NDIA/NDIS Update – 26/11/2024: NDIS-funded music and art therapy
The NDIS ensures participants receive evidence-based disability support, and recent changes to legislation clarify the types of support that can be funded. As part of these changes, a new Operational Guideline on therapy supports will be released on Monday, 2nd December, outlining how participants can access music and art therapy.
From February 2025, these therapies will be available either at a one-on-one rate of $67.56 per hour or a group rate of $193.99 per hour, depending on the provider and setting, providing more community participation opportunities for participants.
While music and art therapy will remain available, they will not be classified as “therapies” under NDIS definitions due to evolving evidence on their effectiveness in supporting functional capacity. These therapies will continue to be assessed by the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee, which was established to help ensure better outcomes for participants.
To learn more about these updates and how they may affect your support, visit the NDIS website.
NDIA/NDIS Update – 20/11/2024: Disability Sector Update
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is providing an update on legislative changes, system updates, and key developments related to the NDIS. Recently, they have published information on eligibility reassessments and disability-specific bicycles and updated the FAQ section on the NDIS website. A new position statement on conflicts of interest in the NDIS provider market has been released, co-designed with input from participants, carers, and providers.
Additionally, the latest Quarterly Report highlighted improvements in participant outcomes, including increased community participation and work opportunities for NDIS participants.
The NDIA is also seeking expressions of interest for the Participant Reference Group and has made updates to the PACE system for automatic plan extensions. New features include changes to the MyNDIS app login process and a newly designed plan format.
Access the full Disability Sector Update
NDIS Update – 11/11/2024: Quarterly Report
The latest National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) quarterly report outlines progress in improving the NDIS to better support participants and ensure its long-term viability. A key development was the passage of the ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1’ Bill, which came into effect on Thursday, 3rd October 2024. The bill introduces clearer definitions of NDIS supports, making it easier for participants and providers to understand how funds can be used. While immediate changes are minor, larger improvements are expected with a new planning framework to be rolled out next year. The NDIA is actively communicating with participants and their supporters to explain these changes.
The NDIA is also working closely with the disability community to shape future reforms. Over 7,000 people took part in a public consultation on defining NDIS supports, and more than 550 community members joined co-design workshops last quarter. To support these efforts, the NDIA increased funding by $10.7 million for 27 disability representatives and carer organisations. The report recognises the important role of the disability sector in supporting NDIS improvements and highlights the ongoing focus on community input in the reform process.
The NDIA provides detailed quarterly reports to disability ministers within 42 days of the end of each quarter. These reports include statistics on participants and data about funding and support provision across different jurisdictions. After being reviewed by the NDIA Board, the reports are made publicly available within 45 days of the quarter’s end, offering transparency and insight into the ongoing performance of the NDIS.
Access the latest quarterly report
NDIS Update – 6/11/2024: Community and Stakeholder Update
On Tuesday, 1st October 2024, the Honourable Bill Shorten MP released updated lists of what NDIS participants can and cannot spend their funding on, providing greater clarity for both participants and providers. These updated guidelines, which came into effect on Thursday, 3rd October, are the first review since the NDIS began and aim to simplify how participants can use their funding. Additionally, a new digital tool, the Care Sector Demand Map, was launched to help disability and aged care providers better understand the demand and supply for services.
Other recent changes include updates to NDIS claims processing, with self-managed participants now required to upload supporting evidence for claims starting Monday, 14th October 2024. The Albanese Government has also committed $4.67 million in grants to enhance the knowledge and skills of NDIS participants, providers, and workers. Furthermore, a new Administrative Review Tribunal replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October, and the government announced major increases to penalties and criminal offences for NDIS providers as part of the “Getting it Back on Track Bill,” which aims to enhance protections for participants and improve the quality of services.
Access the Community and Stakeholder Update via Word
Access the Community and Stakeholder Update via PDF