So Joe NDIS Plan Management

15/10/2025

Low cost assistive technology (AT) can make a big difference in daily life.

From shower stools and walking sticks to talking buttons and magnifiers, these supports are usually under $1,500 each and can often be purchased without complex approval.

Swipe through to see 3 key things you should know before buying low cost AT — from checking the price to linking it to your goals and keeping good records.

Learn more here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained

12/10/2025

National Carers Week: 12–18 October 2025 — "You are one, know one, or will be one"

This week we honour the 3 million unpaid carers across Australia whose compassion and commitment often goes unseen. Your work makes a real difference in families and communities.

The theme reminds us that caring touches everyone's life. We all either care for someone, know someone who does, or will become a carer ourselves.

What you can do:
• Thank a carer in your life
• Share a caring story to raise awareness
• Consider how you can better support carers in your community

To every carer reading this: your love, sacrifice, and dedication do not go unnoticed. You are the heart of our communities, and this week we celebrate you.

05/10/2025

Do providers have to charge the NDIS price cap?

No. The price cap is the maximum that providers can charge, not what they must charge.

Some providers charge less, especially in competitive areas. Others charge at or close to the cap because of demand or costs.

Want to know more? Read this analysis from e61 Institute: Where NDIS price caps bite and what that tells us about the market.
https://e61.in/where-ndis-price-caps-bite-and-what-that-tells-us-about-the-market/

The key is to always check your service agreement, so you know exactly what you’ll pay.

30/09/2025

Help us take your voice to Canberra.

Kismet Healthcare is seeking input from participants, families, providers, and support coordinators to help shape the future of the Thriving Kids Program, announced on 20 August 2025.
Your insights will guide priorities like early intervention, family supports, inclusive education, mental health, and coordination with the NDIS.

Share your feedback today: https://kismethealthcare.snapforms.com.au/form/thriving-kids-program-survey

23/09/2025

Do you have invoices that are more than 2 years old?

These must be submitted before 3 October 2025 to be processed. After this date, the NDIA will reject any claims older than 2 years.

This change follows the new rules introduced on 3 October 2024, which allow up to 2 years to submit claims. A 12-month grace period has been in place, but that will end on 2 October 2025.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3VvAODK

19/09/2025

Support Coordinators need your voice.

Disability Intermediaries Australia has launched a petition to Parliament, calling for Support Coordination to be properly recognised and funded. We have just 1 week left to reach 10,000 signatures.

Support Coordinators are the key to helping participants navigate the NDIS, access the right supports, and achieve their goals. When their work is valued, participants and coordinators can achieve extraordinary outcomes together.

Please sign and share the petition today: https://bit.ly/46Kxhru

Every signature strengthens the call: Support Coordination is essential — and it must be protected.

18/09/2025

We’re back with episode 5 of our Kismet x One Community webinar series for Support Coordinators, and this one’s all about AI!

💡 This session will show how Support Coordinators can use AI to cut through the busywork and stay focused on high-quality, human-centred support.

Hear from Jessica Timmins and Ben Armstrong, co-founders of , who’ve spent over a decade building disability tech and are passionate advocates for people with disability.

💬 Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Join our community!

Register here to attend: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0n2yG-0

10/09/2025

There’s been an important change for creative therapies under the NDIS. After last year’s rate cut caused uncertainty, a government review has now confirmed their value and set a new price.

• New rate: $156.16/hr (up from $68, aligned with counselling)
• Therapies remain funded under the NDIS
• Backed by an independent evidence review
• Starts 24 November for 14,000+ participants

This is a big step forward in recognising the impact of music and art therapy — and the qualified professionals who deliver them.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-10/ndis-pricing-review-evidence-music-art-therapy/105457844

26/08/2025

Minister Mark Butler has announced a $2 billion program called Thriving Kids.
It is designed to support children with "mild to moderate" autism and developmental delays.

Key details:

Planned to start in 2027
Will operate outside of the NDIS
Intended to help keep the NDIS sustainable

Currently, around 40% of NDIS participants have autism, and costs are projected to reach $64 billion by 2029. Thriving Kids will provide an additional support pathway for families, while the NDIS remains focused on people living with higher and more complex needs.

Read Mark Butler's speech here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/speech-from-minister-butler-national-press-club-20-august-2025

What are your thoughts on the new program announcement? Share your thoughts in the comments.

04/08/2025

The NDIS has simplified therapy pricing by removing differences between states and territories, which means more consistent pricing across the country.

Some therapy costs have also been reduced, particularly in remote areas.

We understand that the recent changes to therapy pricing may have caused some disruption, but we’re here to help you through it. If you have any questions or need assistance with understanding these changes, we’re only a phone call (or email) away.

For more information visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements

06/04/2023

We're on the search for 2 additional Plan Managers in our Ballina office to complete our team. We're after applicants who have a genuine interest in providing quality supports, sound NDIS knowledge, very personable communication skills, incredible organisational skills and an eye for detail. This may even be a Plan Manager, Support Coordinator, LAC/planner or business administrator looking for a change of scene.

We provide excellent & flexible working conditions in a team who genuinely love what we do, take great pride in our work - in a workplace where staff wellbeing is of critical importance. We also pay above award wage. If this is of any interest, we urge you to touch base for a chat to see if we are a good fit. Alternatively you can send your CV to sojoe@sojoe.com.au or ph 0492 947 211. Please feel free to share our post

02/02/2023