National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS )

Many osteopaths work to improve the lifestyle and participation goals of people with a disability who have NDIS funding. Osteopaths work specifically on goals for mobility, movement and growing skills for activities of daily living.

Many members of Osteopathy Australia work with what are known as clients with ‘Plan-Managed’ and/or ‘SelfManaged’ clients. When an osteopath works with NDIS clients, they generally do not provide manual therapy services. Instead, they provide exercise programs for maintenance or retention of skills for clients living with a significant lifelong disability.

Your role with NDIS clients is significantly different to any other scheme where you participate in musculoskeletal injury and health care management.

We have resources and policy staff to assist you in understanding the NDIS and how to seek approval for eligible clients. They can also advise you on many other schemes which represent individuals to client case managers and NDIS planners.

You can find lots of information about what to do, your roles and responsibilities and things to consider with NDIS clients at www.osteopathy.org.au/help-resources/schemes/ndis

NDIS national websites www.ndis.gov.au www.ndiscommission.gov.au

Look in particular for information about the purpose of the scheme, the role of allied health providers and what services and interventions the NDIS excludes for its clients.