Pathways To Care

12/09/2025

At Pathways to Care, we believe deeply in the power of sport and the communities it creates. Sport brings people together, gives purpose, and creates belonging. Everyone should have access to it, regardless of ability.

That’s why our inaugural Charity Golf Day, on Friday the 7th of November, is about more than a round of golf. It’s about breaking down barriers. Right now, Australian Sliders face enormous financial hurdles to take part in the sport they love. A powerchair alone can cost over $50,000, and without government or private funding, their chance to compete at the 2026 World Cup in Finland relies on community support.

Listening to the stories of the Sliders’ players, it’s clear how much being part of the team has changed their lives. However, the reality is that the barrier lies with funding. Together, we can help level the playing field.

All profits from the day go directly to the Sliders’ GoFundMe, helping them take their place on the world stage. Please show your support and get your business out there with our multiple sponsorship packages, or join in and play as a single. Every dollar counts!

Find all the details here https://bit.ly/4niNv0o

11/09/2025

Today is officially R U OK? Day, but we know that friends, family, partners, or colleagues can go through ups and downs every day. That’s why this year, the focus again is on being confident to ask those around you if they are OK, any day!

Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year, because a conversation could change a life.

First, you must make sure you are in the right frame of mind yourself, before you support someone else you think is struggling.

Once you are confident you can support the person, follow these steps.
1. Ask
2. Listen with an open mind
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Need more help? Head to the R U OK? website here ➡️ https://bit.ly/487vePm

10/09/2025

This morning, the NDIA released much-anticipated details of the Independent Review of Art and Music Therapies led by leading health economist Sr. Stephen Duckett AM.

The Review made 19 recommendations relating to art and music supports for NDIS participants, of which 15 are directed to the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the agency in support of all 15.

Some key points to come out were:
•Therapies must be delivered by qualified therapists registered with a professional association.
•A new national price limit of $156.16 per hour (aligned with counselling) starts 24 Nov 2025.
•A clearer distinction between therapeutic vs. non-therapeutic art and music supports.
•NDIS funds can cover supports to help people participate in art or music, but not the cost of the activity itself.
•The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee will review the evidence base of music and art therapy for specific groups in its 2025-26 work plan.

The overarching takeaway is that art and music therapy, when delivered by qualified practitioners, is recognised as an effective support for many people with disability.

08/09/2025

UPDATE: NDIA has delayed the implementation of New Framework Planning!

On the 5th of Septermber 2025, the NDIA announced that it would delay the implementation of New Framework Planning.

For those that need a refresher, new framework plans are linked in the legislation to 'needs assessments' and NDIS elligible impairments to determine what budget a participant is allocated for services and supports.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has announced that the release of new framework plans will be delayed until mid 2026.

Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA) supports this decision. While we know many in the community are eager to understand how these reforms will be introduced, taking additional time provides an important opportunity to ensure the design features of the new framework plans are done right.

Getting this right is critical: framework plans will shape how participants interact with the NDIS, how intermediaries support them, and how services are delivered across the sector. Rushing this process risks unintended consequences that will impact people with disability, families, and providers.

DIA will continue to engage closely with the NDIA during this extended timeframe to make sure the voices of people with disability, families, and intermediaries are heard.

For more information, see the NDIA's news section here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10864-update-changes-ndis-new-planning-framework-starting-mid-2026

01/09/2025

All NDIS Operational Guidelines will now be found on the main NDIS website!

The Our Guidelines microsite will be retired on 4 September 2025.

All operational guidelines and documents have been migrated to the main NDIS website, at 💻 https://ow.ly/XpOs50WNXaK

You can continue to visit the NDIS website for information about our guidelines into the future.

29/08/2025

It’s that time of year again, STEPtember is almost upon us!

From 1–30 September, track your steps (or choose from 40+ activities) on the app or website to get moving. Walking meetings, workplace run club, lunchtime yoga, it all counts.

Steptember Australia is powered by Cerebral Palsy Alliance, a global leader in early detection, therapy, research and support for people with cerebral palsy. So, take 10K steps a day, your way, and help raise funds for early detection and therapy for babies with cerebral palsy.

Find all the details here ➡️ https://bit.ly/45YRBUJ

28/08/2025

Hobart was feeling the love today! able.plus brought their Able Meet networking event to town, with the room buzzing with energy.

It was great to see so many local providers sharing their knowledge and passion. Days like this, connecting with providers, having real conversations, and helping people better navigate the NDIS, are what make us tick!

26/08/2025

Can I buy it?

Let’s break down a “Can I buy it?” question, with a focus on sensory items and equipment.

Recent changes to the sensory equipment guidelines make it clear that sensory items or equipment must be specifically requested, approved, and included in a participant’s plan before purchasing (if not already listed).

This marks a shift in the NDIA’s approach, with a more defined stance on what can and cannot be funded in this area. Buying from a disability-specific store no longer guarantees that the items will be covered by NDIS funding.

The NDIA may consider funding sensory items if there is evidence showing the item:
• relates to your disability support needs
• is an evidence-based support
• is value for money compared with other supports
• is effective and beneficial
• is safe and will not cause harm
• is the most appropriate support for you, compared to other available options.

Find the updated guidelines here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4mAYiTX

21/08/2025

Yesterday, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Mark Butler, announced that the government would invest 2 billion dollars in a new program aimed at supporting children called Thriving Kids.

The program is a further development of the proposed foundational supports announced in April 2023. Thriving Kids will be a Commonwealth Government-led program that aims to support children who don’t qualify for the NDIS across Australia.

The program will be supported at a state government level as well, with consistency being key to its success. Delivery will be through a wide range of services and platforms, including through community centres, school systems, Medicare (through the introduction of new items for bulk billing), and an online hub of free and accessible information for parents and families.

Butler said the program would roll out from July 1, 2026, and that the work is urgent. Supporting children and families is their priority when looking at the rollout of foundational supports outside the NDIS.

We will continue to bring you updates around this program as they become available.

20/08/2025

It’s critical that if your NDIS plan has funding periods, you discuss your budget setup with your providers.

Funding periods add a layer of complexity to budgeting. Being clear with providers about your plan’s structure, how many years it runs for and the length of each funding period, helps reduce the risk of overspending.

Why this matters?
• A 1-year plan looks very different to a 5-year plan in terms of support delivery.
• Knowing the length of each funding period ensures you and your providers can plan hours of support accurately.

If you only share part of the picture with providers, you risk overspending and being left without support later in your plan. The NDIA has made it clear: they won’t top up funds just because your budget has run out. Invoices submitted for payment after budgets have been exhausted will be left for service providers and participants to negotiate.

19/08/2025

Can I buy it?

Let’s break down a “Can I buy it?” question, with a focus on tablets.

The NDIA generally classifies tablets (and laptops) as day-to-day living costs that most Australians have. For a tablet to be considered an NDIS support, specific criteria must be met. Importantly, NDIS funding cannot be used to purchase items simply because you have a letter of recommendation. There are steps to follow to make decision making easier.

Before using NDIS funding to purchase a tablet, answer these questions:
1. Is it stated in your plan?
2. Is it an NDIS support and is it an NDIS support for you?
3. Does it fall under the Replacement Support category?

13/08/2025

The new NDIS Legislation has introduced a clearer definition of what an NDIS Support is and new rules about what you can and can’t use your funding for.

According to the NDIS, NDIS Supports are the services, items, and equipment the NDIS funds that relate directly to your disability.

Understanding this definition and the criteria that each support must meet is key to ensuring you only spend your funding on things that are actually NDIS-funded supports for you.

Here’s what you need to know!