NDIS Key Worker Model & Exercise Physiology
The NDIS key worker model is a family-centred approach to early childhood intervention (ECI) for children with developmental delays or disabilities. It involves the nomination of a single early childhood intervention specialist to act as the key point of contact for the child and their family.
The key worker is responsible for:
Developing and implementing a holistic and coordinated plan to support the child's development goals
Liaising with other professionals involved in the child's care, such as therapists, educators, and medical specialists
Providing support and guidance to the child's family
Monitoring and evaluating the child's progress
The key worker model is designed to provide a number of benefits, including:
Improved coordination and communication between the child's different supports
A more family-centred approach to service delivery
Reduced stress and confusion for families
More efficient use of NDIS funding
The key worker model is the recommended best-practice approach for ECI under the NDIS. It is particularly suitable for children with complex needs, as it can help to ensure that all of their supports are working together in a coordinated way.
Here is an example of how the key worker model might work in practice:
A child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has an NDIS plan that includes funding for early childhood intervention. The child's family selects an occupational therapist to be their key worker.
The key worker will meet with the family and child to develop a holistic plan to support the child's development goals. This plan may include specific therapies, such as speech therapy and social skills training. The key worker will also work with the child's other supports, such as their preschool and pediatrician, to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
The key worker will provide regular support to the family, including advice and guidance on how to help the child at home. The key worker will also monitor the child's progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed.
The key worker model can be a very effective way to support children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. It can help to ensure that children receive the coordinated and holistic support they need to reach their full potential.
The NDIS key worker model can also be applied to the adult population. It is particularly suitable for adults with complex needs, or who are transitioning from child to adult services.
In the adult population, the key worker may be a social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist, or other professional with expertise in disability support. The key worker would work with the adult and their family to develop a plan to support their individual goals. This plan may include things like:
Finding and accessing appropriate services
Coordinating supports from different providers
Providing support with daily living activities
Helping the adult to develop and maintain social relationships
Advocating for the adult's rights and needs
The key worker would also work with the adult's family to provide support and guidance. This may include things like:
Explaining the NDIS and how it works
Helping the family to understand their rights and responsibilities
Providing emotional support and advice
The key worker model can be a very effective way to support adults with disabilities and their families. It can help to ensure that adults receive the coordinated and holistic support they need to live full and independent lives.
Here is an example of how the key worker model might work in practice for an adult with a disability:
An adult with cerebral palsy has an NDIS plan that includes funding for support coordination. The adult selects a social worker to be their key worker.
The key worker will meet with the adult to develop a plan to support their individual goals. This plan may include things like finding a suitable supported living placement, accessing employment services, and developing a social circle. The key worker will also work with the adult's other supports, such as their NDIS provider and medical team, to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
The key worker will provide regular support to the adult, including helping them to navigate the NDIS system, access services, and advocate for their rights. The key worker will also provide emotional support and advice to the adult and their family.
The key worker model can help adults with disabilities to live full and independent lives. It can provide them with the support they need to access services, manage their NDIS plan, and achieve their goals.