but aren’t strictly medical or therapeutic in nature.

This shift isn’t necessarily bad, as it encourages everyone to think carefully about what’s truly needed. Families and participants might find themselves considering private health options or paying out-of-pocket for some services, especially in cases where NDIS funding isn’t available or is reduced.

The changes to NDIS funding are all about making sure the system remains fair, sustainable and focused on helping people with disability access the support they need. These reforms may feel challenging at first, but they also provide a clearer set of rules that everyone can work with. As the scheme moves forward, the goal is to ensure that NDIS remains strong and available to those who truly need it.

While it might be tough to adjust to some of these changes, it’s important to remember that the core purpose of the NDIS is to provide essential supports for people with disability. This doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy activities or improvements in their lives – it just means the funding will focus on what’s necessary to help them live more independently and comfortably.

Ultimately, the updates are about making sure NDIS can continue to support Australians living with disability in a way that’s fair and sustainable for the long term. With clear guidelines in place, both participants and service providers can focus on delivering and receiving the most meaningful and beneficial support possible.

How to stay on top of the NDIS updates

Join Sarah at the Inner Circle, where you will receive regular updates regarding the NDIS and guidance on how this impacts your OT practice. This includes updates delivered straight to your inbox, deep dives, masterclasses and Q&A sessions on all things NDIS, plus exclusive access to a group of like-minded OTs. We’d love to see you there.