Speak Out August 2018

NDIS updates

Assistive technology The NDIS has developed a new system for provision of assistive technology (AT), with different processes in place for less complex/low risk items (including anything under $1500), and for complex or higher risk items priced at over $1500. For lower cost/risk items, where the need for the AT is identified as part of the Planning process, funds will be included in the Plan (within Core) and participants will be able to purchase these without any requirement for a further quote or clinical justification being provided. An additional amount, up to $520, may be included within the Capacity Building supports, to enable engagement with an AT practitioner to provide advice to guide selection of the AT. Where a participant is already engaged with a provider, it is assumed that they would provide reports, recommendations and other information and help to build the capacity of the participant, which would then contribute to the planning process. If a participant has not yet engaged with a provider around supports for communication but wants to include some specific AAC AT (for example, as part of a first plan) the planner may suggest the inclusion of funding (e.g. to support a goal to ‘consider appropriate AT’) to provide access to an AT practitioner. There will be options for a "light touch" review which will allow for the addition of supports where changes to the Plan have been anticipated and documented as part of the planning process. Higher cost/complex AT provision Where the need for AT costing more than $3000 and considered complex is identified as part of the Planning process, an AT assessor will assess the equipment needs. This will be funded by the NDIS. It is anticipated that the AT assessors will be part of a

panel developed to provide this role nationally. The AT assessor will be informed by the participant and their supports, as well as reviewing information from the Allied Health provider working with the participant and/or any AT practitioner who is providing advice and support with the selection of the AT. As well as the costs for the AT, the Planner can include additional supports in Capacity Building for "soft" supports for AT. The AT assessor will also consider the need for these supports as part of their assessment. If the AT which will best support the participant’s achievement of their goals has not yet been identified when the plan is being developed, the goals that are documented should be able to recognise this. Funding may be included for hire or lease for trial of one or more devices. If the trial is successful, the funding for purchase of the device could be included in the next Plan i.e. they would continue to "lease" the AT until the following plan. The new system for provision of higher cost/complex AT will be piloted before being implemented more broadly. The NDIA is committed to trying to reduce barriers to the timely provision of AT for participants, while also maintaining a focus on building capacity of participants to have choice and control. Providers will continue to have an important role in contributing to capacity building for participants and their natural and paid supports. Further information and any updates about the NDIS process for provision of AT, will be available on the SPA NDIS website page.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/NDIS

Cathy Olsson National Advisor, Disability

Independent Pricing Review

On 1 July 2018, the NDIS implemented a number of the recommendations from the Independent Pricing Review undertaken by McKinsey, including several with implications for allied health service provision. As well as an increase in the pricing for provision of allied health professional supports, in line with the Consumer Price Index, changes were made to the pricing for groups, and for travel. Information is available on the SPA website at www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/NDIS The NDIS is forecasting implementation of further changes later in the financial year, including the introduction of a tiered system

of pricing for allied health supports. These changes were delayed in order to enable the NDIS to undertake consultation. SPA will contribute to this consultation as part of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), and will continue to advocate for pricing which will support a viable market as well as a sustainable NDIS. SPA continues to seek, and provide clarification to members, regarding the interpretation and application of changes in the pricing. Updated information is posted regularly to the SPA NDIS website page.

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August 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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