Submission regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Thriving Kids Occupational Therapy is a small pediatric occupational therapy practice based in Shellharbour supporting children with developmental delays, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Our work includes direct therapy at clinics, homes, communities, and schools; parent coaching; collaboration between schools/educators, supporting parents implementing practical strategies into everyday environments. We recognize improving long-term sustainability of NDLS while building strong foundational supports but are concerned about reforms’ impacts particularly regional areas due workforce shortages, increased demand & waitlists. Stricter reassessment requirements could make it harder accessing timely care when needs change over time. For many neurodivergent kids challenges gradually emerge across:
- school participation
- emotional regulation
- sensory needs
- social interaction
- daily routine management Reduced flexibility might delay needed assistance until issues worsen, putting extra stress onto family members.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 226
Concerns about Increasing Reliance on Foundational Community Supports Before Sufficient Workforce Capacity Exists To Meet Demand.
Private paediatric providers already face significant pressure due:
- workforce shortages
- clinician burnout
- increasing operating costs
- difficulty recruiting clinicians in rural areas, leading if they reduce services or close down, families may experience:
- loss trusted therapeutic relationships;
- worsening waitlists;
- reduced local access to supports;
- decreased continuity of care;
- increased stress among parents educators schools. The impacts are likely more pronounced regional communities where alternative support is not readily available. We encourage continued dialogue with families clinician frontline staff throughout reform rollout ensuring realistic outcomes unintended consequences considered carefully.