What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS is designed to give individuals greater choice and control over when, where and how their funded supports are provided.

What services do occupational therapists provide in the NDIS?
Occupational therapists are skilled in a number of areas, including mental health, rehabilitation, pain management, driving assessments and paediatrics. They can help you to identify interests and goals, manage daily routines at home and in the community, modify daily tasks to make them easier to perform, and recommend activities that you can participate effectively in. Occupational therapists work with people across the lifespan to provide a range of supports and services to NDIS participants, including:

• Assistive technology (aids and equipment)
• Home modifications
• Vehicle modifications and driving assessments
• Assessment of personal support needs (personal care)
• Coordinating respite care
• Housing assessments for participants requiring Specialist Disability Accommodation
• Transport assistance
• Orientation and mobility training
• Supported employment evaluation and training services
• Helping children to reach their developmental goals through interventions such as play-based therapy
• Whole of life personal planning

Am I eligible?
If you are under the age of 65 and have a disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities, you may be eligible for the NDIS.  The best place to start is the NDIS Access Checklist. Alternatively, you can call the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.

Is the NDIS currently available where I live?
The NDIS is available across Australia. You can find out more information here.

How do I find an OT?
Once approved with the NDIS, you will then work with an NDIS Planner and/or Local Area Coordinator to develop your support plan. Each participant in the scheme has an individualised plan that identifies the specific outcomes they wish to achieve, the disability supports that will be funded by the NDIS and other supports they require.

If you decide you would like assistance from an occupational therapist then you will need to select from a list of NDIS providers accessible via the NDIS website. Registered NDIS providers have been approved to deliver a support or product to a participant in the NDIS. If you choose to self-manage your NDIS funding, you may also access services from providers who  have not registered with the NDIS.

Search OTA’s Find an OT directory to find an occupational therapist near you.