National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1865 To the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, I am a paediatric Occupational Therapist working at redacted in Cairns Queensland. My concerns relate to the proposed changes to functional capacity assessments reassessment restrictions, and reductions to community participation and capacity-building supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 While occupational therapists use standardised assessments our professional expertise comes from clinical reasoning observational skills developed over years of practice Function cannot accurately assessed through blanket system or algorithm alone particularly children whose performance depends on their environment supports routines daily demands Many participants may appear capable during short assessments but struggle significantly everyday life without support This is why assessments continue be completed by appropriately qualified allied health professionals including occupational therapists who understand broader context participant’s functioning I also concerned about reasessments In paediatric needs can change rapidly developmental educational social demands increase Fixed periods prevent access when most needed Additionally community participation building essential long-term independence not just whether “can do†task consistent participate daily life community Early exposure helps build confidence independent practical life that future education employment opportunities If are supported engage activities routines meaningful occupations childhood significant risk skill generalisation will occur As these transition adolescence adulthood reduced confidence isolation limited workforce readiness develop ultimately increasing reliance disability social systems early intervention should viewed as investment strategies promote independence inclusion economic contribution I respectfully ask Parliament ensure Occupational therapy capacities building supports Community participatory supports not reduce reforms Functional assessments remain individualized clinically informed conducted appropriate qualified allied health rather than relying
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1865
I also encourage the Committee to adopt Occupational Therapy Australia’s recommendations and support the No OT, No NDIS campaign. Thank you for considering this submission.