Advocacy, Innovation and the Future of NDIS Support Needs Assessments

The world of occupational therapy (OT) within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to evolve rapidly, requiring practitioners to adapt and innovate. With updates in legislation, ongoing discussions around support needs assessments and the role of advocacy in shaping the OT profession, practitioners are navigating a complex but promising landscape.

Advocacy and the OT voice in the NDIS space

Advocacy is central to the role of OTs, particularly within the NDIS. By proactively engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders, OTs ensure their expertise shapes policies and operations. Collaborative efforts have already elevated awareness of the profession's crucial role in assessing function, identifying support needs, and improving outcomes for participants.

A powerful example of this advocacy is the recent engagement with Senator Jordan Steele-John. By contributing well-researched submissions and participating in parliamentary hearings, OTs have highlighted system gaps and proposed practical, participant-centred solutions. These efforts not only benefit individuals accessing the NDIS but also solidify OTs as indispensable experts within the scheme.

Advancing support needs assessments

One of the most pressing priorities within the NDIS is the development of a robust, standardised framework for support needs assessments. Current processes rely heavily on functional assessments, but many OTs have called for a more holistic approach that captures the full complexity of participant needs.

Such a framework would go beyond assessing hours for support workers. It could encompass a broader range of services, including allied health interventions, assistive technology (AT), and tailored NDIS templates. Standardised tools, clear guidelines, and comprehensive resources would bring consistency and accuracy to these assessments, empowering OTs to deliver reliable recommendations.

OTs as leaders in support needs assessments

OTs are uniquely qualified to lead the development and implementation of support needs assessments. Their expertise in functional assessment, task analysis and clinical reasoning positions them as ideal professionals to determine the type, duration and intensity of supports needed for individuals with disabilities. Drawing on experiences in medico-legal assessments and other schemes like iCare, OTs already possess the skills to evaluate support needs comprehensively.

To formalise this role, the profession could benefit from training programs, such as self-paced OT learning modules or OT live workshops, that equip practitioners with the tools and knowledge to perform these assessments effectively. Verve OT Learning and other professional development providers can play a pivotal role in creating targeted OT training programs.

Independent assessments and reducing bias

A key challenge for the NDIS is ensuring that support needs assessments are unbiased and trustworthy. Independent assessments, conducted by OTs not involved in a participant’s ongoing therapy, could address this concern. By maintaining independence, OTs can provide objective evaluations that form the foundation for participant budgets without concerns of conflict of interest.

This model would require a cadre of trained OTs, supported by resources such as OT clinical supervision and standardised NDIS forms, to perform assessments consistently. OT professional supervision could also ensure that assessors adhere to best practices, enhancing the credibility and reliability of the process.

The importance of collaboration and training

The success of support needs assessments depends on collaboration among OTs and the wider allied health community. Sharing knowledge and pooling resources can foster innovation and improve outcomes. Networking opportunities, such as in-house training and peer mentoring, enable OTs to learn from each other and stay abreast of best practices.

Training and professional development are crucial. Providers like Verve OT Learning offer self-paced OT professional development options, allowing practitioners to refine their skills in areas such as functional assessments and AT prescription. OT live workshops can further enhance learning by offering interactive and practical sessions tailored to the needs of practising OTs.

Building the future of OT within the NDIS

The OT profession is at a pivotal moment in its evolution. By embracing opportunities for advocacy, professional development and collaboration, OTs can lead the way in shaping the future of the NDIS. From refining support needs assessments to developing innovative resources like NDIS templates, OTs have the potential to revolutionise how disability supports are delivered in Australia.

With organisations like Verve OT Learning providing comprehensive training and resources, and passionate leaders like Sarah Collison championing the profession, OTs are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the NDIS and make a lasting impact on the lives of participants.