National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2584
To whom it may concern I am an Occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience. I work in Sutherland shire for a mobile private practice. My caseload ranges from a 3 year old with level 2 autism living with her her parents , mum also has autism and 3 other children and 2 of them have autism to a 36 year old gentleman with Angelman’s syndrome and a severe intellectual disability living in a SIL house . All my clients have NDIS funding
I believe changes need to be made to NDIA to make it sustainable and to decrease the risk of fraud but the proposed changes risk placing enormous pressure on already vulnerable families and decrease participants ability to stay connected and have choice and participate in day to day tasks.
My main concerns relate to the following 1.10% reduction to capacity building for daily activities support- many of my clients already have limited hours for capacity building which makes it challenging for them to achieve specific goals. A reduction in support will place extra pressure on families and carers and longer term dependency on supports instead of independence.
- 50% reduction social , civic and community participation supports - This will impact my clients ability to access day programs which gives them routine, purpose, friendships and a feeling of being part of a community . Instead it will put pressure on families to take time off work to care for their children on the days they do not have funding to attend day programs . This will lead to family breakdowns and more families placing their children into care full time
3.The new framework planning - The new support needs assessment will take away knowledge therapist have of clients they have worked with for years such as one of my clients can dress himself when shown want he needs to do and given verbal prompts , on others day due to seizures he needs to be fully assisted to dress. Someone who does not know him will not understand his needs can fluctuate and are unpredictable. How will NDIA decide if someone has completed appropriate treatment ? The new rules suggest participants will have lack of choice, be denied funding if they chose not to try a treatment and not consider financial and geographical restraints for those unable to access different treatment options.
- thriving kids - this will have a major impact on therapist in private practise who currently provide service to children under 8. There is a risk these therapist will leave the profession and major gaps will exist for an already heavy demanded profession.
A genuinely sustainable disability support system must safeguard participant wellbeing, prevent harm, reduce long-term social costs, support family stability, preserve human rights and ensure disabled people can meaningfully participate in community life.
Looking froward to your reply.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2584