NDIS: Occupational Therapists

For many participants of the NDIS, regular assistance from an Occupational Therapist (OT) can be one of the most empowering methods of treatment and support for daily life. From intellectual and learning disabilities to physical restrictions and neurological issues, it’s hard to find anyone on the NDIS who won’t benefit from some level of consultation with an OT.

What makes the NDIS particularly effective is the freedom it provides participants to choose the services and supports they prefer.

Navigating eligibility and available resources can be tricky though, both for participants looking for help and Occupational Therapists making the most of their services.

To help out we’ve put together a quick guide so that no matter where you are in the NDIS, we hopefully have some great tips for you.

Occupational Therapists treating participants

As an Occupational Therapist, it’s more than likely you’ve already provided support and service to participants of the NDIS, whether as a registered provider, or through NDIS approval and invoicing.

Here are a couple of ways in which you can utilise the NDIS resources to deliver the best treatment to your patients.

  • Home Modification: The NDIA offers an intensive training package to qualify an OT as an “Expert Occupational Therapist”. This allows you to be directly registered with NDIS to set up home modification with patients, and allows you to be directly accessible to those who need the service to streamline the process. More details here.
  • Medical Devices (Braces, Supports, Compression and Insoles): Using medical products like supports and compression to provide a holistic solution to your patients is often the ideal, however incorporating this cost into normal services can be difficult. Thankfully the NDIS provides funding for consumables like these products. By partnering with an NDIS registered provider of medical devices like Bauerfeind, you can focus on treating the patient while they focus on getting the product to you and customised for each particular patient.

Man wearing a Bauerfiend knee brace, he is walking with his family in the bush.

Featured above: Bauerfiend GenuTrain knee brace. 

Participants seeking OTs

As a participant of the NDIS, you have access to a wide range of services, including occupational therapy.

Whether it’s a one off appointment to set up your home space, or regular therapy appointments, an OT can make a world of difference to your daily life.

Here are some examples of ways you can get the most out of your plan with an OT. Please note this is a general guide, and further details are best confirmed with your plan manager or LAC.

  • Once you are confirmed as a participant, you’ll be allocated a local area coordinator (LAC) who is your primary contact for your plan and NDIS queries.
  • Liaising with your LAC and/or plan manager, set up a plan with specific goals.
  • Make sure you’ve got funding for the ‘Capacity Building’ category, as this is what OT support comes under.
  • Choose an OT who is NDIS registered and contact them along with your plan manager to set up the services.

Each person has their own needs, both short and long term, and finding the right OT for you and your condition is worth the time.

Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.

For assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466.

*Originally featured on Bauerfeind Australia: https://www.bauerfeind.com.au/blogs/news/ndis-occupational-therapists
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