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Meal preparation and delivery is an important support under the NDIS, available to participants who have it listed as a reasonable and necessary support in their plan. This falls under the Assistance with Household Tasks category, covering supports that help participants manage daily living tasks they cannot complete themselves due to their disability.  As a provider, understanding how this support is funded and delivered is key to ensuring compliance and smooth service provision. Participants may access meal prep services if they have core funding allocated for meal preparation and delivery in their plan. Additionally, participants who typically receive support worker assistance for shopping and cooking may require meal delivery as a short-term solution during periods of illness or when regular support is temporarily unavailable.  What does the NDIS tell us? The NDIS can fund the cost of meal preparation and delivery, but not the cost of food or ingredients. Meal preparation and delivery services must provide itemised invoices separating the cost of food from preparation and delivery costs. Services like Uber Eats or fast-food platforms typically don’t meet these requirements as they do not provide the necessary separation. What is the effect of the new legislation? Fast food services, takeaway food and food delivery platforms (excluding meal delivery platforms where the food and ingredient component can be separately identified from the meal preparation and delivery component) is now specifically excluded and is NOT an NDIS Support. With the changes there is also options given to participants to apply for Replacement Supports for standard household items. For detailed guidance, you can refer to NDIS Guidelines – Nutrition Supports including meal preparation . What is Covered Under NDIS Meal Preparation?  The NDIS only funds the preparation and delivery of meals—not the cost of the food itself. This means that:  • The cost of support workers preparing and delivering meals can be claimed.  • Food costs and commercial food delivery service fees (e.g., Uber Eats, Menulog) are not covered, as food is considered an everyday living expense.  • Invoices must be itemised to separate preparation and delivery costs from food costs. Unclear invoices may be flagged for review, delaying payments.  At First2Care, we work closely with meal preparation providers to ensure seamless invoicing and payment processing. In some cases, providers can invoice us directly for the preparation costs while participants handle food payments separately. Ensuring clear invoicing practices helps avoid delays and disputes.  If you provide meal preparation and delivery, you can claim: • 100% of the invoice if food costs are removed. • 70% of the invoice food costs are included. Kitchen Aids and Adaptive Devices  Participants who require adaptive kitchen equipment or cutlery may be able to access funding under personal care and safety supports, provided the items are deemed reasonable and necessary. However, general household appliances, such as a Thermomix, are not typically funded unless specifically approved under Replacement Supports by the NDIA.  For providers, ensuring compliance with these guidelines and supporting participants in understanding their funding options will help streamline service delivery. If you have any questions about invoicing, eligibility, or funding categories, reach out to us for guidance!

Understanding your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan is key to effectively utilising your funding and achieving your goals. A key aspect of this is Stated Items (or also 'Stated Supports').  Stated Items refer to specific supports or services that help you with everyday activities which have dedicated funding within your NDIS plan. Unlike more flexible funding categories, the funds for Stated Items are allocated for a particular purpose.  The word "stated" means clearly defined. If a support is listed as a Stated Item in your NDIS plan, the funding attached to it can only be used for that exact support as described.  Why the Specificity?  The NDIS uses Stated Items to:  • Ensure funding is directed towards supports that are deemed necessary and essential.  • Manage complex or high-cost supports that require detailed quotes and approvals to ensure value for money and appropriate service delivery.  • Maintain clarity and accountability to help track how funds are being used.  Common Examples of NDIS Stated Items  Home and Living Supports  • Supported Independent Living (SIL): Funding for ongoing daily support to help you live independently at home, such as personal care or cooking, for people with higher support needs.  • Medium Term Accommodation (MTA): Funding for temporary housing (up to 90 days) while you wait to move into your long-term home due to pending disability supports.  • Individualised Living Option (ILO): Funding to design living arrangements tailored to your needs, including personal care, skill-building, and help with daily tasks, supported by both paid and informal networks.  • Assistance in Residential Aged Care: Funding for younger people in aged care (YPIRAC) to cover additional daily support or accommodation costs due to disability-related needs.  Key Things to Remember About Stated Items  • Limited Flexibility: Funds for Stated Items cannot typically be used for other supports or services without prior approval from the NDIS.  • Check Your Plan: Your NDIS plan will clearly identify any Stated Items, the allocated funding amount, and the relevant support category.  • Specific Usage: The funding must be used exactly as described in your plan, including specific service providers, qualified personnel, or delivery methods as outlined by the NDIS.  • Quotes May Be Required: Stated Items with higher costs or specific services often need a quote from a registered provider to be approved and allocated.  • Plan Reviews: If your needs change, a plan review with the NDIS is needed to adjust Stated Items.  For Participants and Nominees  • Participants: Understand your Stated Items, the allocated funding within each category, and how that funding is intended to be used. If you have questions or think a Stated Item isn't meeting your needs, discuss this with your Support Coordinator or directly with the NDIS during a plan review.  • Nominees: Be aware of the Stated Items in the participant's plan you are supporting, including their designated categories. Ensure that the funding is used appropriately within those categories and advocate for changes if the stated supports are no longer suitable.  In Conclusion  NDIS Stated Items help ensure that specific, often critical, supports are funded and delivered as intended within their categories. While they offer less flexibility than other funding categories, they play a vital role in meeting individual needs and ensuring accountability within the NDIS framework. By understanding what Stated Items are, how they function within your plan and their respective categories, you can navigate your NDIS journey with greater clarity and confidence, ultimately working towards achieving your goals.  For more detailed information on different types of Supports, you can refer to the NDIS guidelines on How do we describe the supports in your plan?

Maintaining personal hygiene is an essential part of daily living. For many NDIS participants, receiving support with daily living tasks, including personal hygiene activities, allows them to live more independently. Under the NDIS, funding is available for personal hygiene supports when it is considered reasonable and necessary for a participant’s individual needs. However, not all personal care services qualify for funding.  What Personal Hygiene Services Are Funded by the NDIS?  The NDIS funds personal hygiene services that help participants maintain their well-being and independence at home and in the community. These supports must be delivered by appropriate and qualified professionals.  Examples of NDIS-funded personal hygiene supports include:  • Showering and bathing   • Hair washing and drying  • Fingernail and toenail cutting and cleaning  • Shaving  • Teeth cleaning  • Assistive technology that makes personal care tasks easier and safer  These services fall under Assistance With Self-Care Activities in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) and can be included in a participant’s NDIS plan when deemed reasonable and necessary.  What Personal Hygiene Services Are NOT Funded?  The NDIS does not fund services related to beauty, cosmetic, or non-essential grooming treatments. These are considered personal lifestyle choices rather than disability-related needs.  Examples of services that are not NDIS-funded include:  • Haircuts, treatments, styling, dyeing, extensions, weaving, hair transplants, and wigs  • Manicures, pedicures, false nail application, nail decorations, and nail piercings  • Hand and foot massages  • Makeup applications and cosmetic accessories  • Cosmetic treatments like waxing, laser hair removal, anti-wrinkle injections, and dermal filler  If a service is considered a general personal preference rather than a necessity due to a disability, it will likely not be funded by the NDIS. As your NDIS plan manager, we can help you navigate funding rules and ensure you receive the right supports for your personal care needs. If you have any questions about your plan or need assistance, reach out to us today!

The concept of choice and control is foundational to the NDIS, giving participants the right to shape their support experiences. For providers, this means more than just delivering services—it means respecting and upholding participant autonomy in every interaction.  With the introduction of the PACE (Participant-Centric Engagement) system, the role of providers in supporting choice and control has become even more critical.  What Choice and Control Means for Providers  Participants have the right to:  • Choose who provides their services  • Decide how and when services are delivered  • Change providers or end service agreements at any time  • Manage their funds in a way that suits them  Providers must respect and adapt to these preferences as a matter of ethical and professional responsibility.  Updates Under the PACE System  The PACE system has improved plan design and clarity, resulting in greater transparency for both participants and providers. Key changes include:  1. Clearer Funding Rules  Supports are now labelled as flexible, fixed, or stated, giving providers more precise direction on what can and cannot be changed or substituted.  2. Outcome-Focused Plans  PACE emphasises linking supports to participant goals. Providers must understand and align their services with these outcomes.  3. Increased Participant Understanding  Participants are better informed under PACE and more likely to ask detailed questions about service delivery, costs, and flexibility.  Best Practices for Supporting Choice  To support participant choice and control:  • Offer service options tailored to individual preferences  • Be transparent about pricing, availability, and capacity  • Use plain language in service agreements  • Make it easy for participants to provide feedback and change arrangements  • Be flexible with delivery times and methods when possible  Respecting Decisions  Participants have the right to:  • Decline services  • Switch to another provider  • Request changes in how services are delivered  Providers must not pressure or discourage participants from exploring other options. Doing so may breach the NDIS Code of Conduct.  Working with Plan Managers and Coordinators  Collaboration is key. Providers should:  • Communicate openly with Plan Managers and Support Coordinators  • Confirm service bookings accurately  • Follow guidelines for Stated Supports and fixed budgets  • Ensure claims match the supports actually delivered  This approach helps maintain trust, compliance, and plan integrity.  Cultural Competency and Accessibility  Participants from diverse backgrounds or with communication challenges may need additional support to express preferences. Providers should:  • Offer accessible communication formats  • Use interpreters or culturally appropriate staff when needed  • Seek training in cultural safety and disability inclusion  Final Thoughts  Respecting choice and control is not optional—it’s a requirement under the NDIS Code of Conduct.  As plans become clearer and participants more empowered under the PACE system, providers who embrace flexibility, transparency, and collaboration will be better equipped to deliver high-quality services and participant-focused support.  Reminder: The goal is not just to deliver supports—but to do so in a way that reflects each participant’s voice, values, and vision.  For more detailed information, you can refer to the NDIS guidelines on Connecting with participants

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is built on the principle that participants should have the power to make decisions about the supports and services they receive. This is known as choice and control.  With the introduction of the PACE (Participant-Centric Engagement) system, the way choice and control are applied has been updated to provide participants with more clarity, flexibility, and authority in how their plans are managed.  Here’s what these changes mean, and how participants can make the most of them.  What Is Choice and Control?  Under the NDIS, participants have the right to decide:  • What supports they receive  • Who delivers those supports  • When and where they are delivered  • How NDIS funds are managed  This empowers participants to tailor services to align with their personal goals, cultural needs, and preferred routines.  How the PACE System Improves Choice and Control  The new PACE system offers a clearer and more participant-friendly way to engage with NDIS plans. Key improvements include:  1. Clearer Funding Categories  Plans now clearly indicate which supports are flexible, fixed, or stated, helping participants understand where they have full control.  2. Detailed Plan Summaries  Participants receive more accessible summaries that break down each part of their plan and where choices can be made.  3. Better Communication  Planning meetings now encourage participants to share how they want to live, rather than just what supports they use. Planners are trained to listen and record participant preferences more thoroughly.  Managing Your Funding  Participants can choose how their funding is managed:  • Self-managed – full control over spending and choice of providers (registered or unregistered)  • Plan-managed – flexibility with financial assistance and access to more providers  • NDIA-managed – funding used with registered providers only  Participants can use one method for all budgets or mix and match according to what suits them best.  Making the Most of Your Choices  To fully benefit from choice and control:  • Read your plan and look for any Stated Supports (these must be used as written)  • Ask us, your Plan Manager, or Support Coordinator to explain funding flexibility  • Compare providers and ask about their availability, values, and experience  • Change providers if you're not satisfied  • Keep track of how your supports are helping you achieve your goals  Support to Make Decisions  For participants who need assistance in making informed decisions, the NDIS offers:  • Support Coordinators  • Interpreters or cultural liaisons  • Decision-making tools and resources  • Inclusive planning approaches for participants with communication needs  Participants are encouraged to make choices in their own way, with the right support.  Know Your Rights  Participants have the right to:  • Choose who delivers their services  • Be treated with respect  • Change providers  • Have a say in how and when services are delivered  • Appeal decisions or request a plan review if goals or needs change  Final Thoughts  Choice and control are not just buzzwords—they are fundamental rights that shape how NDIS plans work for each participant in real life. With the updated PACE system, these rights are clearer and more accessible than ever.  Participants who understand their options are better equipped to build a plan that truly reflects their goals and values.  Tip: If you’re unsure about your rights, your options, or how to make changes to your plan, speak with us, your Plan Manager, or Support Coordinator.  For more detailed information, you can refer to the NDIS guidelines on Understanding Your Plan and Your Rights and Responsibilities.​

This past weekend, Ella Davis, First2Care's Client Engagement Officer, experienced something truly eye-opening at the Powerchair Football Club Championships. Not only did she step into a world she'd never seen before, but she also gained a newfound appreciation for the incredible skill and teamwork involved in the sport. From the moment Ella arrived at the Nissan Arena, she was blown away by the specialised powerchairs that the athletes use – tough, high-powered machines with bull bars, built for speed and precision. As someone familiar with wheelchairs, Ella was still taken aback by the advanced design and the sheer force behind the sport. The game was unlike anything she had ever experienced. She learned that in Powerchair Football, precision is key, with players showing off their incredible control of the ball and chair. What struck her the most, however, was the skill and team spirit on display. Ella witnessed the determination and resilience of people with disabilities, and how these athletes overcame challenges on the field. Powerchair Football is not just a sport – it's a testament to the dedication and determination of its players. But it doesn't come without its challenges. The sport requires constant maintenance and significant costs, making sponsorship crucial for its survival. Thanks to organisations like ASDA Provider Group, First2Care, Hireup, and Girasole Support, the game continues to thrive. The importance of sponsorship is now something that is paramount for the team to continue. The Lions Powerchair Football team is now proudly sponsored by ASDA Provider Group, First2Care, Hireup, and Girasole Support. Without these wonderful organisations stepping up Powerchair Football would be a game of the past. Looking in to the future the new coach Bradon and the sponsors are eagerly working towards a new site for the Lions to train on. This will aid the team to build on skills and a very inclusive social outing for all involved. The team are working towards building more awareness around the sport.

As an NDIS Plan Manager, one of our roles is ensuring that claims for supports are submitted in compliance with the latest NDIS guidelines. This includes Short Term Accommodation (STA), which is a support option for participants requiring temporary accommodation (including respite) to give their usual carers a break or to support other needs. To help both NDIS participants and providers navigate the claims process efficiently, we’ve created these few pointers outlining best practice for submitting STA claims. This includes understanding what costs are eligible for under STA and how to ensure your claims are processed without delays. Understanding Short Term Accommodation (STA) and NDIS Rules The NDIS guidelines outline what can and cannot be included when claiming for STA, especially when it comes to individualised versus group-based services. It’s essential to know what is considered an NDIS-funded support and what isn’t, as there are some exclusions that can impact your claim. For group-based STAs, some costs may be covered, but when it comes to individualised STA (such as accommodation for a participant), the following expenses cannot be billed under the NDIS funding: Food Costs While food may be provided as part of accommodation in certain circumstances, it cannot be claimed under individualised STA. Activity Costs This includes costs for activities such as event tickets, theme park entry, or classes. These expenses are not eligible for funding through STA or considered NDIS supports. Travel Costs Any travel expenses to and from the accommodation cannot be included as part of the STA claim. The NDIS have provided clear guidance on these exclusions, and it’s important to ensure your invoice or service agreement reflects this understanding. How to Submit an STA Claim: Best Practices To streamline the claims process and avoid potential issues, we ask all providers submitting STA claims to follow these best practices: Ensure Your Invoice is Correct The most efficient way to process your STA claim is to make sure your invoice is correctly itemised. We recommend including a statement on the invoice to confirm that the daily STA fee does not include costs for food, activities, or travel. This statement helps confirm compliance with the NDIS guidelines. Keep the Clear and Easy to Understand Always ensure that the costs you are submitting are only for accommodation and disability-related support services directly related to the participant’s needs during their stay. Anything outside of this, falls outside the scope of individualised STA funding and can delay the claim or require submission of a complying invoice. Additional Resources If you would like more information on Short Term Accommodation and related NDIS guidelines, we recommend visiting the official NDIS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for further insights. Here’s the link to the NDIS FAQs on legislation:NDIS Frequently Asked Questions | Changes to the NDIS Legislation Conclusion By understanding what can and cannot be included in STA claims, NDIS participants and providers can work together to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible. We’re here to help with any questions you may have—whether it’s about submitting a claim, clarifying NDIS rules, or any other related concerns. Don’t hesitate to contact our support team for guidance or assistance with your STA claims. We’re here to make sure everything is done in accordance with the latest NDIS guidelines to ensure participants receive the support they need without delays. Extracted directly from the NDIS websites FAQ on changes to the Legislation (extracted in March 2025) Is Short Term Accommodation (STA) an NDIS support? Yes, short term accommodation (STA) is included in the 'supports that are NDIS supports' list. How does STA work? STA is designed to help informal supports continue their caring role. It is one option that provides participants and their informal supports time apart. STA allows participants to stay away from their homes and informal supports for a short time. It can be funded for up to 14 days at a time to a maximum of 28 days per calendar year. STA funding can be used for assistance with self-care or community access and short-term accommodation. It cannot be used to pay for day-to-day living costs such as food and groceries, lifestyle costs or travel. STA cannot be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports. Providers offering STA in a centre or group residence may include meals and activities within the daily rate charged – in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits – however these cannot be included if the participant choses to use STA in an individual setting. We know there are still some questions about what can be claimed under STA, particularly if you want to use a hotel or other accommodation options. We are updating our STA policy. We will keep you updated on any changes, and further information will be shared when it is available. How is STA funded? STA is funded in a participant's core budget if it relates to their disability support needs, and where it is reasonable and necessary. It does not need to be stated in a participant's plan. Participants can access STA as part of the 'assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement' category on the NDIS supports list. The NDIS funds standard rates for STA, which are available in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Generally funding for STA is for a group price, unless there is evidence that a participant needs individual support. STA cannot be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports. Does STA cover the cost of transport? Participants cannot use STA funding to pay for transport to the accommodation funded through STA. If a participant wants to access STA supports far away from their usual home, the cost of the travel is a day-to-day living cost they are expected to pay for separately. Participants should consider this when choosing an STA option that is right for them. Some participants may have funding for transport to an activity or other support already in their plan. If a participant usually needs transport support because of their disability, their provider may include the cost of transport from the accommodation to activities they provide. Can STA be used for holidays? No. STA is not for holidays or tourist travel. It is designed to provide participants and their informal supports time apart. STA cannot be used to pay for items on the list of non-NDIS supports. NDIS funding can’t be used to pay for: cruises, holiday packages, holiday accommodation and airfares, passports, visas, or travel and vehicle insurance accommodation or travel expenses for family members or support workers theme parks, music, theatre, cinema, sporting events, and conferences day-to-day living costs such as food or meals. In some cases, your provider may include meals as part of your STA in a centre or group setting. The NDIS funds standard rates for STA, so you may need to negotiate these costs with your provider. Once you have used your STA funding, you can’t ask us for more. You can find the rates in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. If a participant requires support while on holiday, they can continue to use their usual non-STA supports from their NDIS plan. Participants should speak with their support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner if they are going on a holiday and need their NDIS supports delivered in another location. Is STA available for participants in Supported Independent Living or living alone? No. This is because if a participant is living alone or in a supported independent living arrangement, they already have time apart from family and informal supports.

Meal preparation and delivery (often referred to as “meal prep”) is a type of support under the NDIS which can be used if specified as a reasonable and necessary support in a participant’s plans. It falls under the Assistance with Household Tasks category, which includes “supports that provide assistance with essential household tasks that a participant is not able to do themselves because of their disability.” What does the NDIS tell us? The NDIS can fund the cost of meal preparation and delivery, but not the cost of food or ingredients. If your disability makes it difficult to prepare meals, you can use your funding for supports like a support worker or meal delivery services. Meal preparation and delivery services must provide itemised invoices separating the cost of food from preparation and delivery costs. Services like Uber Eats or fast-food platforms typically don’t meet these requirements as they do not provide the necessary separation. What is the effect of the new legislation? Fast food services, takeaway food and food delivery platforms (excluding meal delivery platforms where the food and ingredient component can be separately identified from the meal preparation and delivery component) is now specifically excluded and is NOT an NDIS Support. With the changes there is also options given to participants to apply for Replacement Supports for standard household items. For detailed guidance, refer to NDIS Guidelines – Nutrition Supports including meal preparation . Who Can Access Meal Prep Support? This support may be available to participants who: have core support funding specified for meal preparation and delivery in their plan. have funding for support workers to assist with shopping and cooking but may require meal delivery as a short-term alternative, such as during illness or when usual support is temporarily unavailable. What Does the NDIS Cover? The NDIS will only fund the costs associated with the preparation and delivery of meals. This includes the services of support workers who cook and deliver your meals. The cost of food itself and any commercial food delivery platform charges are not covered, as food is considered an everyday expense. If invoices are not clearly itemised, they may be flagged for further review. At First2Care, we work with providers who offer meal prep support to make the process more convenient. In some cases, providers may send invoices directly to us for the preparation costs, while participants handle payment for the food separately. If you use the funds to purchase meal preparation and delivery, you can claim: 100% of the invoice if food costs are removed 70% of the invoice food costs are included Kitchen Aids and Adaptive Devices Participants who require adaptive cutlery or kitchen aids may be able to access funding under personal care and safety supports, provided the items are considered reasonable and necessary. However, standard household appliances, such as a Thermomix, are not typically covered unless specifically approved by the NDIA under Replacement Supports. For more information or help navigating these supports, feel free to reach out to us!

With the October 2024 updates to NDIS legislation, it is now clearer which sensory items qualify as NDIS supports and which do not. As a provider, it is essential to understand these distinctions to ensure compliance and be better equipped to help participants access the right supports. Sensory equipment refers to tools designed to support sensory processing, including touch, sight, sound, and movement. These tools may assist with therapy, self-regulation, and daily activities. Examples of sensory equipment that may be funded include: Adaptive clothing – if it meets disability-related needs. Chew toys – when clinically justified and approved under the participant’s plan. Noise-cancelling headphones – for sensory sensitivities affecting communication or cognitive function. Can the NDIS Fund Sensory Equipment? Sensory items may be funded under the NDIS if: The item is classified as an NDIS support and is not on the exclusion list. It is for personal care and safety, assists with household tasks, or is an evidence-based support for a child’s long-term functional outcomes. Many items marketed as "sensory" are not eligible for funding because they are considered general household or recreational items rather than disability-specific supports. It is important for providers to refer to the participant’s NDIS plan and funding categories before recommending sensory products. Many suppliers label items as “sensory” despite them being explicitly excluded under NDIS rules. What Sensory Items Are Not Funded? According to NDIS guidelines, the following items are not claimable: Trampolines Swing sets Fidget toys Standard balls Bean bags (including Kloudsac) These items are considered standard recreational or household products and is not considered essential supports under the NDIS. How Can Sensory Equipment Be Approved? For sensory equipment to be funded, providers must ensure that: An Allied Health Professional (e.g., occupational therapist) provides written justification linking the item to the participant’s disability-related needs. The item aligns with the participant’s NDIS plan and funding category. Approval is obtained through a Replacement Supports process (if applicable). What Should Providers Do? Check with the Participant or their authorised representative that the participant’s NDIS plan supports the purchase of the item/s before recommending sensory equipment. Advise participants on the exclusion list to prevent funding issues. Assist with obtaining supporting documentation if an item requires justification. Clarify funding options with the NDIA or an NDIS Plan Manager when needed. By staying informed about sensory equipment funding rules, providers can help participants access appropriate supports while ensuring compliance with NDIS guidelines.

We understand that there have been some discussions and scheduled changes about NDIS funding for Art and Music Therapies. We want to provide you with clear, up-to-date information to help you understand what’s happening and what it means for you. What’s Changing? The NDIA had announced a review of the funding structure for music and art therapy under the NDIS. While there were plans to introduce changes in early 2025, these have now been delayed allowing for further consultation and review, we are expecting to hear more after the consultation and review finishes in March 2025. What This Means for You at This Stage Your current funding remains the same – If you currently receive NDIS funding for music or art therapy, there are no immediate changes. Your supports will continue as usual while the review takes place. An independent review is underway – Led by Dr Stephen Duckett AM, the review will assess: The review of evidence of effectiveness of art and music therapy for people with disability Qualifications and registration of music and art practitioners Pricing of art and music support Your voice matters – The NDIA is considering feedback from participants, providers, and advocates to ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of the community in mind. What You Can Do If music or art therapy is important to you, continue accessing your supports as usual. Stay informed – We will keep you updated as more details become available. If you have concerns, reach out to us or your Support Coordinator to explore your options. The NDIS is committed to ensuring that participants receive the support they need. While change can sometimes feel uncertain, we hope this review aims to ensure that music and art therapy remain accessible and beneficial for those who rely on them. As some changes introduced by the NDIS have helped clarify what supports can be accessed in the scheme, we are anticipating that Art and Music Therapies will be given a similar level of clear rules that help to identify who can access these services.

The NDIA has recently announced a review of the funding arrangements for music and art therapy under the NDIS. While initial changes were set to take effect in early 2025, these have now been postponed allowing for further consultation and assessment. Key Updates The proposed funding changes have been delayed – Participants can continue to access music and art therapy under their current arrangements. An independent review is underway – Led by Dr Stephen Duckett AM, the review will assess: The review of evidence of effectiveness of art and music therapy for people with disability Qualifications and registration of music and art practitioners Pricing of art and music support Independent review of NDIS funded music and art supports | NDIS Stakeholder feedback is being considered – The review has acknowledged the importance of these supports and is actively engaging with providers, participants, and industry bodies. What This Means for You Service delivery remains unchanged for now – You can continue to provide therapy as per participants’ current NDIS plans, and the requirements of the Pricing Arrangements and Price limits, which are: Music Therapist – A person who is an Active “Registered Music Therapist” with the Australian Music Therapy Association Art Therapist – A person who is a Professional Member with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA) Advocacy and feedback opportunities – Providers are encouraged to share insights and feedback through relevant industry bodies to help shape future decisions. Future-proofing your services – While no immediate action is required, it’s always beneficial to stay informed and be prepared for potential changes. Next Steps Continue delivering your services as usual. Stay informed on the review’s progress. Engage in discussions with professional associations and advocacy groups. The review presents an opportunity to ensure that music and art therapy are recognised for their value within the NDIS.

What is Sensory Equipment? With the updated changes to the NDIS Legislation last year, it is now clearer what the NDIS considers NDIS Support and what it doesn’t. In this blog we will try to break down the new guidelines around the sensory equipment rules. Sensory equipment includes tools designed to help with touch, sight, sound, movement, or other senses. These tools can support therapies, help participants stay calm, and provide the sensory experience they need. Some examples include: Adaptive clothing Chew toys – if they meet your specific needs and are approved under your plan Noise-cancelling headphones Can the NDIS Fund Sensory Equipment? The NDIS may fund sensory items if: The item is a recognised NDIS support and is not on the exclusion list; and The item is for personal care and safety, helps with household tasks, or supports a child’s development based on expert evidence. However, many common sensory items are not funded because they are considered everyday household items. It is important to refer to the specifics of the NDIS plan when exploring whether sensory products can be claimed. Many online stores or other suppliers use the term “sensory” to describe items that are now explicitly prohibited from being fundable. What Items Are Not Funded? Trampolines Swing sets Fidget toys Standard balls Bean bags (including Kloudsac) These items are not considered essential supports under the NDIS. How to Get Sensory Equipment Approved To be funded, the NDIA needs to have received written evidence from an Allied Health professional (e.g., an occupational therapist) explaining how the equipment supports your needs. If you’re unsure whether an item is covered, either speak with us, your Support Coordinator or call the NDIA directly.