Therapeutic Supports play a vital role in empowering people with disabilities to live more independent, engaged, and fulfilling lives. This guide aims to provide providers, participants, families, and carers with a comprehensive understanding of Therapeutic Supports within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Whether you are a registered or aspiring provider, or someone looking to access or understand these important services, this guide covers what Therapeutic Supports are, why they matter, how they work, relevant professions, benefits, costs, frequently asked questions, common challenges, and practical solutions.

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Therapeutic Supports in the NDIS: A Guide for Providers

What are Therapeutic Supports in the NDIS?

[object Object] Therapeutic Supports are allied health or therapy services funded by the NDIS to help participants improve their functional capacity, independence, and ability to participate in daily life, work, or community activities. These supports are aimed at individuals with permanent and significant disabilities and can aid physical, cognitive, social, communicative, or emotional development.

Why are Therapeutic Supports Important? [object Object]

• They enable people with disability to work towards individual goals.
• They help participants build skills for daily living, communication, relationships, and community involvement. [object Object]
• Early access to Therapeutic Supports can help reduce limitations and dependence on longer-term support.

Types of Therapeutic Supports

[object Object] Therapeutic Supports under the NDIS include (but are not limited to):

• Occupational Therapy: Assisting with daily living, equipment prescription, environmental modification. [object Object]
• Physiotherapy: Improving mobility, coordination, strength, and physical independence.
• Speech Pathology: Enhancing communication, swallowing, literacy, and social skills.
• Psychology: Emotional regulation, coping skills, behaviour management, mental health. [object Object]
• Social Work: Building social skills, accessing community resources, counselling.
• Exercise Physiology: Developing exercise programs for fitness, strength, and health.
• Podiatry: Managing foot health for improved mobility. [object Object]
• Dietetics: Tailored nutritional support for medical or developmental needs.
• Music and Art Therapy: Supporting behavioural, emotional, or social development.
• Counselling: Addressing life changes, transition, trauma, or adjustment to disability. [object Object]

How to Access and Provide Therapeutic Supports

For Providers

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1. Registration:
   To provide NDIS-funded therapeutic supports, providers must be registered with the NDIS Commission, especially if serving agency-managed participants. Key registration groups include:
   • Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood [object Object]
   • Therapeutic Supports (for ages 7+)
   • Improved Daily Living

[object Object] 2. Qualifications:
Providers must ensure staff are appropriately qualified and, if applicable, AHPRA registered (e.g., OT, Physio, Speech). Other professionals must hold suitable tertiary qualifications and meet the NDIS Quality and Safeguards standards.

[object Object] 3. Service Delivery:

• Deliver therapy at home, clinic, school, workplace, or via telehealth.
• Work collaboratively with participants, carers, and other professionals. [object Object]
• Develop measurable goals and outcome reports to aid NDIS reviews and planning.

For Participants

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• Check your NDIS plan for Therapeutic Supports under the “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living” or "Early Childhood Intervention Supports" budget.
• Use your plan manager, support coordinator, or LAC to find appropriate, quality providers.

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Therapeutic Supports in the Context of Australian Migration

For NDIS participants and families who have migrated to Australia, accessing Therapeutic Supports can be especially valuable for:

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• Supporting adaptation to Australian systems and community life.
• Addressing trauma, mental health, or adjustment challenges common among migrant families.
• Improving language, literacy, and communication for children from non-English speaking backgrounds. [object Object]
• Assisting with culturally appropriate, trauma-informed therapies.

Providers working with migrant participants should: [object Object]

• Offer interpreters or bilingual therapists where needed.
• Understand cultural sensitivities, trauma histories, and systemic barriers.
• Liaise with multicultural and migrant support agencies for holistic care. [object Object]

Key Benefits & Features

• Evidence-Based: Delivering interventions that are informed by best practice and research. [object Object]
• Person-Centred: Therapy is tailored to each participant’s goals and preferences.
• Flexible Delivery: In-person, community, or telehealth.
• Goal-Oriented: Focus on measurable, meaningful outcomes. [object Object]
• Collaborative: Involves families, schools, workplaces, and other health professionals.

Example Therapeutic Supports

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Common Scenarios

[object Object] 1. How are Therapeutic Supports funded under the NDIS?

• Most are under “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.” Early intervention for young children is under "Early Childhood Support.”

[object Object] 2. How much do Therapeutic Supports cost?

• As per the latest NDIS Price Guide, prices are capped (e.g., $193.99/hour for psychology, $193.99/hour for OT/physio in FY 2023/24). Rates may vary depending on travel, group sessions, or telehealth.

[object Object] 3. How long does therapy last?

• Some participants may need short-term therapy (e.g., 6-12 weeks), while others require ongoing or periodic input (e.g., yearly reviews, lifelong support).

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