Dee Wardrop Speech Pathology & Occupational Therapy Services

30/01/2026

Looks like the Thriving Kids roll out has now been extended to October 1 this year. Hopefully this gives us a bit more time to understand how it will impact clients and services.

So ~ it’s business as usual while we wait for more details about what this program will actually look like.

In the meantime - if you’re seeking support for OT/SP:

✅ NDIS will continue to provide support until October

✅ Medicare offer rebates that can be used (with or without NDIS funding)

✅ We offer other supports for families in financial hardship - just let us know when booking your appointment.

Agreement has been reached at National Cabinet on public health and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms.

We are pleased the Federal Government has acknowledged the pressure in meeting future hospital and public health demands, particularly for a smaller jurisdiction like the ACT where it costs more to run a health system.

As part of the agreement, the ACT is forecast to receive a $4.1 billion contribution from the Federal Government towards ACT public hospitals over five years to 2030-31.

This includes an additional $557 million in public hospital funding and a significant uplift of $150 million over the next two years to address the challenges smaller jurisdictions face delivering health services, while more permanent arrangements are concluded.

We have advocated strongly for two years to have this acknowledged and welcome the agreement will now more equitably fund hospitals in the ACT.

National Cabinet has also agreed to an extension of time to implement the Thriving Kids program with the rollout to now commence on 1 October 2026, and full implementation by 1 January 2028.

The ACT, along with all jurisdictions, is committed to improving the health outcomes for all Australians and putting the NDIS on a sustainable pathway.

27/01/2026

More tips in our Back to School series as we ease our way into school this week. Tip #5 and #6 are about conversations ahead of the big day tomorrow!

Tip #5: Managing the Big Feelings: Talk openly about feelings, and reassure your child that all feelings are normal, and everyone will be feeling them. Chat about the feelings that your child (and you!) are having - including excitement, anticipation and nerves. What do they feel like in your body?

Tip #6: Social & Emotional: Encourage children to practice some role-play or have conversations about how to join or exit games, and workshop questions together that they can ask new friends. Discuss how to ask the teacher for help if needed.

Remember: The first week back at school creates a new rhythm for everyone this week - so focus on consistency and routine ... rather than perfection. Try and arrive at school a little early each day to allow time to play and settle in.

26/01/2026

Welcome to the Back to School series! As we ease our way back into school this week we're posting hot tips for a smooth start back into routine. Tip #3 and #4 here for you today....

Tip #3 Organisation: Create a morning routine checklist together. Try on the new uniforms, go for a walk with your school bag, and if you didn't get out on a picnic yesterday - make sure clasps on lunchboxes can be opened!

Tip #4 Keeping Ourselves Safe: : Review walking, cycling, or bus safety rules. It's a great time to discuss sun hats, toileting, handwashing, and personal safety too.

25/01/2026

Heading to the beach for the public holiday? Make the most of the sun before school goes back! Here are some top tips from our OTs for managing sunscreen today

Applying sunscreen to sensitive kids can be difficult. Read our blog post on ways to make sun-safety easier with your kids!

25/01/2026

Welcome to the Back to School series! As we ease our way back into school this week we'll be posting some hot tips for a smooth start back into routine. Tip #1 and #2

Tip #1 Routine & Sleep: Begin to ease into a consistent, earlier bedtime this week before school begins to ensure children are rested and their bodies are in a regular routine.

Tip #2 Prepare Together: Involve children in choosing their school supplies like pencil cases or textas, Practice packing bags, and trialling food in lunchboxes to familiarise and support independence. Maybe you could take a picnic out this week using a new lunchbox?

25/01/2026

Drawing shapes in sandy places is great for writing development.

As children move their fingers or sticks through sand, they learn about pressing hard or soft, they practice shapes and explore sensations and movement. This all helps to build the muscles and memory needed for writing.

Make the most of these last sunny days on this long weekend, grab a stick and sneak in some writing practice!

(Pic shared with thanks to Sam's family for sending this great pic through from their NSW summer break 🥰)

21/01/2026

Predictability, belonging, co-regulation, consistency and time.
All the things we need for the start of a new school year.

Thanks Berry Street Education Model!

19/01/2026

The back to school countdown is on.

To help prepare your new preppie (-and yourself!) here are some ideas for the next few weeks.

15/01/2026

This week the Federal Court protected access to the NDIS funding in a remarkable move:
delivering a ruling that limits the NDIA’s current attempts to narrow who can access the NDIS.

With this ruling, the Federal Court confirmed that we don’t have to prove other systems have failed first and the NDIS is not a “last resort” system. Eligibility is based on the law.

This brings such hope - and potentially protects every current and future NDIS participant (and strengthens the appeals process!)

The Federal Court has made a landmark ruling clarifying that NDIS eligibility does not require people with disability to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs.

We were proud to represent Sherri Sutherland in the matter. Sherri said she was relieved by the court’s decision.

‘I first applied for the NDIS five years ago. This case has gone on for a long time, but I have continued to fight to have the disability supports I need because without them I cannot look after my health and hygiene or live a life of dignity,’ she said.

People with disability already experience a range of barriers to living with dignity in the community.

They shouldn’t be burdened with having to show that their support needs cannot be met by other services just to access the NDIS.

Read more about the ruling on our website https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/access-ndis-safeguarded-federal-court-win

13/01/2026

Yesterday “Autistic Barbie” was launched in Australia.

She was developed over 18 months in consultation with people with autism - and comes with her noise cancelling headphones, a communication (AAC) device, and a fidget spinner.

While it’s easy to think Mattel have just offered the most “obvious” autism characteristics here, looking closer, this Barbie also has sensory-sensitive clothing, moveable hand joints for stimming and shifted eye gaze. The consultation process seems to have been thoughtful and tries to reflect a range of autistic experiences.

While one “Autistic Barbie” does’t define autism, and this version offers just one interpretation of autistic identity, it’s a great step to have autism included. Mattel adding this doll into their range provides another way for autistic people to feel seen. Hopefully it creates bigger conversations about needs that are often hidden.

Are you a fan of Barbie? We’d love to hear your thoughts! (And yes, we agree, a Ken doll with autism would also be a great addition…).

12/01/2026

Happy New Year and welcome to
2026. We hope you’re refreshed and enjoyed some beach time over the break!

Our team are back on deck from today and ready to assist with all your Speech & OT requirements - and we have a few January spaces for new clients if you’re looking for some school holiday appointments.

We’re looking forward to introducing our lovely new therapists who’ve joined us this year.

19/12/2025

And that's a wrap! DWSP wish all of our clients, employees, partners and all their families a wonderful and safe festive season!
We will be closed until 13th Jan but look forward to seeing you all in 2026!