National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024

Submission 97

Good morning.

I write to seek the government (and the review of NDIS) to continue to allow animals in client funding and in approved programs. In particular it is important to acknowledge the value of animals in programs, education, support and therapies. There are a range of services including animals that occur in the community….such as animal assisted therapy, animal assisted education, animal assisted learning and animal assisted activities. All of these are services delivered by and with a trained individual accompanying the client.

For example, as a registered Psychologist and Counsellor, I engage my therapy dog in therapy sessions with a range of clients, including children and adults, which includes services in the NDIS. In particular, many clients with additional challenges or abilities sometimes have barriers to formal office based therapy sessions, or may not have the language or expressive skills to be highly verbal as required in a standard therapy session. So, the presence of an animal, like a dog or a horse, allows for a different focus and connection. This interaction can then facilitate and be a part of other therapeutic interactions with the facilitator, or practitioner. This can assist the client to meet their therapy goals, whether that is psychological therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy. A animal can also participate in other services with humans, such as learning reading with a facilitated interaction and a trained therapy dog.

As a Registered play therapist, I undertake animal assisted play therapy, and this activity also, has some additional benefits over standard therapy services. For many children, the therapeutic relationship is the key to their progress, and many children enjoy a therapy animal in their therapy sessions. This can help them with their therapy goals in many ways, For example, for a child with additional needs or big emotions, then the presence of a living creature, like a dog or a horse can allow for some positive interaction, some quiet mirroring or some external focus, all of these things can contribute to therapy or aid in therapy engagement. There are many reasons why a therapy animal can be helpful, and these are just a few,

I understand that some individuals in decision making roles may not see the value of these services, and I am seeking to highlight that many clients benefit from animal services, and a large proportion of these clients area in the NDIS sphere. In particular, The therapy animal component is quite essential and NDIS services should definitely allow these services to be a part of a funding program for any client.

THANKYOU for considering this in your role of reviewing the NDIS..

Kind regards Jay

Mrs jay Anderson South west well-being centre Western Australia.