More wins for exercise physiology in the NDIS space

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is excited to announce that our ongoing lobbying efforts in the NDIS space have been heard once again. The NDIS Commission has advised that exercise physiologists have now been approved to apply under the Therapeutic Supports registration group.

This advice comes on the back of Price Review announcements made by the Hon. Stuart Robert MP in late June, which saw the ‘Exercise Physiology and Personal Well Being Activities’ registration group expanded to allow supports to be provided in both the ‘Improved Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Improved Daily Living’ category of participant plans.

The recent inclusion of exercise physiology in the Therapeutic Supports category creates even more opportunities for NDIS participants to exercise choice and control over the services they receive to optimise their health outcomes and quality of life.

This announcement also ensures greater parity for exercise physiologists alongside other allied health professionals and increases their scope of service delivery within the scheme.

“We are pleased that policy makers have listened to ESSA and have provided better support for both NDIS participants and the exercise physiology workforce. There are multiple physical, mental and social benefits attributed to exercise interventions and this policy change will ultimately help improve the quality of life of Australians living with a disability,” says Katie Lyndon, ESSA Policy & Practice Innovation Manager.

Exercise physiologists working in the NDIS space are advised that the amendments required to include exercise physiology in the Therapeutic Supports registration group have been made to the NDIS Practice Standards Verification Module - Required documentation. The updated document is now available on the NDIS Commission’s website.

The NDIS Commission has noted that whilst exercise physiologists have been approved to apply for therapeutic supports, there may be some delays with the application process whilst the NDIS Commission and NDIA system enhancements are finalised.

ESSA is pleased to have this long-term policy issue addressed and will now focus our disability advocacy efforts on responding to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, following announcements this week that the Commission is now accepting submissions.

ESSA will draw on our current disability policy platform, Active Nation to advocate for increased opportunities for people living with disability to access the same physical, mental and social benefits associated with participating in sport and physical activity, as those without a disability.