National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 540
Submission on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. I am a speech pathologist and small practice owner working directly with children and young adults with developmental delay, autism and other neurodivergent communication needs. My submission reflects the day to day experiences of families, clinicians and community settings who rely on timely, flexible and developmentally appropriate supports.
- Early intervention access and developmental impacts
The Bill introduces new definitions of functional capacity and tighter links between impairment and support needs. These changes risk narrowing access for children with developmental delay and neurodivergent needs. Early intervention is time sensitive. Many families already face long waitlists for assessments and therapy. If eligibility becomes harder to meet, children will miss the period where communication, social participation and emotional regulation skills can be most effectively supported.
In my practice, children often arrive after long delays or after concerns have been dismissed. When support is delayed, challenges become more entrenched. This increases pressure on families, preschools and schools and leads to higher long term costs across education and health.
- Reassessment requirements and administrative burden
The Bill limits unscheduled plan reassessments and introduces strict conditions for when a family can request a review. These include proving a significant and ongoing change in functional capacity or personal circumstances. For neurodivergent children, progress is not linear. Needs fluctuate with developmental stages, school transitions, sensory demands and family circumstances.
Families already find reassessments stressful and confusing. Clinicians are also struggling with the administrative load. If reassessments become harder to access, many families will simply go without adjustments. This will not reduce need. It will shift the burden to schools, GPs and community services that are already stretched.
- Impacts on neurodivergent children
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National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 540
The Bill’s requirement that functional capacity be assessed without considering environmental or personal circumstances does not reflect how neurodivergent children function in real life. A child may appear capable in a quiet, structured environment but struggle significantly in a classroom, playground or community setting. These contextual needs are central to communication, participation and safety.
If eligibility tightens, many autistic and neurodivergent children with genuine support needs will lose access to therapy, AAC support and family coaching. This will have lifelong consequences for education, independence and wellbeing.
- Funding reductions and plan renewals
The Bill allows the Minister to reduce funding for groups of supports through legislative instrument. It also introduces automatic plan renewals that may remove one off supports or temporary variations. These changes create uncertainty for families and small providers. Therapy programs rely on predictable funding and continuity. Sudden reductions will disrupt progress and increase stress for families.
- Regional access and telehealth
Families in regional and rural areas depend on telehealth and visiting clinicians. If eligibility narrows or reassessments become harder to obtain, these families will be disproportionately affected. Telehealth is a practical and effective mode of delivery for many children with developmental delay and autism. The Bill should ensure that telehealth remains supported and sustainable.
- Workforce and provider sustainability
Small practices like mine are already carrying the weight of NDIS administrative requirements. Increased reporting, stricter reassessment rules and funding uncertainty will push many clinicians out of the sector. This will worsen workforce shortages and increase waitlists. If children with low to moderate needs are removed from the scheme without a fully operational alternative in place, many small providers will not survive the transition. This will reduce local access and choice for families.
- Unintended consequences for schools and community settings
When children lose access to therapy, the responsibility shifts to teachers, learning support officers and early childhood educators. These staff are dedicated but already stretched. Without adequate support, children will struggle to participate and behavioural incidents will increase. This affects whole classrooms, not just individual students.
SPROUT SPEECH PTY LTD ABN: 79 688 649 210
W: www.sproutsp.com/home Page | 2
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 540
Conclusion and Practical Recommendations
The intention to secure the future of the NDIS is understandable. However, the Bill in its current form risks reducing access to early intervention, increasing pressure on families and schools and destabilising an already fragile workforce.
I recommend:
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Do not tighten eligibility or reassessment requirements until alternative supports are fully funded, staffed and operational.
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Ensure developmental delay and neurodivergent needs remain clearly recognised within eligibility pathways.
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Simplify reassessment processes to allow timely plan adjustments.
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Protect flexible service models, including telehealth and allied health assistant supported therapy.
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Guarantee continuity of support for children during any transition period.
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Invest in workforce development and sustainability, particularly for small providers and regional communities.
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Co design implementation with frontline clinicians, families and community organisations to avoid unintended consequences.
The NDIS has transformed the lives of many children and families. Any changes must protect access to early, flexible and developmentally appropriate supports so children can participate, learn and thrive in their communities.
SPROUT SPEECH PTY LTD ABN: 79 688 649 210
W: www.sproutsp.com/home Page | 3