The 2019 NDIS Announcement
Whilst it sometimes can seem that our industry has to fight harder than others to see equal opportunities higher up being the “new kids” on the allied health block, this never stops our advocacy team and members continuing their dedicated efforts for industry parity.
As we continue our 30 year celebrations and reflect on the successes of the industry during this time, the 2019 NDIS Announcement is still fresh in our minds which resulted in some exciting wins for our Accredited Exercise Physiologists providing support through the NDIS.
February 2019
In further lobbying efforts to have Exercise Physiology listed under the NDIS Daily Living registration category, ESSA undertook a
systematic literature review (see “
ESSA Evidence Report for NDIS Category Change") on the validity of Exercise Physiology intervention regarding significant NDIS disability domains. The report was submitted to the NDIA along with case studies highlighting the effectiveness of Exercise Physiology services for disability.
ESSA was confident that the accumulation and supply of relevant evidence would strengthen our case for change.
June 2019
With great excitement, ESSA was pleased to announce the outcome of our long-term advocacy and lobbying efforts and share the Hon Stuart Robert MP’s media release of the
NDIS increased price limits.
Exercise Physiology had been included in the Improved
Daily Living Skills Category in addition to the
Improved Health and Wellbeing Category, creating more opportunity for choice and control for NDIS participants.
“This was a great outcome for ESSA and our Accredited Exercise Physiologists who provide significant help to improve the quality of life of those individuals living with disabilities,” said Katie Lyndon who was the ESSA Policy & Practice Innovation Manager at the time of the announcement.
“Importantly, this change will create more opportunity for NDIS participants to exercise choice and control over their access to services that will help optimise their health outcomes and quality of life.”
With the inclusion of
Improved Daily Living, Accredited Exercise Physiologists could then also apply directly to the NDIS Commission to provide services under Support Coordination and Early Childhood.
“We were pleased that policy makers listened to ESSA to provide better support of the Exercise Physiology workforce in the delivery of services within the NDIS,” added Mrs Lyndon.
“There are multiple physical, mental, and social benefits attributed to exercise interventions and this policy change has ultimately helped improve the quality of life of Australians living with a disability.”