Speak Out August 2019 Digital Edition

in practice

What’s new in the NDIS ? In case you missed it On 28 June 2019 the new Minister for the NDIS announced that the NDIS would be funding a range of supports, including the development of oral eating and drinking mealtime care plans and supports for people with dysphagia. Speech Pathology Australia strongly advocated for the initial interim arrangement, and the new permanent arrangement which states that dysphagia supports, including the development of oral eating and drinking care plans and swallowing therapy, as well as thickener and tracheostomy equipment will be funded by the NDIS was very positive news. Please see the information released by the Department of Social Services for the full list of clarified supports. It has been reported that participants will be able to access these supports through their plans from 1 October 2019. We are seeking further clarification on some aspects of these supports and will provide this information to members as soon as it becomes available.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission The NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission is now overseeing governance in all states except WA. Members in Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, the Northern Territory and Queensland should have received a letter of registration with their current registration groups, as well as the end date for this registration. Members are advised to check their junk email folders, as well as any previously registered email accounts and if you have not yet received your letter of registration, please contact the Commission directly on 1800 035 544. Please note that the end date for this registration is simply the date by which members need to "hit the button" to indicate that they are intending to renew their registration. You do not need to be audited by this date. Following indicating their intention to re-register, members will have a further nine months to actually be audited. The Association has a range of free resources for members regarding registering or re-registering under the Commission on the NDIS page of the SPA website. This includes webinars, example policies and procedures and several FAQs.

NDIA strategy to reduce ECEI delays The NDIA have confirmed they will be implementing a short term strategy to reduce the delay currently being experienced by some families waiting to access the NDIS under Early Childhood Early Intervention. This includes the use of interim plans of up to $10,000 for eligible children, and streamlined access to planning for children with complex support needs. Members can read more in the media release from 26 June 2019. Did you know? Speech Pathology Australia regularly conducts audits of websites, social media accounts and other forms of advertising materials to ensure the content is in line with the Advertising Policy? You can view the Advertising Policy under the “Resources for Speech Pathologists” tab on our webpage, there is also a handy “self audit” tool where you can check the content of your advertising with the Advertising Policy. If you have any questions about your advertising material or concerns email Nadia at ethics@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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August 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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