Podiatry

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.

Get Started
 

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.