The NDIS Landscape: Opportunities for Exercise Physiology Businesses

As exercise physiology business owners operating within the NDIS framework, we’ve all faced the challenges of dealing with vague information and constantly changing processes. The forecast for the remainder of the decade suggests more of the same, but with increasing complexity and fundamental shifts that will impact our market and disrupt our businesses. Pending legislation and financial adjustments are just the beginning.

The choice is ours: focus on the clouds or the silver linings. At Nacre Consulting, we choose to chase the silver linings. Let us help you sharpen your mindset to adapt and seize the opportunities ahead for exercise physiology within the Allied Health sector. Our members are already seeing measurable results from this proactive approach.

No Answers but What are the Questions?

The new legislation, National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024, introduces several new rules yet to be written. The bill is likely to be debated and amended, and we still don’t know which recommendations from the 2023 NDIS Review and the Disability Royal Commission will be accepted, nor their implementation timelines and costs. Additionally, we’re waiting for news from the Annual Price Review and updates on worker screening and provider registration.

Early Childhood Pathways

The possible outcome: fewer referrals of young children through the NDIS stream.

The issue of too many children under eight with NDIS Plans has peaked. Many children who previously accessed NDIS Plans may be diverted to new, yet-to-be-seen Foundational Supports, funded and operated by state and territory governments.

Our advice: Rethink who your business serves. Your future clients may come with different funding packages, needing various programs. Profile your team’s talents, leverage them, and align with your vision, mission, and values. Innovate your service delivery models—same old won’t cut it anymore.

Key Worker Model

The possible outcome: a transition towards implementing the Key Worker Model in Early Childhood services.

Best practice evidence supports the Key Worker Model for Early Childhood Intervention, focusing on capacity building within a child’s natural environment. This model is recommended for both new Foundational Supports programs and within the NDIS.

Our advice: Familiarize yourself with the Key Worker Model and NDIS Practice Standards for Early Childhood Intervention. Develop a medium-term strategy to position your business within this model, even if you only provide exercise physiology services.

Needs Assessments

The possible outcome: a new standardized model for assessing participant needs, likely implemented by Allied Health Professionals.

The NDIS Review highlights inequities in scheme access, eligibility criteria, and plan scope. The new Needs Assessment aims to standardize these factors, directly influencing plan budgets.

Our advice: Prepare for increased demand for exercise physiologists to deliver these assessments. Enhance your workforce retention strategies, stay informed, and be ready to systemize this new process.

Foundational Supports

The possible outcome: some supports currently provided under the NDIS will shift to state and territory-based services.

Foundational Supports aim to better serve those not eligible for the NDIS and divert some current participants. This shift involves ongoing negotiations between federal and state governments.

Our advice: Anticipate fewer referrals of young children with NDIS Plans. Understand the Key Worker Model and integrate it into your business strategy. Diversify your income sources and engage with schools, daycare centers, and other mainstream environments.

Flexible Budgets

The possible outcome: participants can spend their budgets more freely across different support types.

While this flexibility is beneficial for participants, it may disrupt market assumptions about budget allocation. Participants will need guidance to navigate these changes effectively.

Our advice: Focus on delighting your clients, proving life-changing outcomes, and deeply understanding their journey. Strong marketing and a stellar reputation will help your business stand out.

Navigators

The possible outcome: Support Coordination will transition to block-funded Navigators, available to all individuals with disabilities.

The Navigator role aims to provide broader, more consistent support compared to the current Support Coordination model.

Our advice: Strengthen your referral partnerships, as these pathways may be disrupted. Identify who knows your future clients and build those connections.

Embrace the Change

While the upcoming changes may seem daunting, they also present significant opportunities. By staying informed, adapting your business strategies, and focusing on client satisfaction and proven outcomes, you can navigate this evolving landscape successfully. For targeted support and resources on your change journey, our coaching and consulting services are here to help.