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This year we will be hosting another fun-filled day for the First2Care team and our community to come together for an afternoon of entertainment, and connection. When: Friday, 19 September, 1pm - 4pm Where: The Hills District All Abilities Playground (120 Olearia street, Arana Hills, QLD, 4054). Food & Drinks First2Care will provide a free sausage sizzle and cold drinks. We also encourage you to bring your own picnic food and any other snacks you want. There will also be a coffee cart set up at the event for you to purchase a wider range of hot and cold drinks. Entertainment This year we are partnering with the team from World Blind Golf who will be providing an inclusive golfing experience for all participants who would like to have a go. We will also have some lawn games as well as face painting and balloon twisting for everyone to enjoy! What to Bring As this is an outdoor event, please make sure you bring sun protective gear (sunglasses, hat and sunscreen). Feel free to bring a picnic rug or camp chair and don’t forget your smile! Accessibility To get to the park there are concrete pathways, accessible bathrooms, accessible play equipment, a large carpark with accessible parking spaces with a bus stop and train station nearby. Image 1: Over head aerial map of the park area Image 2: Directions from the nearby Arana Leagues bus stop - Google Maps Directions Image 3: Directions from the Grovely Train Station - Google Maps Directions Join the Fun for Our Biggest Picnic Yet! RSVP today! When: Friday, 19th September 2025 Time: 1pm–4pm Where: The Hills District All Abilities Playground at 120 Olearia St W, Arana Hills, QLD 4054 Please RSVP by 12th of September 2025 To keep updated with the lasted Picnic and First2Care news join our mailing list here

In our conversations with participants and nominees, it’s clear there’s some confusion about NDIS plan indexation. Some have been told it doesn’t exist and many simply are unaware of it and wonder if it’s something they need to take care of (spoiler: you don't). Let’s clear it up. Each year in July, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) updates its NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL)  which sets the rates for supports and services under the NDIS. Shortly after these changes, your NDIS plan budget may be automatically adjusted through what’s called plan indexation.  What is Plan Indexation?  Plan indexation is the annual adjustment of your NDIS plan budget to reflect changes in the cost of services. It’s based on factors such as inflation, wage increases for support workers, and updated price limits set by the NDIA.   Plan indexation helps ensure that you have enough funding to continue accessing the supports and services you need without financial gaps caused by rising costs.  If you already have an active NDIS plan, you don’t need to take any action for this to happen. The NDIA will automatically update your remaining budget to reflect the new prices, usually within a few weeks of the new PAPL being released, around mid July of each year.  While indexation happens automatically, here are a few things to consider:  Stay informed  by checking the official NDIS website or talking to your plan manager.  Review your updated plan budget  to know how that any increased rate your Providers have agreed to charge you there is enough there for these increases.  Follow up  if you notice your plan hasn’t been updated and you are worried about your funding, with the new pricing arrangement, you can contact the NDIA directly for clarification.  Also your providers should be discussing changes to your support costs with you any, it's their duty to make sure you are aware of their incoming price changes. To summarise  Plan indexation is a standard and automatic process that helps keep your funding in line with real-world costs. That means more reliable support, better continuity of services, and less worry about your budget being stretched too thin as prices change due to increased costs.  While you don’t need to apply for indexation, or take action for it to happen, it’s always beneficial to stay informed. Knowing these updates helps you make confident choices about your NDIS plan so you can keep receiving the supports that matter most to you.  For more detailed information, you can refer to Pricing updates | NDIS

It might sound strange but there are a lot of things to consider if your child has a disability. Sometimes early intervention might be enough. If your child doesn't continue on to a NDIS plan, there are mainstream, and community supports available to help. The pathway to getting a NDIS plan involves a formal diagnosis when aged six or older, and that diagnosis needs to meet the age, residence, and disability requirements in the NDIS Act 2013. In the intake interview with an NDIS Planner/LAC (local area coordinator/my NDIS contact) you will discuss the needs and goals around which the plan will be built. The disability support needs, remembering that the goals need to relate to the disability. Once you have the plan, depending on how the funding is set up, it will be either self-managed, plan managed or agency managed. If it is plan managed, you'll need to get a plan manager. Like First2Care. They will pay the invoices related to the plan and give you budget support. Don't be afraid to ask your plan manger for answers if you are trying to understand the NDIS plan. In the coming months we will break everything down in more detail. To help you get a better idea of what it means if your child is growing up in the NDIS. From Early intervention to getting an NDIS plan with a formal diagnosis. From that first plan to when they reach their teenage years. Because, yes, they are still children but their disability doesn't mean that they will skip being teenagers. Then we'll dive in to when they transition to adulthood. Another change, a lot to consider too. Leaving school, possible employment opportunities, living on their own instead of with their family/primary carers. Then finally what they would do if something happened to you. Is there a care plan, is there someone who will take care of their needs? We are sharing this to let you know what its like from the point-of-view of another parent/primary carer, having a child with a disability. We are hoping to share that there is a way to navigate the NDIS and perhaps remove some of the uncertainty in these life stages. Because having a child is a journey, growing up is an adventure and having a disability doesn't change this. A disability might create a few more bumps and waves to deal with. This isn't about the disability, this is about the way to grow up and giving them a childhood while navigating the complexities of the NDIS. By hopefully, helping you see how the NDIS can help you.

In our conversations with providers and participants, it’s clear there’s some confusion about NDIS plan indexation. Some providers have been told it doesn’t exist and many simply are unaware of it and they wonder if it’s something they need to take care of. Let’s clear it up. Each year in July, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) updates its NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) which sets the pricing limits for Supports and Services under the NDIS. After these changes, participants’ NDIS plan budgets may be automatically adjusted through what’s called plan indexation.  What is Plan Indexation?  Plan indexation is the annual adjustment of a NDIS plan budget to reflect changes in the cost of services. It’s based on factors such as inflation, wage increases for support workers, and updated PAPL set by the NDIA.  Plan indexation helps ensure that participants have enough funding to continue accessing their Supports and Services without financial gaps caused by rising costs.  If a participant has an existing, active NDIS plan, the NDIA will automatically update the remaining budget to reflect the new prices, usually within a few weeks of the new PAPL being released. Participants and Providers do not need to take any action for this to happen.  What You Can Do  While indexation happens automatically to a participants plan, there is rarely communication directly to providers or participants, so here are a few helpful steps you can take as a provider:  Stay informed  by checking the official NDIS website. Check-in with the Participant or their nominee  to confirm your services are not going to impact the ability to deliver ongoing support and whether any service bookings need to be updated. If this results in an increase of your rate  discuss your new rate and get agreement from the Participant or their nominee. To summarise Plan indexation is a standard and NDIS automatic process that helps keep participant funding in line with real-world costs. For providers, this helps maintain billing consistency and ensures services remain deliverable within a participant’s available budget.  Although the process doesn’t require any application or formal update on your end, it’s still beneficial to stay informed. Knowing these updates allows you to support your participants with confidence ,  and continue delivering high-quality, reliable services.  For more detailed information, you can refer to Pricing updates | NDIS

From 1 July 2025, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has introduced important updates to how therapy providers can claim for travel under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.  These changes specifically apply to therapy supports, including for early childhood early intervention. It’s important to note that travel rules for all other support types remain unchanged.  What Has Changed  Therapy providers can now only claim travel at 50% of the price limit for the therapy support. In practice, this is up to the maximum of 15 minutes of travel in MMM1-3 areas and 30 minutes in MMM4-5 areas. If actual time travelled is less than the relevant time cap for the area calculation is based on the actual time.  For example, a physiotherapist has a price limit of $183.99 per hour. From 1 July 2025, they are able to claim up to $92.00 per hour for travel, up to the relevant time cap according to their location.   10 minutes travel in MMM1-3 Metro areas = $92 / 60 x 10 minutes = $15.33  40 minutes travel in MMM4-5 Rural/Remote areas = $92 / 60 x 30 minutes = $46 There is no change to other supports like Support Worker travel in this area. As the NDIS says in the Pricing arrangements. "When claiming for travel in respect of a support, a provider should use the same hourly rate as they have agreed with the participant for the primary support (or a lower hourly rate for the travel if that is what they have agreed with the participant) in calculating the claimable travel cost." Charging for Kilometres (Non-Labour Costs)  Therapy providers can continue to claim reasonable non-labour costs related to travel. These are reimbursable in addition to labour travel time, if allowed for in the participant’s Service Agreement. The NDIA considers the following to be reasonable:   $0.99 per kilometre when using a vehicle owned by the Provider or worker.  Full reimbursement for actual costs such as road tolls, parking, or public transport.  All non-labour travel claims must be agreed to in advance and charged separately using the relevant “Provider Travel – non-labour costs” line item.  Travelling Between Participants If a provider travels directly between participants, the following rules apply:  If the worker is travelling between multiple participants within the same MMM region, all of the travel time may be apportioned to all of the participants as long as each trip does not exceed the relevant time limit per participant (30 minutes in MMM1-3 and 60 minutes in MMM4-5)  This requires the agreement of each participant  If travelling between regions, or the provider does not have the agreement of all participants, the travel should not be apportioned and should be instead invoiced per participant specifically on the time spent travelling to them  Providers may charge for the time spent travelling from the last participant back to their usual place of work. This can be apportioned among all consenting participants (as above) or only charged to the last participant.  Here's a summary with examples:  Travelling Within the Same MMM Region  Rule : All travel time between participants can be shared proportionally  among them.  Conditions :  Each leg of the journey must be within the time limit :  MMM1–3 : up to 30 minutes per participant.  MMM4–5 : up to 60 minutes per participant.  All participants must agree  to the apportionment.  Example :  A support worker travels from Participant A to Participant B (both in MMM2). The drive takes 20 minutes. Both participants agree to share the travel cost. Each is charged for 10 minutes.   If one or more do not agree: Travel must be charged individually  based on time spent travelling to the agreeing participant .  Example Scenario   All participants agree to travel being charged are located in  MMM2  (30-minute travel limit per leg).  A support worker visits:  Travel times:   A ➜ B : 20 minutes  B ➜ C : 25 minutes  C ➜ Office : 15 minutes    Provider Travel vs Activity-Based Transport  Provider travel refers to the labour time of a provider travelling to or from the participant for a face-to-face support. These are subject to specific time and price limits, as outlined above.  On the other hand, activity-based transport applies when providers travel with participants as part of a support activity. This is more common for social, economic, and community participation and some capacity-building supports, and is not provider travel.  In Closing To claim travel charges compliantly, providers must ensure:  The participant’s Service Agreement explicitly includes travel time and kilometre contributions.  Providers do not exceed the travel time caps, and claims reflect actual travel undertaken.   Except for example, in circumstance of last-minute cancellations  Transparent invoicing separates primary support, labour travel time, and non-labour travel charges.  For detailed guidance, you can refer to the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26,  the NDIA’s official release on travel Travel claiming rules, gap fees and other costs | NDIS  and Annual pricing review | NDIS

The NDIA have published the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) for the upcoming 2025-26 financial year. While the changes won’t take effect until July, there is some important information to take note of, especially if you receive therapy supports under your NDIS plan. Key Points Some therapy Maximum Limits have been reduced in the maximum hourly rate, while psychology rates have increased in some states Provider travel for therapies has been capped at 15 minutes, or 50% of the usual 30-minute cost Therapies are “presented” as they can now be claimed in ten-minute increments. Eg. 50 minute or 1 hour and 10 minute sessions. Max. hourly limits for support work have increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) As with any changes to rates and pricing, we recommend reviewing service agreements that are in place with your providers, especially relating to therapies, to ensure that the agreement reflects the takes into consideration the reduction in Physio, Dietetics , Podiatry and maximum travel. What This Means for Participants Travel One major change is the cap on the time that therapy providers can claim for travel. The NDIA decided to reduce the amount that can be claimed for travel costs after feedback from participants who experienced their funding being drained faster than expected. This change should mean that more funding is available for direct supports, like appointments. Costs/kilometre for non-labour costs are not changing, so expect to see those charges on your invoices. Maximum Limit changes Reductions in hourly Maximum Limit include: Podiatry, reduced by $5/hour to $188.99 Dietetics, reduced by $5/hour to $188.99 Physiotherapy, reduced by $10/hour in QLD, NSW, VIC, and ACT by $40.06/hour in WA, SA, TAS, and NT to $183.99 Psychology in WA, SA, and NT by $10/hour to $232.99 Increases in hourly Maximum Limit include: Psychology in QLD, NSW, VIC, and ACT, by $10/hour to $232.99 According to the NDIA, these changes bring NDIS pricing closer in line with non-NDIS pricing, a subject that has been at the forefront of NDIS reform for several years. Next steps Check in with your service providers if service agreements, particularly for therapy services, need to change. Contact your support coordinator if you need help understanding these changes or updating your agreements. Reach out to our team if you need assistance reviewing how these changes may affect your NDIS budget and plan. For more detailed information on these changes, you can refer to Fairer and more equitable pricing for NDIS participants | NDIS

The NDIA have published the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) for the upcoming 2025-26 financial year. While the changes won’t take effect until July, there is some important information to take note of, especially if you receive therapy supports under your NDIS plan. Although any funding increases for Support Coordination or Plan Management have been halted, and the removal of the Establishment Fee for Plan Managers results in a reduction of their total fees, the reduction in maximum limits for some therapies is a first for the NDIA. Key Points Some therapy maximum limits have been reduced in the maximum hourly rate, while the psychology maximum limit have increased in some states Provider travel for therapies has been capped at 15 minutes, or 50% of the usual 30-minute cost Therapies are “presented” as they can now be claimed in ten-minute increments. Eg. 50 minute or 1 hour and 10 minute sessions. Max. hourly limit for support work have increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) No CPI increases for Plan Management and Support Coordination. For Plan Management, the removal of the Establishment Fee. As with any changes to rates and pricing, we recommend reviewing service agreements that are in place with your providers, especially relating to therapies, to ensure that the agreement reflects the takes into consideration the reduction in Physio, Dietetics, Podiatry, and maximum travel. What This Means for Participants Travel One major change is the cap on the time that therapy providers can claim for travel. The NDIA decided to reduce the amount that can be claimed for travel costs after feedback from participants who experienced their funding being drained faster than expected. This change should mean that more funding is available for direct supports, like the time spent on appointments. Costs/kilometre for non-labour costs are not changing, so expect to see those charges on your invoices. Maximum Limit changes Reductions in hourly Maximum Limit include: Podiatry, reduced by $5/hour to $188.99 Dietetics, reduced by $5/hour to $188.99 Physiotherapy, reduced by $10/hour in QLD, NSW, VIC, and ACT by $40.06/hour in WA, SA, TAS, and NT to $183.99 Psychology in WA, SA, and NT by $10/hour to $232.99 Increases in hourly Maximum Limit include: Psychology in QLD, NSW, VIC, and ACT, by $10/hour to $232.99 According to the NDIA, these changes bring NDIS pricing closer in line with non-NDIS pricing, a subject that has been at the forefront of NDIS reform for several years. Next steps Check your service agreements, particularly for therapy services, review and make adjustments required. Liaise with Support Coordinators if you need help understanding these changes or updating your agreements. Reach out to our team if you need assistance reviewing how these changes may affect your NDIS budget and plan. For more detailed information on these changes, you can refer to Fairer and more equitable pricing for NDIS participants | NDIS

As a 27-year-old, going out to a bar with my mates shouldn’t be a humiliating experience. However, the reality is that even when I was in my early twenties, all I did was stay at home.   It wasn’t for lack of trying - I would try and go out countless times, only to be faced with how inaccessible the world really was. It felt better to be at home and in control than to be putting myself through distress and an upsetting situation. I was born with congenital muscular dystrophy, meaning I have weak muscles and can’t lift heavy things.   When you’re out and about in a mobility scooter and encounter one step, it may as well be one hundred. While the government has put all of these accessibility regulations in place, my lived experience with disability – and I’m sure I’m not alone – tells a different story.   Recently, I went out in Fortitude Valley, and all I could see were the walls of stairs leading up to every single venue. I was too embarrassed to ask if there was an accessible entry for me, because I knew the answer would be just too much of a hassle.   W hen I got my first full-time job, however, my outlook on accessibility was transformed.   I’m fortunate to be a part of the team at First2Care family, who employe more than 15 per cent of our team lives with a disability.   Working full-time has given me the confidence to live a normal life and shown me that I’m able to go to work just like everyone else does.   Often, when I was younger, I felt like an “other”. Working has allowed me to overcome this feeling, and I no longer fear that my disability will prevent me from having other “normal” experiences. It’s the small things, like having a chair and foot stool to allow me to work at my desk without pain or discomfort.   I’m living proof that by making a few, small modifications, it can make a whole world of difference to someone like me.   This is the perfect chance to make it a more accessible city for future generations to come.   Accessible building standards in Queensland only apply to those built after 2011. That means if I wanted to have a beer at an iconic, old pub, forget about it.  Renovations are restricted in heritage venues, so they can rarely retrofit accessibility functions. For other venues, accessibility must only be incorporated if there are plans for a large-scale renovation.   The system is largely complaint-driven, so if no one speaks up, nothing changes.   We could start by retrospectively mandating accessibility upgrades for iconic public venues, between now and 2032, so that these can be enjoyed by everyone. There should also be considerations for a city-wide accessibility audit and upgrade plan ahead of 2032.   If our pubs and restaurants aren’t accessible, then what message are we sending the world?

Natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, heatwaves, and severe storms can happen without warning. For people with disability, these events can pose serious risks to safety, wellbeing, and continued access to essential supports. As an NDIS provider, your role in emergency preparedness is critical — both in safeguarding participants and in fulfilling your regulatory responsibilities. This guide outlines your obligations, key planning strategies, and tools to help you support participants effectively before, during, and after an emergency. Why It Matters In an emergency, people with disabilities may face additional barriers, such as difficulty evacuating, the need for assistive equipment or life-support devices, and communication barriers. Without planning, these factors can delay help or reduce the effectiveness of your response. As a provider, your proactive planning ensures continuity of care, reduces risk to participants and staff, and strengthens overall service resilience. It also helps meet your responsibilities under the NDIS Practice Standards, particularly those related to Emergency and Disaster Management. Key Elements of an Effective Emergency Plan for NDIS Participants 1.        Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) For participants who may need assistance during an evacuation (due to mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments), develop a PEEP that includes: The participant’s specific disability and support needs Evacuation assistance or supervision requirements Alternative transport arrangements and backup equipment Safe, accessible refuge locations PEEPs should be regularly reviewed and shared with relevant staff and support persons. Consider completing a PEEP in collaboration with a Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), especially for participants living in shared or supported accommodation. 2.        Provider Emergency Response Plan This should outline how services will operate during and after a disaster. Key components include: Staff roles and responsibilities during emergencies Communication protocols for informing participants, families, and emergency services Continuity planning for remote support, staffing back-up, and technology access Emergency contact lists, including local councils and response partners This plan should be accessible to staff at all levels and embedded into daily operations, especially in high-risk regions. 3.        Staff Training and Emergency Drills Ensure your workforce is trained and confident in responding to emergencies. This includes: First aid and manual handling training Familiarity with participant-specific emergency plans and PEEPs Participation in regular emergency drills, particularly in group homes or supported accommodation settings Training should also cover how to support participants with anxiety or sensory needs during disruptions. 4.        Emergency Kits at Service Locations Maintain emergency kits at all service sites with supplies to support participants and staff for up to 72 hours. Recommended contents include: First aid supplies Flashlights, radios, and portable chargers Copies of critical medical records and support documentation Backup assistive technology if feasible Bottled water, hygiene products, and basic consumables Review and update kits regularly to ensure everything is in working order and not expired. 5.        Planning for Specific Disasters Cyclones, Severe Storms, and Power Outages Ensure backup power for critical equipment (e.g., ventilators, powered beds) Encourage participants to register with their electricity provider as life support customers Plan for charging needs and refrigeration of medications Floods Avoid locating services in high-risk flood zones Develop relocation plans for participants and vital equipment Store important documents in waterproof containers and digital formats Bushfires Monitor alerts through local fire services Identify fire-prone areas and implement “leave early” protocols Keep transport and emergency kits ready during fire season Heatwaves Adjust service hours to avoid peak heat periods Monitor participants for signs of dehydration or heat stress Identify local cooling centres (e.g., libraries or community hubs) as backup locations NDIS Supports for Emergency Planning The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the importance of emergency preparedness. While the NDIS does not fund general disaster response or recovery, it may fund disability-related supports that assist with preparation, such as: Support Coordination to help develop an emergency plan or ensure that your emergency requirements are integrated into your NDIS plan Consumables for personal care during prolonged disruptions Assistive Technology (AT) such as backup equipment or emergency communication aids Final Thoughts Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. As a provider, your leadership, planning, and staff readiness are essential to reducing harm and ensuring continuity of supports in any emergency. Review your organisation’s policies regularly, ensure your workforce is trained and prepared, and collaborate with participants to embed emergency planning into their supports. For additional resources, visit the NDIS and bushfire and emergency support

Effective from 19 May 2025 for participant new plans, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is rolling out significant changes to how participant funding is structured. These updates, part of legislative reforms under Section 33 of the NDIS Act , will be delivered through the new PACE system  — and they directly impact how you, as providers, manage service delivery and claims.   What’s Changing?  Section 33 of the NDIS Act outlines the principles for preparing and managing participant plans. Under the updated legislation, new plans approved from 19 May 2025 onwards will include:  Total Funding Amount  - the overall budget allocated for a participant’s NDIS plan. Funding Components  - the total funding will be split across key support categories, such as Core, Capacity Building, Capital, and Recurring supports — reflecting the types of services participants may access. .   Funding Periods - funding will be released in set timeframes, not all at once. These periods determine when and how much funding becomes available for use. The default funding periods are:  General Supports: Quarterly (every 3 months)   Home & Living Supports: Monthly (every 1 month)   This new model introduces a more structured approach to distributing funding throughout the plan’s duration.  Why It Is Changing  The revised funding structure has been developed to:  Improve financial oversight and reduce fraud risks by preventing misuse of large, upfront fund allocations.  Support better budgeting for participants by breaking funding into manageable periods.  Enhance service planning by ensuring provider agreements align with expected fund availability.  Leverage the capabilities of the PACE system.  How This Affects You as a Provider  These changes will impact how you plan and deliver services:  Service Agreements: You’ll need to ensure that your agreements align with the participant’s funding periods. Planning services around these timeframes will help maintain continuity and avoid claim rejections.  Invoicing and Claiming: Claims must match the funding available within each set period. If a claim exceeds the available funds, it will be rejected in full. Providers will need to adjust and resubmit claims accordingly — making timely invoicing critical.  Participant Access and Planning:  Participants will only be able to use funds that are available in their current period. While unused funds will roll over, understanding the pacing will be essential when coordinating supports.  Longer Plan Durations: Plans may now extend beyond the traditional 12-month duration. This can support longer-term planning but will also require flexibility in your service delivery models.  PACE System Enhancements  The PACE system is upgraded to support these legislative changes with features including:  Detailed Funding Visibility – See breakdowns by support category and funding period.  Automated Fund Releases – Funds are scheduled for release to support smoother cash flow management.  Enhanced Claim Validation – Claims will only be accepted if they align precisely with available funds and timeframes.  Final Thoughts  These updates are a significant shift in how NDIS plans are structured and how providers engage with them. Although only new plans from 19 May 2025 onwards  will follow this model, understanding the system now will help you support your clients more effectively and avoid future disruptions.  We recommend reviewing your current service agreements, updating your internal invoicing systems, and ensuring your team is familiar with the PACE system.  For more detailed information on these changes, you can refer to Summary of legislation changes  and Your plan .

Natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, heatwaves, and severe storms can happen without warning. For people with disabilities, being prepared is crucial to staying safe and maintaining access to essential supports.  This guide offers practical tips you can take to prepare for an emergency and ensure that you, your family, and your supports network are ready to respond effectively in times of need.  Why It Matters  In an emergency, people with disabilities may face additional barriers, such as mobility difficulties, reliance on powered equipment, or communication needs. These factors can make evacuation or accessing help more difficult. Planning ahead helps reduce these risks and ensures you have the resources and support you need to stay safe and connected.  Key Elements of an Effective Emergency Plan  Personal Emergency Plan  A personal and individualised emergency plan outlines what you will do in an emergency, what supports you may need, and who can help you. Key details to include:  Personal Information : Your full name, address, and medical information (including allergies, conditions, and medications)  Support Requirements : Any requirements related to mobility, communication, or medical support, such as the need for a carer, support or transport assistance  Evacuation Plan : Primary and secondary evacuation routes, considering transport or mobility limitations  Emergency Contacts : Names and contact numbers of support workers, family members, or friends who can assist in an emergency  Keep your emergency plan in an easily accessible location and save a digital copy on your phone or cloud storage. Share the plan with those who are part of your support network.  Emergency Kit  An emergency kit should contain everything you may need to stay safe, independent, and healthy for at least 72 hours. Consider including the following:  Medical Supplies : Medications, medical documents, prescriptions, and a list of your healthcare providers  Assistive Devices : Spare batteries, chargers, and backup mobility or communication equipment  Communication Tools : A fully charged mobile phone, charger, and portable power bank  Daily Essentials: Non-perishable food, drinking water, hygiene items, and continence aids  Important Documents : Copies of your NDIS plan, identification, health records, and insurance  Keep your emergency kit in a waterproof, easy-to-carry bag. Review and update it regularly to ensure everything is in working order and not expired.  Plan for Specific Emergencies  Cyclones, Severe Storms, and Power Outages  Have backup power options if you rely on ventilators, powered beds, or other assistive technology  Register with your local electricity provider as a life-support customer to receive priority reconnection during outages  Secure loose items around the home  Monitor weather updates  Floods  Check your home’s flood risk through your local council   Identify safe and accessible evacuation routes in advance  Stay indoors during flooding unless evacuation is required  Keep a supply of fresh water for your drinking and hygiene needs  If you use powered mobility devices, consider backup options in case of water damage or power loss and inform your support network of possible access issues  Keep important equipment elevated or in waterproof storage  Avoid contact with floodwaters, which may carry contaminants and pose health risks  Bushfires  Check your area’s fire risk using local fire services  Adopt a “Leave Early” strategy, especially if you live in a fire-prone area  Keep your emergency kit packed and ready during high-risk season  Heatwaves  Stay indoors during peak heat and use fans or air conditioning when possible  Stay hydrated and keep a supply of cool packs or wet cloths  Identify a cool refuge nearby (e.g., libraries or community centres)  Monitor any health conditions that might be exacerbated by extreme heat and act quickly if symptoms appear  NDIS Supports for Emergency Planning The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the importance of emergency preparedness. While the NDIS does not fund general disaster response or recovery, it may fund disability-related supports that assist with preparation, such as:  Support Coordination  to help develop an emergency plan or ensure that your emergency requirements are integrated into your NDIS plan  Consumables  for personal care during prolonged periods of disruptions, minimal of 2 weeks supply  Assistive Technology  (AT) such as backup equipment or emergency communication aids  Final Thoughts Being prepared doesn’t mean you expect the worst — it means you’re ready to respond effectively if the unexpected happens. By taking steps now, you help protect your independence, safety, and wellbeing in any emergency.  If you would like help understanding how your NDIS funding can support your emergency preparedness, speak with us, your Support Coordinator or your LAC.  For more information, you can refer to NDIS and bushfire and emergency support

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has implemented significant changes to the funding structure of plans, which came into effect on 19 May 2025. These changes, introduced under Section 33 of the NDIS Act, will be implemented through the new PACE system.  An illustrated person in a wheelchair and support discuss financial documentation. What’s Changing?  Section 33 of the NDIS Act outlines the principles for preparing and managing participant plans. Under the updated legislation, new plans approved from 19 May 2025 onwards will include:  Total Funding Amount  - the overall budget allocated to your plan.  Funding Components  - the total funding will be split across key support categories, such as Core, Capacity Building, Capital, and Recurring supports.   Funding Periods  - funding will be released in set timeframes, not all at once. These periods determine when and how much funding becomes available for use. The default funding periods are:  General Supports: Quarterly (every 3 months)   Home & Living Supports: Monthly (every 1 month)   This new model introduces a more structured approach to distributing funding throughout the plan’s duration.  Why It Is Changing  The NDIS have advised the revised funding structure has been developed to:  Improve financial oversight and reduce fraud and/or risks by preventing misuse of large, upfront fund allocations.  Support better budgeting for participants by dividing funding into more manageable periods.  Enhance service planning by ensuring provider agreements align with expected fund availability.  Leverage the capabilities of the PACE system.  How It Affects Participants  Plan Duration : New plans may extend beyond the existing conditions of 12-month periods, allowing for more flexible and longer-term support arrangements.  Access to Funds : Funding will only be accessible within their designated funding periods. Unused funds will roll over to the next period.   Service Agreements : Agreements with service providers should align with the specified funding periods  Claim Submissions : The NDIA has communicated that claims must align with the available funds within each specific funding period. If a claim exceeds the available funds, it will be rejected in full and must be resubmitted for an amount that fits within the amount available. It is critical that your providers submit their invoices in a timely manner.  PACE System Enhancements  The PACE system is upgraded to support these legislative changes with features including:  Enhanced portal access allowing participants to view detailed funding breakdowns, spending history, and available amounts by funding period.  Automated, scheduled release of funds according to funding periods for consistent budget management.  Stricter claim validation rules to ensure claims match available funds and funding periods.  Final Thoughts  The updates to Section 33 and the enhancements to the PACE system mark a significant shift in the way NDIS funding is structured and managed.   While the new structure will apply to plans approved from 19 May 2025 onwards, it’s important for participants to understand how the changes work and prepare accordingly. Existing plans will continue under the current arrangements until they are reassessed. To support a smooth transition, the NDIA will provide guidance and resources.  If you have questions about your plan or funding, contact the NDIA directly or speak with your plan manager or support coordinator.  For more detailed information on these changes, you can refer to Summary of legislation changes  and Your plan .