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What is an Intellectual Disability?

An intellectual disability affects how a person thinks, learns and processes information.

It is a permanent and life-long disability that results in difficulties across a range of areas related to understanding, communicating, socialising and emotions.

In Australia, there are about 450,000 people with an intellectual disability.

Can you receive NDIS funding for an Intellectual Disability?

If you have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, you may be able to access NDIS funding if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Funding can be used to support your needs directly related to your intellectual disability.

Intellectual Disability and NDIS Statistics

The following information has been collected by the NDIS and is up to date as of June 2023:

15% of the 610,502 active participants in the NDIS have a primary disability of an intellectual disability, making it the second most common disability for NDIS participants.

47% of participants with an intellectual disability are aged under 25 years.

57% of participants with an intellectual disability are male.

In the year ending June 2023:

89% of access decisions for applicants with an intellectual disability aged 18 years and under resulted in the applicant joining the Scheme, compared to 77% for those aged over 18 years. 

$98,100 was the average payment for a participant with an intellectual disability, an increase of 13% compared to the previous year

The number of participants with an intellectual disability has increased by 6% and 5% in the last two years.

These trends show that funded support for people with intellectual disabilities is increasing.

Childhood supports for Intellectual Disability is funded by the NDIS

Early Childhood Supports (EC) are available to children younger than 6 with developmental delays or children younger than 9 with disability.

Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support through the NDIS early childhood approach where there are concerns about their development.

The support provided involves funding for capacity building supports in early childhood, including a key worker. Learn about the keyworker model in the NDIS here.

Funded supports are available for a child with developmental delay or disability and their family or carers across the following settings:

• Home
• Community
• Early childhood education settings

The goal for early childhood support services is to work towards increased functional independence and social participation.

This approach aligns with research that finds early intervention can improve outcomes for children and families by targeting the circumstances that make supporting children's development difficult.

Therapy Supports (9 or older) for Intellectual Disability funded by the NDIS

Therapy supports are available for participants aged 9 and over with an established and diagnosed disability. 

The goal of therapy is to facilitate functional improvement where there is no more scope from a medical perspective to improve health and function.

Therapy or capacity building can seek to address your goals and build your independence across areas of your life that are meaningful to you.

What therapy services can I access using my NDIS funding?

The following therapists and supports relevant to your intellectual disability which you may be able to access using your NDIS funding:

• Art Therapist
• Counsellor
• Developmental Educator
• Dietitian
• Exercise Physiologist
• Music Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• Social Worker
• Speech Pathologist

There are also other professionals, described by the NDIA as a person who are not one of the types of professionals listed above but who the provider considers to be an appropriate professional to deliver therapeutic supports in line with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission’s requirements for the Therapeutic Supports Registration Group.

What other services can I access with NDIS funding?

NDIS funding is also available for other services outside of therapy. This includes day to day support provided by a support worker or support service.

If the support needs is related to your disability, you can access funding for a support worker to assist with:

• Self-care routines
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Shopping
• Transport
• Programs and activities

These are just some examples of supports and services you can access using your NDIS funding related to your disability.

Our MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you navigate the NDIS and connect you with the services you need.

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In your NDIS plan, you can access a broad range of supports and services to help you in your day to day life and build your skills.

Supports can span from self-care assistance, transportation, assistive technology and day programs... just to name a few! 

Allied health services are also supports funded by the NDIS. 

What is an allied health professional?

An allied health professional is a qualified therapist working in their field of practice.

A therapist is a university-qualified practitioner with specialised expertise in completing assessment and intervention/treatment for a range of conditions and illnesses.

A therapist can also be referred to as a:

• Allied health professional
• Allied health practitioner
• Allied health provider

These terms are interchangeable so don’t worry about getting it wrong!

Learn more about Allied Health from the Allied Health Professions Australia.

Who can be a therapist?

A therapist working in the NDIS may be a:

• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Speech Pathologist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Behaviour Support Practitioner
• Dietitian
• Psychologist
• Music Therapist
• Key Worker
• Podiatrist
• Orthoptist
• Social Worker
• Rehabilitation Counsellor

Decoding the Role of the Therapist

If you have never worked with a therapist before, knowing how each therapist can help you can be overwhelming.

A therapist working in the NDIS may work across the following practice areas:

• Physical Disability
• Neurological Disability
• Intellectual Disability / Cognitive Impairment
• Psychosocial Disability / Mental Health
• Neurodiverse population, i.e. diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD

Below is an overview of the more commonly seen therapists working in the NDIS.

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist, often abbreviated to OT, works with you to enhance your engagement and participation in day to day life.

An Occupational Therapist can complete the following:

• Functional Capacity Assessment
• Therapy and Skill Development - described by the NDIA as Capacity Building
• Assistive Technology Prescription
• Manual Handling Plan
• Upper Limb Therapy
• Home Modifications Assessment and Recommendations, including scope of works (i.e. diagrams)
• Driving Assessment and prescription of Vehicle Modifications
• Housing Needs Assessment, including assessments for SIL, SDA and ILO

An Occupational Therapist takes a holistic approach when working with you to address your goals.

This means they consider all the factors that impact your life and develop strategies with you to improve your independence, autonomy and safety.

View the Occupational Therapy Australia website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect with an OT, ask the MyCareSpace connections team to find you an Occupational Therapist with availability today.

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Physiotherapist

A Physiotherapist is often abbreviated to Physio, or sometimes PT (not to be confused with Personal Trainer).

A Physiotherapist works with participants with a range of physical conditions with a focus on:

• Mobility
• Balance
• Movement
• Posture
• Strength
• Coordination
• Management of chronic conditions

Physiotherapists work with participants to improve their physical capacity and manage pain.

Physiotherapists are qualified to prescribe assistive technology to assist with your mobility. A Respiratory Physiotherapist is a specialist within the profession who may prescribe respiratory devices.

View the Australian Physiotherapy Association website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect with a Physio, ask the MyCareSpace Connections team to find you a Physio with availability.

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Speech Pathologist

A Speech Pathologist is often referred to as a Speech Therapist, SP or even Speechie.

Speech Pathologists address communication skills. Due to your disability, you may have difficulties with:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Understanding language
• Reading
• Writing
• Social skills
• Stuttering
• Using voice

A Speech Pathologist works to increase your skills across these areas to increase your capacity to communicate effectively with others. This may involve the use of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC). Find out more about AAC here.

A Speech Pathologist also plays a role in supporting difficulties with swallowing food and fluids.

View the Speech Pathology Australia website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect with a Speechie, ask the MyCareSpace Connections Team to find you a Speech Pathologist with availability.

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Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiology is commonly abbreviated to EP. It is not to be confused with Physiotherapy - these are different qualifications!

Exercise Physiologists focus on exercise-based interventions to promote health and well-being. Areas addressed may include:

• Aerobic fitness
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Balance

The overall goal is to prescribe exercises that can be incorporated into your weekly routine to achieve your desired outcomes and goals.

View the Exercise and Sport Science Australia website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect with an EP, let the MyCareSpace Connections Team connect you with an Exercise Physiologist today.

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Behaviour Support Practitioner

Behaviour Support Practitioners (BSP) can also be referred to as Positive Behavioural Supports (PBS). 

A Behaviour Support Practitioner works closely with you and your support team, often involving family and support workers, to focus on your quality of life by promoting positive behaviours and reducing behaviours of concern.

A Behavioural Support Plan is developed by a Behaviour Support Practitioner to act as a guide for those supporting an individual who demonstrates behaviours of concern. It outlines how to promote positive behaviours, reduce triggers and respond when a challenging behaviour has occurred. 

View the Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect with a BSP, let the MyCareSpace Connections Team connect you with a Behaviour Support Practitioner with availability. Learn How to get Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in my NDIS Plan here.

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Dietitian

If you need help to manage your nutrition because of your disability, the NDIS can fund a Dietitian.

A Dietitian can be involved to create a nutritional meal plan, and provide training and education to yourself, family and carers.

Dietitians are also involved in prescribing and implementing Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding. These are alternative feeding strategies that may be required due to a disability or disability-related health condition.

View the Dietitians Australia website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect, let the MyCareSpace Connections Team connect you with a Dietitian with availability.

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Psychologist

Psychologists working in the NDIS provide specialised assessment, treatment and diagnosis of mental health conditions. You can access a psychologist if you are diagnosed with a psychosocial disability, or if psychology services are needed to improve daily living skills.

Psychologists can seek to support your emotional and psychological well-being, as well as address social skills and behavioural management strategies.

View the Australian Psychology Association website for further information about the profession.

When you’re ready to connect, let the MyCareSpace Connections Team connect you with a Psychologist with availability.

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Where can I receive therapy?

Therapy can be completed at a clinic space if your therapist has one for you to visit.

Therapy can also be provided in your home.

IMPORTANT: Remember to discuss travel costs with your therapist to ensure this is accounted for when budgeting for your services. Travel costs should be outlined in the providers service agreement.

Therapy can also sometimes occur in the community. For example, travel training with an Occupational Therapist may involve catching public transport together to develop your skills. Ordering a coffee at your local cafe with a Speech Pathologist may be required to address your communication-related goals.

How do I access funding for a therapist?

Funding for the therapy services may be included in your NDIS plan already. Below is a breakdown of some of the common therapy services funded by the NDIS:

Access the Easy to Read NDIS Price List to search for NDIS prices from the latest NDIS price list.

NDIS Price List

How do I get in touch with a therapist?

When you’re ready to connect, let the MyCareSpace Connections Team connect you with a therapist with availability.

Get started

For further support, get in touch with our Connections Team online or by phone 1300 288 893.

If you have a Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator, they may be able to direct you to local allied health providers to access therapy services.