S6E06 - So… What Would You Do Next? OT Futures and NDIS Realities
OT Unplugged: Community of Practice InsightsShow Notes
In this episode, we dive into two big conversations every occupational therapist, and anyone in the disability space, needs to hear.
First, we reflect on the reality of career uncertainty in OT. Whether you're in private practice, working for yourself, or exploring other sectors, we talk about the importance of backup plans, transferable skills, and why it’s okay to reassess your path without guilt or panic. You’ll hear honest reflections on transitioning between roles, recalibrating expectations, and staying grounded while thinking about “what’s next?”
From there, we shift gears to the recently released NDIS Ministerial Brief, obtained under Freedom of Information. We unpack:
The upcoming Notice of Impairment rollout (and the red flags it’s raising)
The move from function-based to support-needs-based planning
Concerns around simplified plans and what they might mean for funding
The confusion around new support needs assessment tools
Pilot plans for navigator roles and early intervention pathways
The NDIS’ updated debt recovery approach and examples of flagged claims
What OTs and AT suppliers need to know, especially around maintenance claims
We also reflect on what these reforms mean for participants, practitioners, and the broader workforce as we all brace for the next wave of change.
Tune in to stay informed, feel less alone in the chaos, and share a few laughs along the way.
Links & Resources:
NDIS Ministerial Brief (PDF) – available in the OT Facebook group file section
Debt Recovery Summary on the NDIS website - https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/improving-integrity-and-preventing-fraud/recovering-funds-owed-ndia
More from OT Unplugged: Community of Practice Insights
A billable target only tells part of the story. The time needed to complete a report, the travel involved in a caseload and the support available to an early career OT all affect whether expectations are realistic.
Requests for essential equipment are becoming more complicated when a plan variation is redirected towards a full NDIS reassessment. For some participants, accessing the support they need now may also expose their existing funding to further changes.
The NDIS funding reset is here, and for OTs the implications go well beyond understanding the percentage reductions. There are questions about who will be affected, what happens when funding is reduced and what evidence may now need to be captured.
From 1 October, new NDIS funding changes will affect how some participants can access funding for social, community and civic participation. The detail OTs have been waiting for around the safeguard for participants with high support needs has now been released.
Some moments in your OT career stay with you. A decision, a client or even a comment from someone else can change the direction of your career or the way you think about your role.