Occupational Therapy

Welcome to the NDIS Cerebral Palsy Series

If you have found your way to this page, it means you are interested in learning more about cerebral palsy and navigating the NDIS.

Our MyCareSpace NDIS Navigators have prepared a series of resources that unpack the topics frequently searched by people with cerebral palsy and their families who want to better understand how to use their NDIS funding to achieve their goals.

Each topic has a different theme and provides you with additional links and resources to further your learning. Starting off with an overview of cerebral palsy and the NDIS...

Cerebral Palsy and the NDIS

The most recent insights from the NDIA show that 17,680 active participants in the NDIS have a primary disability of cerebral palsy. This makes up 3% of all NDIS participants and is increasing over time with more people accessing the Scheme. It is important to understand and know how to navigate the NDIS.

This topic provides an overview of the following:

• What is Cerebral Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
• Are people with Cerebral Palsy eligible for NDIS funding?
• What kind of supports will the NDIS fund for Cerebral Palsy?

Learn all about NDIS eligibility and navigating NDIS supports:

Cerebral Palsy and the NDIS

Cerebral Palsy and Supported Independent Living (SIL) - Back to Basics

Navigating Supported Independent Living (SIL) in the NDIS can be difficult, particularly when you are still learning about your NDIS plan and how to best achieve your NDIS goals. A back-to-basics approach will help to build your understanding of SIL and how to make it work best for you.

This topic covers the following:

• Cerebral Palsy and Complex Needs
• Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability & other Co-Occurring Conditions
• Cerebral Palsy, the NDIS & Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Cerebral Palsy and Functional Capacity
• Cerebral Palsy and SIL - High Support Needs and Assistive Technology

Find out more about the supports available to you for SIL and what this could look like for you.

Cerebral Palsy and SIL - Back to Basics

Cerebral Palsy - Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) in your NDIS Plan

“What is funded by the NDIS in SIL, and what do I have to pay myself?”. This is a question the MyCareSpace Connections Team regularly receives when speaking with NDIS participants and families.

There can often be confusion about what your NDIS funding does and does not cover when it comes to SIL.

Understand how SIL works in your plan by learning about the following:

• The Logistics of SIL
• Where is SIL funded in my NDIS plan?
• Does SIL include accommodation, groceries and other day-to-day expenses?
• What happens to SIL if I am in hospital?
• Is staff training required for Cerebral Palsy in the NDIS?
• Does SIL = shared supports?
• Will I receive SIL if I don’t need support all of the time?

Find out more about SIL and your NDIS plan:

Cerebral Palsy - Understanding SIL in your NDIS Plan

How to get funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL) with Cerebral Palsy

So you now know how SIL is funded in your NDIS plan, but how do you get approved for funding for SIL?

Find out more about getting funding in your NDIS plan for SIL:

• Cerebral Palsy and Support Needs
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) Eligibility
• Is SIL Reasonable and Necessary?
• What do the NDIS consider when approving funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
• What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
• How does a Functional Capacity Assessment for SIL differ to a standard Functional Capacity Assessment?
• How can I get a Functional Capacity Assessment for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
• Submitting evidence to the NDIS for Supported Independent Living (SIL) - Home & Living Request

How to get SIL in your plan? Read here:

SIL Funding for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy and Assistive Technology (NDIS)

If you are navigating SIL in the NDIS, there is a possibility you also require assistive technology to assist you with mobility and your activities of daily living. There is a wide range of assistive technology available for individuals with cerebral palsy to use.

Find out more about the following assistive technology solutions:

• Mobility Devices
• Transfer Assistive Technology
• Bedroom Assistive Technology
• Bathroom Assistive Technology
• Living and Dining Assistive Technology
• Kitchen Assistive Technology
• Communication Assistive Technology
• Hearing Devices
• Assistive Technology for Children during Early Intervention

Exploring assistive technology solutions? Find out more here:

Cerebral Palsy and Assistive Technology (NDIS)

Find More Resources

MyCareSpace offers a range of resources across all topics involving the NDIS.

Review our Resource Library to learn more about how to make the most of your NDIS funding:

MyCareSpace Resources

Need help Navigating the NDIS?

The MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you to navigate the NDIS and find NDIS supports that you need to achieve your goals:

Get Started

This webinar supports Participants and their families, Support Coordinators, and LACS in understanding the role that allied health providers (therapists) can play in reaching your NDIS goals and how to make the most of the funding you have.

Delivered by Occupational Therapist and Clinical Advisor, Tiffany Hurwitz (MyCareSpace) together with NDIS expert and Plan Manager, Kim Mc Murchy (Plan Hero Plan Management).

Developed to support Participants and their families, Support Coordinators, and LACS in understanding the role that Allied Health Providers (therapists) can play in helping you reach your NDIS goals and how to make the most of the NDIS therapy funding you have.

This webinar addresses the practical aspects of what type of therapy you can use with your NDIS funding. Kim explains in detail how to understand the different parts of your NDIS plan, where to find that therapy funding, and how to flexibly use it.

Tiffany explains the different types of therapy and where they can in fact cross-over or complement each other. This is particularly helpful in an environment where there is a shortage of certain therapies in many areas. She shows us how there are ways to overcome this problem by getting started with other therapies or alternative therapies.

In this 1.5 hour webinar, we covered:

• Understanding the different types of therapy and who delivers them
• What therapy can I use to reach each goal?
• Working with a ‘Multidisciplinary Team’ - what does that mean?
• Where do I find therapy funding in my NDIS plan and how much do I actually have to spend?
• How to find therapy providers with availability

Contact our MyCareSpace Connections Team if you need help finding NDIS services.

Contact Plan Hero Plan Management to find out more about this amazing Plan Manager.

View our Allied Health Resources

Panelists

Tiffany is an experienced and practicing Occupational Therapist, supporting many NDIS participants. She not only delivers therapy, but also supports NDIS participants to access NDIS funding and get the most from their Planning Meeting/Plan Review (Re assessment). 

She has a deep understanding of how the NDIS works within the therapy arena.

Tiffany regularly supports her clients to understand the kind of therapy that will help them reach their goals, the different types of therapies (and therapists), and how they all can work together.

As General Manager of a boutique Plan Manager (Plan Hero Plan Management), Kim has not only seen hundreds of NDIS plans, but has also had just as many conversations with Participants and their support network.

She regularly shows them where to find therapy funding in their NDIS plan, and how to make the best use of it.

In this webinar, Kim shares her 'on the ground' knowledge about how therapy funding can look in your NDIS plan, how much you actually have to spend, and how to use it (not to mention where to find it).

Who will benefit from this webinar? 

This webinar is relevant to NDIS Participants, their families, and other NDIS supports like Support Coordinators, LACS and even Providers.

It is an absolute must for Participants who have an NDIS plan that has therapy funding or will be needing therapy in the future.

Perhaps you are already involved with a team of therapists and want to learn about how to maximise your funding to produce better therapy outcomes? Don't miss this session.

Service providers who are looking to learn more about allied health (therapy) supports will also find this webinar beneficial. 

Resources

All Therapy Resources

Featured Resources

• Decoding Allied Health - Finding the Therapist Right For Me
• How much travel can my NDIS therapist charge me?
• Prices of Therapy Assistants
• Prices of Therapy
• Writing Therapy Reports for the NDIS
• What is CB Daily Activities & Improved Daily Living Skills ?
• What is Reasonable and Necessary

Do I need a Therapist?

Due to your disability, you may experience difficulties across day to day life.

You may have trouble walking, talking, eating, or speaking. You may have challenges with your morning routine, getting to the shops, preparing meals or maintaining your home. Perhaps you have obstacles in your physical environment, or difficulties coping in busy settings.

Any difficulties you may have are individual to you. You may have a strong sense of what you find most challenging, but sometimes it can be hard to find a solution on your own.

Instead of a “one size fits all solution”, you require an individualised approach to address your difficulties. 

A therapist can support you in finding individualised strategies to make every day life easier for you. These strategies and interventions will be unique to your needs and factor in you as a person, your environment, activities and the people in your life.

Who is a Therapist?

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 work on their own, or be part of a multi-disciplinary team, meaning therapists from different professions work together.

A therapist can also be referred to as an:

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

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

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
• Orthopist
• Social Worker
• Rehabilitation Counsellor

How is Therapy provided in the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) do not provide therapy services. This means therapists do not work for the NDIA. 

Instead, NDIS participants are allocated funding in their NDIS Plans to access services, including therapy services.

Funding is typically allocated in the Improved Daily Living budget in Capacity Building Supports. A few therapy services will be funded in the Improved Relationships and Improved Health and Wellbeing budgets. Speak with your therapist about their fundings requirements.

How do I connect with a Therapist?

MyCareSpace offer a FREE concierge service to connect you with the therapists you need.

Reach out to our Connections Team today!

Get in touch

Alternatively, browse your options in the MyCareSpace Provider Directory.

Scheduling an Assessment with a Therapist

Each provider schedule their appointments slightly differently. You may be in touch directly with your therapist prior to the appointment, or you’ll speak with their administrative team. This depends on how the provider structure their referral intake.

In addition to your name, contact details, address etc, the provider will typically ask for your:

• NDIS Number
• NDIS Plan Start Date
• NDIS Plan End Date
• NDIS Goals
• Diagnosis or Condition/s that is recognised by the NDIS
• Reason for referral

The therapist may complete a risk assessment to ensure it is safe to complete a face to face visit.

The therapist may also request for any previous reports or medical documents to be provided prior to the appointment. It is important to provide these to your therapist as:

• This provides them with a clear picture of your disability/conditions. This can reduce the time taken in the initial assessment discussing your medical history.
• Existing reports/documents familiarises the therapist with your existing medical and allied health team. This can guide how the therapist approaches your needs.
• The risk of doubling up supports is reduced. This lowers the likihood of the same issue being addressed by multiple therapists. This is important to make the most out of your funding.

Why is it Important to Provide Reason for Referral Details?

Sharing information about why you have made the referral to the service provider ensures your needs align with their service delivery.

Providing a reason for the referral ensures the therapy provider is able to allocate the right therapist for you to address your needs. It ensures the therapist has a clear understanding of what you are looking for.

This also provides you the opportunity to clearly communicate your expectations for service delivery, and what you want to achieve with input from this service.

Service Agreement with Therapy Providers

Your therapy provider will request for you to sign a service agreement, either prior to the initial assessment or at your first meeting.

A service agreement is a legal document signed by you as the participant, and the provider.

A service agreement ensures the following:

• The participant and provider have the same expectations of what supports will be delivered
• Both parties agree on how the supports will be delivered
• You get what you are paying for
• You are protected against unexpected events

Participants might involve a nominated person (such as a participant’s family member or friend) to sign on their behalf, or may sign the service agreement themself.

Read more information on Why Do I Need A Service Agreement here.

Read more

I haven’t heard from my Therapist before my Appointment…Is this Okay?

In some cases, the first time you interact with your allocated therapist may be at your initial assessment. This may be because you have been speaking with their administration team to schedule the appointment.

Do not fear if you haven’t spoken with your therapist in the lead up prior to your first appointment. As part of their assessment, they will gather all of the background information they need, as well as review documents and reports you have provided.

Does One Appointment = One Assessment?

It is not necessarily the case that a whole assessment can be completed from start to finish in one appointment.

A therapist MAY be able to complete an assessment in the initial assessment. This depends on the a number of factors:

• The type of assessment required
• The number of needs being addressed
• The complexity of the needs being addressed

Multiple appointments may be required to complete one assessment. Alternatively, the assessment may require one or more face-to-face appointments, as well as follow up phone calls with various stakeholders for information gathering.

You may receive documents or forms to complete before or after the assessment. This depends on the information the therapist requires from you.

How Long will the Appointment Last?

There is no set time for the duration of an assessment.

The therapist should give you an indication of the time required for the initial appointment prior to the appointment. To be safe, allocate up to two hours to two and a half of your time for the first appointment.

Preparing for the Initial Assessment

If the appointment is scheduled to be completed in your home, consider the following:

• There are minimal distractions in the home
• There is somewhere for yourself and the therapist to sit for a discussion. A dining table is ideal.
• You have arranged for a support person to be present if needed. This may be a family member, friend or support worker.
• You have provided clear parking directions for the therapist, particularly if you live on a main road or parking is limited around where you live.

If the appointment is being completed at the therapist’s office or out in the community, consider the following:

• Is there parking nearby? Is this metered? Does the provider have parking available?
• What are your public transport options?
• Are there accessible features in the environment?
• Is there a bathroom available if needed?

What to bring to the Initial Assessment?

NDIS Plan

While you are not required to share your NDIS Plan with anyone, it is helpful for your therapist to view the funding allocated available across your budgets to determine how they proceed with interventions. 

For example, an Occupational Therapist prescribing a mid cost hi-lo adjustable bed and mattress will need to review your Assistive Technology budget to see whether this is a stated item with funding already allocated or not, as this will determine if there is a need to submit a request for approval to the NDIA or not.

It is also helpful for your therapist to verify your goals and confirm your plan dates.

Always keep the hard copy of your NDIS Plan sent to you by the NDIA. If you do wish to share a copy of your NDIS Plan with a provider, you can:

• Share a PDF version via email
• Allow the provider to take photos of your NDIS Plan
• Provide a photocopy

​

Reports & Documents

Sometimes it may be difficult to share reports or documents with your therapist prior to the initial assessment via email if you only have a hard copy. This is okay!

With your consent, your therapist will be able to take photos of these documents, or scan the document using their smartphone.

Next Steps: The Assessment Phase

Congratulations! You have gone through all the steps involved in setting up an assessment.

A follow up resource has been created which provides a general overview of what to expect for of the assessment phase. Access NDIS Therapy Assessment - What to Expect here.
Access resource

Remember, MyCareSpace offer a FREE concierge service to connect you with the therapists you need. Reach out to our Connections Team today!

Get in touch

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.

Get started

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.

Get started

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.

Get started

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.

Get started

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.

Get started

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.

Get started

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.

Get started

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.