COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Assisting NDIS Participants with Access to Therapeutic Supports course. This program is designed to provide you with a solid understanding of how to support participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in accessing and navigating therapeutic supports.

Therapeutic supports are essential to improving functional capacity, psychosocial wellbeing, and independence for individuals with disability. As support coordinators and allied health assistants play a pivotal role in connecting participants to appropriate therapies, tracking their progress, and ensuring the delivery of supports aligns with both the NDIS framework and individual participant goals.

This course begins by exploring the fundamental purpose of therapeutic supports under the NDIS. These supports include a wide range of services delivered by professionals such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and physiotherapists. A clear distinction will be made between therapeutic supports and other NDIS-funded categories (e.g., core support or community access), with an emphasis on the role of support coordinators in bridging the gap between planning and access.

An understanding of the NDIS structure is essential for ensuring participants receive the right supports under the appropriate budget categories. This section provides a breakdown of relevant funding categories—particularly Capacity Building Supports—and introduces the NDIS Price Guide. You will learn how to interpret price limits, line items, and plan rules that apply to therapy-related services, while navigating participant plans and funding arrangements confidently.

Before therapeutic supports can be accessed, participant needs must be thoroughly assessed and understood. This section explains how to conduct assessments in collaboration with families and professionals. It also covers methods for goal-setting, how to recognise indicators of unmet needs, and how to ensure all supports align with the participant’s unique circumstances and aspirations.

A core component of the course is working with allied health professionals. This section introduces the scope of practice for therapists including occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and physiotherapists. It outlines the process for selecting qualified and NDIS-registered providers, and how to establish effective, respectful communication channels that contribute to collaborative and integrated care.

To ensure that therapeutic supports are meaningful and goal-directed, support plans must be tailored. This section addresses how to incorporate therapeutic services into participant plans, set measurable outcomes, and build in flexibility to adapt to changing needs or circumstances. It promotes person-centred planning aligned with best-practice therapy principles.

Access barriers such as transport, location, and language differences can prevent participants from engaging in therapy. This section explains how to facilitate practical access to services, including making referrals, scheduling appointments, and supporting the use of telehealth. It also explores inclusive approaches for participants in regional, rural, or culturally diverse communities.

Progress monitoring is critical to maintaining funding and demonstrating the effectiveness of interventions. This section outlines how to conduct regular reviews, document therapy outcomes, and prepare reports that will support future plan reviews or reassessments. Guidance will be given on how to work with therapists and families to identify when supports should be adjusted.

Participants often require supports that address their psychological wellbeing and functional behaviour. This section explores how to work with mental health professionals, implement psychosocial support strategies, and ensure that interventions are trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive.

For participants with communication needs, therapy can significantly enhance independence and participation. This section covers how to identify communication barriers, introduce assistive technology such as AAC devices, and support families and carers in learning effective strategies. It also explores communication goals in the context of education, community access, and self-expression.

Mobility is a common therapeutic focus area for many participants. This section explains how to coordinate with physiotherapists and OTs to address physical barriers, implement movement programs, and ensure safe use of mobility aids. Environmental accessibility and safety considerations are also discussed.

Therapeutic supports frequently focus on developing the skills needed for daily living. This section outlines how to assist participants in building routines around hygiene, personal care, and domestic activities through occupational therapy interventions. The importance of family involvement and ongoing encouragement is highlighted throughout.

Interpersonal relationships are central to inclusion and wellbeing. This section explores social skills interventions, community engagement programs, and behavioural strategies to help participants build friendships, develop confidence, and navigate social spaces. It also addresses challenges such as social anxiety and communication difficulties.

NDIS plans are often shaped by formal assessments and written reports. This section provides an overview of the different types of assessments (e.g., functional, psychological, or communication assessments), how to coordinate their completion, and how to use their findings to update or amend participant goals and funding allocations.

Therapeutic supports must always comply with the rules and regulations of the NDIS. This section outlines how to remain compliant by maintaining accurate documentation, staying updated with policy changes, and following the NDIS Code of Conduct. It also highlights the importance of participant rights and informed consent.

Budgeting is a shared responsibility in ensuring therapies remain sustainable throughout a plan period. This section details how to allocate funds to therapy appropriately, monitor spending, and respond to changes in participant needs. It also outlines reporting requirements for overspend or underspend in Capacity Building budgets.

Families and informal carers are vital to the success of therapeutic outcomes. This section provides practical guidance for engaging families, communicating clearly about therapy goals, and addressing concerns in a respectful and collaborative way. It also highlights the importance of offering resources and psychoeducation to build family capacity.

At times, therapeutic support delivery may be interrupted or present risks. This section outlines how to identify potential therapy-related risks, create contingency plans, and respond to behavioural or environmental challenges. Emergency protocols, incident reporting, and therapist communication strategies are also included.

The final section of the course focuses on professional development and sustainability in therapeutic practice. It encourages reflective practice, peer collaboration, and ongoing training to ensure that workers remain responsive to emerging needs, new technologies, and evolving therapy models.

By the conclusion of this course, you will have gained a thorough understanding of how to assist NDIS participants in accessing therapeutic supports effectively, ethically, and efficiently. You will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for therapy access, support implementation, and contribute to improved functional and quality-of-life outcomes for individuals living with disability.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Therapeutic Supports

• Understanding the scope and purpose of therapeutic supports within the NDIS
• Differentiating between therapeutic supports and other NDIS-funded services
• The role of support coordinators in facilitating access to therapeutic supports

2. NDIS Framework and Funding Categories

• Overview of NDIS funding categories relevant to therapeutic supports
• Understanding Capacity Building Supports and their application
• Navigating the NDIS Price Guide and funding arrangements

3. Identifying Participant Needs

• Conducting comprehensive assessments to determine therapeutic needs
• Collaborating with participants to set realistic and achievable goals
• Recognising signs indicating the need for therapeutic interventions

4. Engaging Allied Health Professionals

• Roles of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists
• Criteria for selecting qualified and registered providers
• Establishing effective communication channels with therapists

5. Developing Individualised Support Plans

• Integrating therapeutic supports into participant plans
• Setting measurable outcomes and timelines
• Ensuring plans are adaptable to changing needs

6. Facilitating Access to Services

• Coordinating appointments and sessions with therapists
• Addressing barriers to access, including transportation and communication
• Utilising telehealth and remote service options when appropriate

7. Monitoring and Reviewing Progress

• Establishing regular check-ins to assess effectiveness of supports
• Documenting progress and making necessary adjustments
• Preparing for plan reviews with updated reports and assessments

8. Addressing Psychosocial Functioning

• Understanding the impact of mental health on daily functioning
• Collaborating with mental health professionals for integrated care
• Implementing strategies to support psychosocial wellbeing

9. Supporting Communication and Language Development

• Identifying communication challenges and appropriate interventions
• Incorporating assistive technology and AAC devices
• Training participants and carers in effective communication strategies

10. Enhancing Mobility and Movement

• Assessing mobility needs and recommending suitable therapies
• Coordinating with physiotherapists for movement-based interventions
• Ensuring the safety and accessibility of environments

11. Promoting Personal Care and Daily Living Skills

• Developing routines to enhance independence in personal care
• Engaging occupational therapists for skill-building activities
• Educating carers and families to support daily living tasks

12. Facilitating Interpersonal Interactions

• Encouraging participation in social and community activities
• Implementing social skills training and group therapies
• Addressing behavioural challenges impacting relationships

13. Navigating Assessments and Reports

• Understanding the types of assessments required for support planning
• Collaborating with professionals to gather necessary documentation
• Utilising assessment outcomes to inform plan development

14. Ensuring Compliance with NDIS Guidelines

• Staying updated with NDIS policies and procedural changes
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation
• Adhering to ethical standards and participant rights

15. Managing Funding and Budgeting

• Allocating funds appropriately across therapeutic supports
• Monitoring expenditures to prevent overspending
• Adjusting budgets in response to changing support needs

16. Collaborating with Families and Carers

• Engaging families in the therapeutic process
• Providing education and resources to support ongoing care
• Addressing concerns and feedback from carers

17. Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation

• Identifying potential risks associated with therapeutic interventions
• Developing contingency plans for service disruptions
• Responding effectively to emergencies and unforeseen challenges

18. Professional Development and Reflective Practice

• Engaging in continuous learning opportunities
• Reflecting on practice to improve service delivery
• Participating in supervision and peer support networks

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.