12/01/2026
A great podcast episode about the upcoming NDIS changes to reassessments - the Support Needs Assessment (SNA) tool. Rolling out from mid-2026 onwards.
https://youtu.be/TAuNXEzzhLM?si=kagPfbgpjiRXNB3x
Can't commit to an hour?
Notes:
- rolling out mid-2026 onwards - a 4.5 - 5 hour process.
- 16-17 year olds will be first in the rollout, and only those that are not considered complex.
- SNA partly uses the I-CAN tool, which has been used by the Aged Care system and was developed by World Health Organisation (WHO)
- I-CAN covers 12 domains of function such as grooming, social, self-determination.
- Will be a conversational-style interview with the assessor.
- funding will be flexible across core and capacity-building funding categories - some funding will be 'stated' like high-cost assistive technology and complex home modifications.
- therapy funding will likely be just therapy funding.
- SNA will also use Personal and Environmental considerations and targeted assessments for complex or for assessments such as the high-cost assistive technology or home modifications.
- Assessors will start as qualified allied health professionals - a core number of staff. Training to use the I-CAN tool will likely occur with staff already within the NDIA such as current planners.
- 3 - 4 hours to undertake assessment with breaks allowed. It is very likely the sector will provide feedback on this as being far too long.
- the SNA will be able to be reviewed if NDIS participant is unhappy with the assessment or there were errors. An entire SNA would have to be undertaken.
- the view is this assessment tool will replace the need for allied health reporting like participants currently have eg. OT functional capacity assessment (FCA) reports
- there will be complete transparency how the assessment will inform the overall budget.
Only too happy to chat if you have any concerns about the Support Needs Assessment rollout. There is still a lot unknown but can help break down as much as I know too - Kay 0459 766 630
The NDIS is undergoing its biggest planning reform since the scheme began, with Support Needs Assessments set to transform how NDIS plan budgets are created ...