Published: Monday 12 May 2025
Get up to date with changes affecting OTs working in disability – including OTA’s advocacy to the NDIA on stated supports in plans, as well as news about the NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review and the launch of its Supported Decision-Making Hub.
Advocacy to NDIA on stated supports in plan
After contact from several members about the increase in NDIS Plans containing stated therapy supports, OTA has contacted NDIA to seek a meeting to raise our concerns about his growing trend and the impacts it has on clinical autonomy, and participant choice and control. The trend is seeing plans containing stated supports that prescribe number of hours, types of therapy or therapy models (e.g. therapy delivered by an AHA), that have been developed by NDIA Planners without appropriate clinical input, on contrary to recommendations made by a participant’s treating clinician.
Update on the NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review
The NDIA has advised that it will not release its Annual Pricing Review (APR) decision until the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review outcome is known. The FWC review informs the National Minimum Wage and minimum rates of pay in modern awards. NDIA has advised stakeholders that price limits for NDIS supports may be impacted if there are changes to awards and wages paid to employees. The NDIA has committed to releasing the 2025 APR within five working days from the announcement, with all APR recommendations to come into effect from 1 July 2025. OTA will continue to update members on any changes in pricing.
New NDIA Supported Decision-making Hub
The NDIA has partnered with Inclusion Australia and the Department of Social Services (DSS) to develop the Supported Decision-Making Hub. The hub is a central source of information on supported decision making. The Hub has information across twelve key areas, including NDIS supports, employment, health and accommodation. You can watch a video on how to use the hub here.
Updated NDIS operational guidelines and finding guides
The NDIA has issued the updated Our Guideline - Vehicle modifications.
It has also updated several ‘Would we fund it’ guides
