02/03/2023
How do I see an Exercise Physiologist through the NDIS?
1 – Start with your NDIS Plan Meeting with your NDIS planner – ensure that your requested support is ‘reasonable and necessary’ in order to be funded. This means making sure that your goals align with your support services.
Funding under the NDIS is based on evidence of need, your goals, and evidence for the effectiveness of a given treatment approach. Your treatment plan is your gateway to getting the support you need.
What is deemed ‘reasonable and necessary?
The NDIS funds ‘reasonable and necessary supports’ relating to your disability to help you live an ordinary life and achieve your goals.
During your Plan meeting, your NDIS planner will gather information on what supports are reasonable and necessary for your situation by evaluating whether a support request is:
• related to your disability and support needs
• good value for money
• likely to be effective and beneficial to you.
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Some examples that may be approved include:
• Support workers to help with personal care activities
• Therapeutic supports like behaviour support
• Aids and equipment
• Home modifications
• Mobility equipment.
2 – You’ll then need to find a Provider that provides the necessary services to help you achieve your goals. If you aren’t sure what services you are looking for or where to start, Support Coordinators and Local Area Coordinators can help connect you to the right services.
AEPs can provide a personalised movement plan through the use of evidence-based and best practice methods to help optimise what is possible with your NDIS plan.
3 – Once you have selected an AEP in your area, make an appointment to meet with them. Your AEP will conduct a clinic-based assessment and develop an exercise plan tailored to your disability that will fit within your specific NDIS plan and goals.
The assessment will look at things like:
• How you move
• Your posture and balance
• Fitness and strength
• Respiratory and cardiovascular fitness
• Diet and lifestyle
• Current medications
• Any limiting factors such as physical disabilities, injuries, or pain.
The AEP will use this information to develop a program which might include group or private fitness sessions, exercises to practice at home or lifting weights. You may also be given diet, nutrition or lifestyle advice and be supported to make changes that will help you achieve your goals.
Things that your NDIS plan won’t cover
NDIS funding doesn’t cover general everyday living expenses that people without disability would be required to pay, such as train travel, rent, groceries, mobile phone, or movie tickets.
Every person is different so it’s important that you are prepared to demonstrate why a request should be deemed ‘fair and reasonable’ in your situation.
