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February 2026

NDIA Sector Update – 20/02/26

Participants are shaping a new way of planning for the NDIS

We have started testing the new support needs assessment with a small group of participants.

A group of 30 participants is taking part in a simulated support needs assessment to test how easy it is to understand, and to get feedback about the participant experience.

This simulated support needs assessment includes:

  • an introduction
  • time for the assessor to understand the person’s situation
  • the assessment conversation
  • a final check to confirm the details.

This testing builds on more than 10,000 desktop exercises we have already completed as part of developing the new support needs assessment experience.

A second, larger testing phase will start in March 2026. It will include more complex scenarios, a wider range of participants, and both virtual and face to face sessions.

NDIS participants can nominate to take part in activities to help implement the new way of planning through NDIS Engage.

You can read more about how participants are shaping the new way of planning on the NDIS website.

The Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care is working with disability sector to develop the rules that will underpin the new way of planning. Consultation is open until 6 March 2026.

What the new way of planning means for participants

Emails have started going out to NDIS participants, families, and representatives to explain the new way of planning and provide information about how people can share their thoughts.

Easy read and Auslan versions are available on the NDIS website.

We will introduce the new way of planning from mid-2026, and it will continue to roll out gradually over the next few years.

You can read more on the on the NDIS website.

Defining therapy supports

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is currently working on amendments to the NDIS Supports Transitional Rules.

The Department is seeking input from the allied health sector on how to categorise and describe therapy supports ahead of a public consultation in March 2026.

Find out more and read the paper on the on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Thriving Kids advisory group final report

The Thriving Kids Advisory Group has delivered its final report. It sets out a national model for supporting children and families through Thriving Kids.

Governments are now reviewing the report.

Thriving Kids will support children and families outside the NDIS. Under the National Cabinet agreement, it will help children 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. It aims to give families earlier access to support in the places children live, learn and play.

The Advisory Group recommended a mix of universal and targeted supports. These supports give governments flexibility to adapt the model to local needs.

The goal is to strengthen children’s development, provide practical help to families, and create clearer and easier pathways to early support.

All governments will now work together to finalise the design through agreements between the Australian Government and each state and territory.

The first Thriving Kids services are expected to start from 1 October 2026, with more services added over time. A full rollout is planned for 1 January 2028.

Learn more about the Thriving Kids Advisory Final Report on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

NDIS news

2025–26 Annual Pricing Review consultations

Thank you to all who took part in the 2025–26 Annual Pricing Review consultations on NDIS Engage.

Your input is an important part of how we review pricing arrangements and make sure they continue to support participants, providers and the broader disability community.

Engagement highlights

Across the consultation period we saw strong and consistent engagement, including over:

What happens next

We are now reviewing all feedback.

Your feedback will inform the recommendations for the 2025–26 Annual Pricing Review.

We will publish a consultation report outlining key themes and how they informed the final recommendations.

The NDIA will continue working closely with the disability community to build a fair, sustainable, and high-quality market.

If you would like updates, you can follow the project page on NDIS Engage.

Thank you again for the time, thoughts, and experiences you contributed to this consultation.

NDIS Quarterly Report

The NDIA has released the NDIS Quarterly Report Q2 2025–26.

This report provides an overview on the performance and operations of the NDIA from 1 October to 31 December 2025.

It shows steady progress in delivering a fairer, simpler, and more sustainable NDIS.

There are positive results in financial management, participant outcomes and experience, and ongoing reform implementation.

The quarterly report is also a chance to see how the NDIS is making a real difference in people’s lives.

To find out more:

Have your say

NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee consultation

The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) was established in response to the NDIS Review.

The EAC will make recommendations to government on the safety, suitability, and value for money of supports for NDIS funding, drawing on the best available evidence.

On 16 February, the EAC opened consultation about:

  • early intensive behavioural interventions
  • positive behaviour support for older children and adults
  • robot-assisted gait training
  • social skills training as a disability support for children and young people.

Find out more about the committee on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website and to learn more about each support, read the summary document.

To participate in this consultation visit Health consultations website.

Submissions close at 11:59pm AEDT on 29 March 2026.

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 Outcomes Framework: fourth annual report

The fourth annual report for Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 Outcomes Framework is now available.

The report provides an overview of the progress being made on outcomes for people with disability in 2025.

Find out more on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website.

Community representatives appointed to the National Autism Strategy Reference Group

The Australian Government is pleased to announce the appointment of 8 community representatives to the National Autism Strategy Reference Group.

The Reference Group will make sure the experiences and expertise of the Autistic and autism community continue to shape the National Autism Strategy 2025-2031 and its implementation.

It will focus on how the government can work alongside the broader community to improve understanding and acceptance around autism to help break down enduring barriers to inclusion for Autistic Australians.

The Reference Group will hold its first meeting on 23 February 2026.

For more information on the National Autism Strategy and the First Action Plan, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Co-design updates

Upcoming Co-design Working Group meetings:

  • Participant Pathway Experience Co-design Working Group on 24 February 2026.
  • First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group on 26 February 2026.
  • Co-design Advisory Group meeting is being planned for 16 March 2026.
  • Assessment and Budgeting Co-design Working Group meetings are being planned for late February and March.
  • Navigator Co-design Working Group meeting is planned for late March 2026.

All Co-design Working Groups have been invited to a briefing on 5 March 2026 on the participant pathway and I-CAN tool. This is an opportunity for members to confirm their understanding of the new way of planning. Attendance is optional.

You can learn more about the meetings we’ve held recently and the work we’ve progressed with the disability community to improve the NDIS by visiting our Co-design project pages:

Advisory group updates

Neurodegenerative, Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group

The summary for the 24 September 2025 meeting of the Neurodegenerative, Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group is now available on the NDIS website.

Self-management Advisory Group

The summary for the 20 November 2025 meeting of the Self-management Advisory Group is now available on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Assistive technology

When we talk about assistive technology, we mean equipment, technology, and devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability.

In this presentation we will cover:

  • what assistive technology is
  • how it can support independence and safety
  • examples of assistive technology
  • how to access assistive technology through the NDIS.

Session date

  • Thursday, 26 February 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Using your NDIS plan

When we talk about using an NDIS plan, we mean understanding how to make the most of the supports and funding available.

An NDIS plan is designed to help participants achieve their goals, increase independence, and improve their quality of life. Knowing how to use it effectively can make a big difference.

In this presentation, we will cover:

  • understanding support budgets and how funding can be used
  • what to expect at a plan implementation meeting
  • how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
  • tips for managing a plan budget to stay on track.

Session date

  • Tuesday, 10 March 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Changing your NDIS plan

The NDIS is designed to give participants the reasonable and necessary supports they need to build skills, maximise independence, and help them pursue their goals.

If a participant’s circumstances and needs change, their plan may also need to change.

In this presentation, we will cover:

  • when and why, you might need to change your plan
  • the difference between a plan variation and a plan reassessment
  • how to request a plan change and what to expect during the process
  • tips for making sure your plan continues to meet your needs.

Session date

  • Wednesday, 18 March 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Community Connections

Community Connections are all about helping participants find the supports they need in their local community.

Community Connections are available for people with disability aged 9 to 64, even if they’re not eligible for the NDIS.

In this presentation, we will cover:

  • what Community Connections are and how they can help
  • how to find practical information about your disability or condition
  • ways to access support through mainstream and community services
  • how to connect with people who share similar experiences
  • support for applying to the NDIS, including help with submitting an NDIS access request.

Session date

  • Thursday, 26 March 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.

New videos

Community and Stakeholder Update video – February 2026

Our video of the February Community and Stakeholder Update is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

Our Community and Stakeholder Updates recap news, consultations, and updates from across the NDIS.

Information in the Community and Stakeholder Update includes:

  • NDIS announcements, changes, policies, updates, and media coverage
  • other disability related updates and inclusive and accessible programs operating locally or nationally
  • local events, good news stories, consultations, and engagements
  • challenges and achievements with the wider disability network.

You are welcome to share this with your members. Thank you to stakeholders who provided us with feedback about how to make our updates more accessible.

Self-management presentation video

The video recording of our self-management presentation is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

  • what self-management is
  • when a person can’t self-manage
  • tips for self-managing well
  • directly engaging staff
  • avoiding common mistakes.

Using an NDIS plan presentation video

The video recording of our using an NDIS plan presentation is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

  • understanding support budgets and how funding can be used
  • what to expect at a plan implementation meeting
  • how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
  • tips for managing a plan budget to stay on track.

NDIA Sector Update – 18/02/26

The latest National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) quarterly report has been released.

It shows steady progress in delivering a fairer, simpler and more sustainable NDIS. There are positive results in financial management, participant outcomes and experience, and ongoing reform implementation.

The NDIS continued to deliver positive outcomes for participants and their families and carers in the quarter ending 31 December 2025 (quarter 2, 2025–26).

Quarter 2 highlights

Mr Graeme Head AO was appointed by the NDIA Board as the new Chief Executive Officer for a 3-year term, starting in November 2025.

Mr Head brings substantial knowledge of the NDIS to the role, having served as the inaugural NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner (2018–2021). He also brings decades of experience in public administration and social policy at the highest levels in Australia.

Working with the disability community

The NDIA works closely with participants and the disability community through co-design, consultation, engagement and information sharing. Highlights this quarter include:

The NDIA began engaging with First Nations organisations, peak bodies and governments to inform an NDIS First Nations Strategy implementation plan to be co-developed by mid-2026.

We held almost 500 engagement activities with nearly 5,500 participants and other stakeholders. We distributed e-newsletters to more than 10,000 stakeholders.

A new NDIS Design Hub, bringing together participants and NDIA staff, will support the design of the new way of planning. The Design Hub helps us test and refine:

  • new planning tools
  • resources
  • participant experience with the NDIA.

Design Hub sessions started in October 2025 and will continue throughout 2026. This quarter, the Hub ran participant focus groups, one-to-one interviews, and a 2-day workshop.

Four webinars, co-hosted with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, were held to inform the disability sector about the new planning process and support needs assessment.

NDIS Engage is a new online platform to help participants, providers and the disability community have their say on reforms and improvements to the NDIS. Since its launch in August 2025, there have been more than 25,000 unique visitors, 17,000 documents downloaded and 1,000 submissions received.

Helping participants use NDIS funds on listed supports

Following changes to legislation in October 2024 that put a focus on ensuring NDIS funds are used exclusively on listed NDIS supports, participants were given 12 months to adjust to the NDIS supports lists. This ended on 2 October 2025.

The NDIA is providing guidance to participants to help them make the right decisions about how to use their budgets and access NDIS supports.

The NDIA published 2 new guidelines for the inclusion of short-term respite and therapy supports in NDIS plans.

Most businesses do the right thing, but some use misleading or deceptive phrases, such as, ‘NDIS approved’ or ‘100% NDIS funded’.

The NDIA is providing guidance and deterring the use of misleading or deceptive advertising, so participants have the right information to spend their budgets on listed supports.

Thank you

The NDIA acknowledges and thanks the disability sector and community for their vital contribution and advocacy in supporting people with disability.

You can download the quarterly report from the NDIS website.

NDIA Sector Update – 06/02/2026

Good afternoon,

We are writing to provide you with information about recent Agency announcements and updates on key issues.

We encourage you to share the information in this email with your members and networks through your communications channels.

Vale Nick Rushworth

We were saddened at the news of the passing of Nick Rushworth, Executive Officer of Brain Injury Australia (BIA).

Nick took part in the Disability Representative and Carer Organisation (DRCO) Forum and was a member of the Participant Pathway Experience Co-design Working Group, joining the group in 2024.

On behalf of the NDIA, we want to acknowledge Nick’s important contributions to improving the NDIS for people with brain injury, and for bringing his experience to conversations about reforming the Scheme.

NDIS reform

New way of planning communication

From 9 February 2026, we will be sending an email to all NDIS participants, families and representatives to provide early information about the new way of planning for the NDIS.

The email will provide information to build awareness of future changes. It confirms:

  • participants do not need to take any action now
  • current NDIS plans remain in place

·      most participants will not notice any changes for some time.

The email will include information about the NDIS Rules consultation, open until 6 March 2026. This is an opportunity for participants to share their views on how the new way of planning will work.

We will also publish the same information on the NDIS website in Easy Read and Auslan.

To find out more visit the NDIS website.

Thriving Kids

Governments have committed to jointly contribute $4 billion over 5 years to implement the first phase of Foundational Supports, known as Thriving Kids.

This investment will support children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism with low to moderate support needs, and their families, carers, and kin.

From 1 October 2026, children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs will start to access support through Thriving Kids.

Thriving Kids will be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028. This will make sure national services are in place ahead of changes to NDIS access arrangements from 1 January 2028.

NDIS access changes will require amendments to the NDIS Act 2013. The Government will continue to engage with state and territory governments, people with disability and the disability sector to inform the design and implementation of these important reforms.

Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with developmental delay and/or autism with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS.

To learn more, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Thriving Kids webpage.

NDIS news

Update planned for my NDIS mobile app news item

We are updating the ‘my NDIS mobile app’ to improve accessibility, simplify navigation and make it easier for participants to manage their plans.

The changes will be made from February. The update will either occur automatically, or you will receive a notification in the app when the changes are available to manually update.

To find out more visit the NDIS website.

Have your say

Shaping the NDIS for First Nations children and young people

We are inviting First Nations families, carers, young people, and community representatives to help improve how the NDIS works for children and young people.

This includes informing a new NDIS pathway for children and young people.

Your lived experience will help us:

  • build a pathway that makes sense for First Nations families
  • keep the space culturally safe, strong, and inclusive
  • speak truth about what is not working
  • try out new ideas and share back what works.

Who we want to hear from

  • First Nations parents, carers, family members and community representatives supporting children and young people aged 0 to 17.
  • Young people aged 18 to 25 who were NDIS participants before turning 18.

These are all paid opportunities.

To learn more and have your say, visit NDIS Engage.

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

Centre for Inclusive Employment Online Hub

There’s now more support for providers to deliver disability employment services.  Department of Social Services have partnered with Swinburne University of Technology to develop useful tools.

Information about disability and employment support is now available. Over time, resources will be added that provide practical information for people with disability, families, employment service providers, and the general community.

To explore the Online Hub, visit the Centre for Inclusive Employment website.

Co-design updates

Upcoming Co-design Working Group meetings:

  • Participant Safeguarding Co-design Working Group – 17 February 2026
  •  Participant Pathway Experience Co-design Working Group – 24 February 2026

The Quarterly Reform Forum is meeting on 19 February 2026. We are reinstating updates from Co-design Working Group Co-chairs and inviting all Co-design Working Group Co-chairs to the Forum.

You can learn more about the meetings we’ve held recently and the work we’ve progressed with the disability community to improve the NDIS by visiting our co-designing reform NDIS Engage project pages:

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: NDIS access and eligibility

Applying to the NDIS means taking steps to find out if you can become a participant and start receiving supports under the Scheme. There’s a process to follow when you apply.

In this presentation we will cover:

  • an overview of the NDIS Eligibility criteria
  • evidence you need
  • how the application process works
  • who can help you apply.

Our speaker will also explain recent changes to legislation and how they impact people applying to the NDIS.

Session date

  • Tuesday, 10 February 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Self-management

Self-management means you manage your NDIS funding.

This gives you control and responsibility for arranging and paying for the supports in your plan. It’s a great way to tailor your supports to meet your needs and achieve your goals.

In this presentation we will cover:

  • what self-management is
  • when a person can’t self-manage
  • tips for self-managing well
  • directly engaging staff
  • avoiding common mistakes.

Session date

  • Wednesday, 18 February 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanatix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Assistive technology

When we talk about assistive technology, we mean equipment, technology, and devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability.

In this presentation we will cover:

  • what assistive technology is
  • how it can support independence and safety
  • examples of assistive technology
  • how to access assistive technology through the NDIS.

Session date

  • Thursday, 26 February 2026

For session time and to register for the session, visit our Humanitix page.