The disability sector continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. Across the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a number of reforms are moving forward, creating opportunities and challenges for participants, families and providers.

Through my involvement with National Disability Services (NDS), Australia’s peak body for disability service providers, I have a close view of these developments. NDS has been supporting providers to navigate the complexity of the current reform landscape through its new Reform Radar updates, which bring together policy changes, consultations and parliamentary processes.

While each reform has its own focus, taken together they represent a significant period of change for the sector. Below are some of the key reform areas currently being discussed across government and the sector.

Integrity and safeguarding reforms

One major reform area is the proposed NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill. The intention behind these changes is to strengthen oversight across the Scheme and ensure stronger safeguards for participants.

A consistent message from NDS is the need for fairness and consistency across the provider market. High-quality providers invest heavily in governance, workforce development, safeguarding and compliance. When parts of the market operate under different rules or without sufficient oversight, it places pressure on those working hard to deliver safe, person-centred supports. .

Strengthening integrity and safeguarding settings is essential — not only for participant safety and confidence, but also to help create a stable and sustainable provider market.

Pricing and market sustainability

Another key reform area is pricing. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is currently progressing a three-year pricing reform program, alongside its annual price review. Commitment to independent pricing is really important; to avoid conflicts of interest and increase transparency. In the meantime, we agree with NDS; that registered Providers whose costs are higher should have those costs reflected in pricing.

NDS has been engaging closely with the NDIA to ensure pricing decisions reflect the real cost of delivering safe, high-quality supports. Sustainable and independent pricing is critical if providers are to maintain strong, capable workforces and continue offering the level of support that participants and families rely on every day.

Foundational supports and future system design

The design and implementation of foundational supports is also an important part of the broader reform agenda. The NDIS Review identified that NDIS funding is growing at a level that is unsustainable and suggested that, for some people, their needs might be better met in other ways. Described as foundational supports, they are intended to complement the NDIS and ensure people with disability and their families can access appropriate assistance across different parts of the support system.

The first major change will be the introduction of the Thriving Kids program later on this year. As this work progresses, the details of how these supports will be funded, commissioned and delivered will be critical to their success.

Provider registration and oversight

There are also proposals to expand provider registration requirements within the NDIS. This is intended to strengthen oversight across the market and ensure more providers operate within the Scheme’s regulatory framework. The move towards compulsory registration for platform Providers and Supported Independent Living Providers later this year is a good step forward. Both NDS and Ability Options support the move towards registration at a proportionate level for everyone who provides services under the NDIS

For participants and families, this can help build confidence that providers are operating under consistent standards and appropriate safeguards.

What this means for our community

While the reform landscape can feel complex, my focus as Ability Options CEO remains clear. Every day I see our teams making a real difference in people’s lives — supporting independence, building skills, and creating meaningful opportunities in communities across Australia.

These reforms, when implemented effectively, have the potential to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes for the people we support.

As these changes unfold, we will continue to work closely with NDS and other sector partners to ensure the voices of providers and participants are heard.

My commitment to our community is that, as the system evolves, Ability Options will continue delivering high-quality support, advocating for a safe and sustainable sector, and keeping the needs and aspirations of participants front and centre.

Julia

NDIS plan management is a service that helps participants manage the financial and administrative side of their NDIS plan. A Plan Manager pays provider invoices, claims funding from the NDIS on your behalf and tracks your plan budget. Plan management services are fully funded by the NDIS, meaning there is no cost to participants when funding is included in their plan. 

Each time you access a service or purchase equipment using your NDIS funding, you are entering into a financial transaction that must follow NDIS rules and guidelines.

Plan Management is simply the choice about who will be responsible for tracking your budgets and paying invoices for services or purchases under your plan.

For some people living with disability, managing finances and paperwork can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to consider how you would like your NDIS funding administered.

During your NDIS planning meeting, your plan manager will ask how you would like to manage your funding. There are three main options available.

How does NDIS Plan Management work?

Using plan management is straightforward:

1. You request plan management during your NDIS planning meeting.
2. Funding is included under Improved Life Choices in your plan.
3. You choose a Plan Manager.
4. Your providers send invoices to the plan manager.
5. The plan manager pays invoices, claims funds from the NDIS and tracks your spending.

This allows participants to focus on achieving their goals rather than managing paperwork.

Plan Management explained

There are 3 main ways you can manage your NDIS plan:

Management Type	Who manages funding	Provider choice
Self-managed	Participant	Registered + non-registered
NDIA managed	NDIA	Registered providers only
Plan managed	Plan Manager	Registered + non-registered

1. Self-Managed 

In a self-managed plan, NDIS participants or their carers can nominate themselves to administer claims manually through the NDIS Portal. You would choose this path if you’re confident in organising your own services, finances and record keeping. You can also choose to use service providers who aren’t Registered NDIS Service Providers. 

2. Agency Managed 

In an agency managed plan NDIS participants defer responsibility for their plan management to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) The majority of NDIS plans are managed this way and alleviating the burden of tracking and managing finances. However, agency management is less flexible than other plan management options as you are limited only to services provided by NDIS registered providers. 

3. Plan Managed 

With plan management, NDIS participants can nominate an independent Registered NDIS Service Provider to assist with the financial aspects of their plan. You can access funding in your NDIS plan to pay for Plan Management services under the Improved Life Choices category. Like self-managed plans, you can also choose to use service providers who aren’t Registered NDIS Service Providers.  

Benefits of using an NDIS Plan Manager

An NDIS Plan Manager can help simplify the financial side of your plan by:

• Paying your provider invoices
• Processing service and item payments
• Claiming funds from your NDIS plan and paying providers
• Providing monthly budget statements to help track spending

If you want the freedom to choose from a broader range of providers without managing the financial paperwork, plan management may be the right option.

Ability Options offers NDIS Plan Management services to eligible participants across Australia.

Learn more about our Plan Management Services

At Ability Options, we’re also entering an exciting chapter. We are now on the road to our 50^th birthday at the end of 2026. As we work towards this milestone, we remain deeply committed to our Vision, Mission and Values, while mapping our pathway forward for the next 50 years. 

Across Disability Services, our Support Workers continue to show extraordinary dedication, supporting participants in their homes and communities every day. Our Employment teams have demonstrated real resilience and professionalism through the transition of Disability Employment Services to Inclusive Employment Australia. I’d like to warmly welcome all our new Inclusive Employment Australia customers — we’re really looking forward to supporting you and others across the St George Sutherland, Inner Western Sydney, Inner Sydney and Macarthur communities. 

We also recently released our Year in Review 2024–25, which captures many of the highlights and achievements from the last financial year. You can read it on our website by clicking here. 

Looking back on FY25, which ended on 30 June last year, I’m incredibly proud to share that: 

• We supported over 12,300 people across our services 
• 550 people accessed our Community Services, and 
• Over 9,700 people were supported through our Employment Services 

There is so much to look forward to as we move through 2026. We remain focused on ensuring the sustainability of our services for the long term — despite ongoing pressures — and I’m confident we will achieve that with the commitment, care and effort of our people. 

From this issue of The Voice, I was enjoyed reading Jenny’s story about getting hands-on with cooking. She’s building important life skills and independence through an activity she enjoys, and that truly reflects what Ability Options is all about. 

Thank you to all our participants who continue to welcome me into your homes and social groups. I recently returned from the beautiful Mid North Coast, where I had the privilege of spending time with many of you. These visits are always the most enjoyable part of my role, and I look forward to many more throughout the year ahead. 

Here’s to a positive, purposeful and rewarding start to 2026. 

Best wishes,  

Julia
Ability Options CEO

Thoughtful technology expertise to ease administrative pain points and lift care outcomes

Compassion and technology. They may sound like strange bedfellows, but cleverly targeted and smartly administered IT is truly powerful medicine.

Whether it’s equipping care professionals with the tools they need, lifting administrative burdens, enhancing resource allocation, enabling timely communication, or supporting more personalised care, the net result is a lift in efficiency, care quality, and patient outcomes.

With nearly three decades of accumulated systems integration experience, Brennan is uniquely positioned to deliver the strategic thinking and practical know-how that injects efficiencies, productivity, stability, and security across more operational facets of your business.

Whether it’s managing telecommunications, applications and software, digital project delivery or resolving day-to-day support requests, Brennan bring together world-class technology partners, sector specialisation and holistic solutions to create secure, seamless, and custom-fit solutions built for your real needs to deliver true care.

Bringing smarter patient care to life

Here’s what Brennan has delivered for some of Australia’s leading healthcare providers:

HammondCare

When HammondCare needed to modernise the maturity of their IT support operations and reduce the reliance on temporary contractors for their in-house IT support team and help desk, they turned to Brennan to implement a Managed Service Desk, Enhanced Desktop solution and our award-winning Service Now portal to provide self-service capabilities to lift decision-making and resourcing.

See how.

Cura Day Hospitals Group

Providing high quality, patient-centric care in 29 high tech facilities, Cura Day Hospitals Group has grown to become Australia’s largest day hospital company. But behind the scenes, Cura Day were growing increasingly concerned about the health of their critical infrastructure. Turning to Brennan for partner maturity, and Azure for a sophisticated environment migration, Cura Day have future-proofed their critical infrastructure to unlock value creations and better patient outcomes.

See how.

Ready to learn how they can support you?

Visit BrennanIT at brennanit.com.au/healthcare

Call BrennanIT on 1300 500 000

Our Gold Sponsor

We would like to thank our Gold Sponsor of the 2025 STAR Awards: 

Brennan 

As Australia’s largest systems integrator, Brennan believes that how technology is delivered is every bit as important as what the technology is. We focus on creating real and relevant value for customers and their end users by designing, procuring, maintaining, and delivering technology systems that fit their specific needs, and always reflect their true interests.

It’s a claim backed by our True Performance System, a way of working engineered to get us closer, and deliver better, for our customers and their actual experience of technology.

Now serving more than 1700 business, enterprise and government customers from offices across Australia, India, and Sri Lanka, Brennan designs, procures, maintains and enhances technology solutions consistently earning a world-class Net Promoter Score of 80+.

We would like to thank Brennan for supporting our STAR Awards since 2021.

Read more about Brennan.

Our Silver Sponsors 

We would like to thank this year’s Silver Sponsors:

CentroAssist  

Assisting more than 3,000 community-based organisations across Australia, CentroASSIST streamline quality and knowledge management practices for community-based organisations.  Centro ASSIST removes the burden of compliance. Their quality management system allows for the seamless sharing of policies, processes, files, information and knowledge within either a NDIS or Aged Care organisation. This means providers can focus on what they do best for participants, efficiently and sustainably. CentroASSIST allows you to find documents in a fraction of the time, with easy access to example policies, example processes, knowledge testing, incident reporting, and more.

CoAct  

CoAct is a national network of community service providers working together to create social and economic opportunities for participants and service partners. CoAct works together with job seekers, employers, community services and government to solve issues. Collaboration is at their heart, and they truly believe that when they harness the power of many, they can activate communities. CoAct was born of problem solving, innovative thinking and collaboration, and those traits remain in their veins today. They’re what’s enabled them to be strong agents of change – in the sector, the community and most importantly, in people’s lives.

Interleasing  

Interleasing helps companies across a range of sectors in Australia and New Zealand maximise the value of their asset services through tailored fleet and commercial asset solutions. With more than 35 years’ experience, Interleasing’s services include asset finance, vehicle sourcing, novated leasing and fleet management for a wide range of assets. Interleasing is run by people who care about the work they do and who are also committed to driving what’s possible so their clients achieve their goals in-line with their company values.  Since 2018, Interleasing has developed an active partnership with Ability Options in the providing of fleet management and leasing services.

Lake Macquarie Services  

LMS Newcastle is a locally based building and maintenance company specialising in disability housing, medical facilities, and commercial projects across Newcastle and the Hunter. With a focus on quality, compliance, and client care, we deliver safe, functional, and lasting spaces that meet the unique needs of residents, patients, and professionals. We are proud to support the 2025 STAR Awards and celebrate excellence in building.

Maxxia  

Maxxia is one of Australia’s largest Salary Packaging providers, specialising in providing workplace benefits that deliver genuine tax savings, allowing employees to do more with their money. With over 30 years’ experience Maxxia continue to pave the way for organisations in the not for profit and charity sectors by helping build effective programs for recruitment and retention of skilled and qualified workers. Maxxia specialises in providing workplace benefits that deliver genuine tax savings, allowing employees to do more with their money. Maxxia continues to pave the way for organisations in the not-for-profit and charity sectors by helping build effective programs for recruitment and retention of skilled and qualified workers.

Speak Your Language  

Speak Your Language make communication simple by offering interpreting and translation services in over 160 languages. From onsite, video and Phone interpreting to document translation, supporting industries such as medico-legal, government, insurance, and community organisations. Their mission is to make sure everyone feels understood, supported, and confident — no matter what language they speak. Their proven management systems, extensive manpower, and dedicated management ensure that quality services are always exceeded. They pride themselves on their commitment to safety, with robust WHS systems and ongoing staff development programs in place to ensure they maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.

Woolworths

Woolworths at Work is a whole new business grown to take care of business – from fresh food and kitchen supplies to cleaning and office essentials. Our free business solutions will help save time, drive efficiencies and add real value – from consolidated invoicing to help reduce paperwork, to spend visibility and powerful insights across your entire business’ fresh and essentials purchases to help inform decisions. Woolworths at Work, the smart way to buy for business

Our Bronze Sponsors  

Craig’s Complete Services

Craig is a sole trader who specialises in home and office maintenance and modifications across the Coffs Coast region.

HESTA

HESTA is a specialist industry super fund with deep connections to health and community services. More than 1.05 million Australians trust HESTA with their money. HESTA invest close to $98 billion in savings to help their members face the future with confidence. Since 1987, HESTA has grown to become the largest super fund dedicated to this sector. HESTA has a history of strong, long-term returns. They aim to keep fees and costs competitive. They’re also committed to providing outstanding member benefits and helping members take control of their future with quality education and advice about super.

Lockton  

Lockton is the world’s largest privately held insurance brokerage. Lockton Australia delivers customised solutions and deep expertise in a wide range of industries that covers construction, energy and power, professional and financial services, and more. With a 97% client retention rate and over $890m in premiums placed locally, their clients trust them to help them outperform the market and build resilience. Their award-winning culture enables them to attract top industry and product specialists who consistently deliver extraordinary results.

Online Marketing Gurus (OMG)  

Online Marketing Gurus (OMG) is a top-rated digital marketing agency helping over 1,000 clients worldwide drive real revenue growth. Backed by 550+ Google reviews averaging 4.9/5 stars, OMG delivers data-driven SEO, PPC, Social, Programmatic, and Web Design services. Founded in 2012, the team has grown to 220+ experts and earned recognition from Deloitte, Google, Smart50, and more. Known for innovation, OMG invests in R&D to refine strategies and develop proprietary tools, ensuring clients stay ahead of industry shifts. More than an agency, OMG is a growth partner focused on long-term, measurable success.

Squeeky Group  

Squeeky Group is a facilities management provider that specialises in Commercial and Residential Building maintenance, cleaning & Facilities Management. Our company is designed to incorporate many services in one point of contact, allowing us to service your business, premises, or project with full care and a mutual goal in mind. We cover the majority of New South Wales and Queensland regions, including all coastal, cities, and inland regions for trade services, building works & remediation, cleaning (commercial & residential), gardening & lawn maintenance, home modifications & renovations.

Thank you all for helping us to both celebrate and champion our passionate and dedicated individuals and teams.  

For many people living with disability the risk of isolation is real – but it doesn’t have to be the norm.

What are Day Programs and how do they help people living with disability?

NDIS Day Programs create opportunities for connection. More than just ‘something to do,’ Day Programs offer people with disability meaningful ways to build life skills, foster friendships and engage with their community.

NDIS Day Programs are structured support services offered in a group setting designed for people living with intellectual, physical, or psychosocial disabilities. They provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where participants can develop skills, connect with others, and get involved in enriching activities.

Disability Day Programs are usually funded through core supports or capacity building budgets in a NDIS Plan, making them widely available to most NDIS participants (more on that later!) 

7 Benefits of NDIS Day Programs

• Foster Social Connection: Day programs provide opportunities for participants to meet new people, form meaningful friendships and engage in group recreational activities that promote social interaction. 
• Promote Independence: Day Programs encourage participants to make choices, try new things, and take ownership of their daily routine, building a sense of autonomy and self-determination. 
• Discover and Explore Special Interests: Participants are encouraged to explore their interests and discover new hobbies through a wide range of activities and social outings. 
• Build Confidence and Independent Living Skills: Day Programs help participants develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, money management, personal care and decision-making. Gaining these skills boosts self-esteem and prepares them for more independent living. 
• Strengthen Communication and Conversational Skills: Through group discussions, shared activities, and peer interaction, Day Programs support the development of active listening skills and both verbal and non-verbal communication.  
• Access Quality Disability Support and Accessible Facilities: Participants can connect with skilled and knowledgeable support workers in safe, purpose-built environments that make it easy to join in, feel comfortable and included. 
• Enjoy Structured Activities in a Relaxed Environment: Each day at Day Program is thoughtfully planned, with a mix of activities that are both fun and purposeful, allowing participants to build skills through creativity and socialisation – all at their own pace. 

Why are Day Programs important?

 People living with disability can often face barriers to social interaction and community access. Without meaningful ways to connect, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected.  

According to the 2021 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,1 in 5 (19%) of people with disability aged 15–64 experienced social isolation. People living with disability are also more likely to face various barriers to participate in society, including those related to discrimination.  

Day Programs play an important role in addressing these challenges, opening the door to new experiences where people living with disability are encouraged to foster positive relationships, engage with community and build a sense of belonging. 

Along with social inclusion and friendship, Day Programs also help participants to develop essential life skills to support greater independence. Cooking, budgeting, travel training, and support with personal care all contribute to building confidence and providing practical tools for everyday living.

Life Inside NDIS Day Programs

NDIS Day Programs offer a rich variety of purposeful activities for people living with disability, both in-centre and in-community environments. 

In-Centre Day Program Activities: 

• Cooking and budgeting workshops 

• Creative arts, crafts, sewing and photography 

• Music sessions and karaoke sing-alongs 

• Dance and expressive movement activities 

• Games galore: board games, LEGO, cards and puzzles 

• Gardening and nature-inspired activities 

Social & Community Outings: 

• Outdoor walking groups and accessible exercise 

• Bowling, mini golf, and cinema trips  

• Shopping trips and lunch outings  

• BBQ, picnics and community activities  

• Visits to local attractions 

Through a mix of centre-based and community engagement activities, NDIS Day Programs support social connection, creativity, and everyday skill-building in fun, inclusive environments. 

How to Access Day Program Supports

If you or someone you support is a NDIS participant and interested in joining a Day Program, the good news is these services can be flexibly funded from your NDIS budget under several NDIS support categories including: 

• Core Supports 

• Capacity Building 

Support Coordinators or Local Area Coordinators can help you understand your plan funding, identify suitable service providers, and connect you with suitable Day Program services in your local area. 

Ability Options Day Programs

Looking for a Day Program? Ability Options offers fun Social Groups and Day Programs across Sydney and the Mid North Coast for NDIS Participants seeking to build skills and community connection.

Our in-centre and in-community programs can be found in the following regions:

• Coffs Harbour 
• Forster  
• Kempsey 
• Nambucca Heads 
• Seven Hills 
• Taree 

This issue is packed with important updates from our ongoing commitment to enhance the support we provide to you, our participants and families.

Transforming Community Services

I’m pleased to share some exciting news about the recent launch of our Transforming Community Services Program, which will bring improvements to the services we offer.

This program will build on our existing work to ensure we deliver services that are valued, trusted, and well-connected to all the supports we offer.

Our Transforming Community Services Program is focussing on Direct Supports, Groups, and Community Participation services across our multiple sites. It comes with new investment, including a dedicated Program Executive who will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality and sustainable services for our participants and the improvements needed to make sure the outcomes participants choose are delivered.

We’re looking forward to what’s ahead in this space and will keep you updated as we progress.

If you have thoughts and ideas that you’d like to share with us, please get in touch with Kathryn Key at Kathryn.Key@abilityoptions.org.au.

Disability Employment Services

The Disability Employment Services (DES) contract let by the Australian Government in July 2018 was slated to end on 30 June 2025.

It is being replaced by a new service for participants with disability called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA). Along with our Employment Services partner CoAct, we submitted our tender response towards the end of last year.

We were notified that a decision has been taken to extend the existing contract until 31 October this year due to the calling of the Federal Election. In the meantime, we continue to provide great support to our participants in DES.

While this news wasn’t ideal for our teams and participants, who would like certainty, the extension means that DES will continue as usual at least until the end of October.

We now expect to be notified of the tender outcome in July this year depending on the view of the new Minister for Social Services, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, as she gets up to speed with her new portfolio. We will keep our participants and staff updated as we know more.

Family Forums Employment Services

Our Executive team and Board of Directors regularly visit our services, meeting participants and team members, and hearing their experiences and feedback. It is always my favourite part of the job, and I’ve had the privilege of visiting over 50 of our homes, offices and community sites since July last year.

In addition to these visits, we invite the broader Ability Options community of participants and families to meet with our leaders at our Family Forums. So far in FY25, we have hosted forums in Port Macquarie, Forster, Charlestown and Sydney, with more planned.

The forums have been incredibly valuable in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can make improvements in our services to better support participants and families.

One of the improvements we are working on following discussion with families from our Seven Hills Day Program, is re-establishing the onsite café at Prospect Highway. The café offers the opportunity for skill building and activities such as writing ingredient lists, shopping and barista skills. We’re keen to utilise the cafe for participants across both our community and employment services. We have submitted a grant application that would help us achieve this and hope to hear the outcome soon!

We plan to continue Family Forums and extend to new locations over the coming months. I hope to see you there!

Sector changes: Mandatory registration

Another key update is about the upcoming mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Support Coordination services providers.

As a registered NDIS provider, Ability Options fully supports the upcoming mandatory registration requirements for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Support Coordination services and recommendations for proportionate registration in the whole sector arising from the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review. We believe this first step into SIL and Support Coordination initiative will enhance the quality and safety of services, ensuring that these providers meet the necessary service standards.

While the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission says that no changes or transition to mandatory registration will happen before 1 July 2025, its implementation will hold providers accountable, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Whilst we saw in the Disability Royal Commission that being a registered provider does not absolutely guarantee safety and quality, with improvements in compliance and the engagement of staff, participants and families, I truly believe registration is necessary as part of the requirements to make sure standards are upheld.

In my view, registration means participants and their families can have greater confidence in the services they receive, knowing that providers are committed to delivering high-quality care, are monitored, and are held to account; it is incredibly important that we make sure all providers work to the same standards.

The current proposals for proportionate registration are intended to ensure choice and control are maintained underpinned by oversight for safety and quality. Of the approximately 170,000 providers of NDIS services in Australia, less than 10% are registered.

At Ability Options, we are dedicated to supporting participants in achieving their goals and inclusion in their communities. We view these regulatory changes as a positive step towards a more robust and trustworthy disability sector.

Looking ahead

On another note, I wanted to share an update on how our organisation is travelling leading into the new financial year.

As I write this update, we now know the outcome of the Federal election and the Ministry has just been announced. In the sectors we operate in, we have four new Ministers; the Hon Mark Butler MP for NDIS along with his current Health portfolio, the Hon Jenny McAllister – Minister for the NDIS (assisting Mark Butler), the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP for Social Services which includes DES and the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP for Employment and Workplace Relations which includes Workforce Australia.

These are all new portfolios so we’ll have to wait to see how/whether/which reforms will be implemented.

Within Ability Options, as a not-for-profit, we work hard to make sure that we can meet our mission every day. We have new homes being planned to offer participants looking for homes, our new Medium Term Accommodation service on the beautiful Central Coast is getting up and running in newly upgraded accommodation and we are revitalising our community participation programs. There is growth in our direct support services as well in group activities. If you want to know more about the services, we have available to you, please get in touch with your Ability Options contact, lodge an enquiry on our website or email me at: julia.squire@abilityoptions.org.au

Best wishes 

Julia. 

Change doesn’t always arrive neatly or on your timeline. A move, a delay or an unexpected shift can turn housing into a big question mark. Having a safe, supportive place to stay can bring calm during uncertainty and give you space to plan what’s next.

If you’re transitioning between housing options or waiting for a more permanent solution to become available, NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) could be exactly what you need.

In this guide, we explain what Medium-Term Accommodation is, who it’s for and how it can support you.

What Is Medium-Term Accommodation?

Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) is a type of transitional or temporary housing support funded by the NDIS for eligible participants who need somewhere safe and supportive to live while they wait for their long-term home to be ready.

It’s designed to fill the gap — not as a forever home, but as a secure and accessible stepping stone. The NDIS will typically fund MTA for up to 90 days.

To be eligible for NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation, participants usually have a home they will move into and require somewhere supportive to live in the medium term. 

Are You Eligible for MTA?

To get the NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation, you must:

1. Have a future home

You have a long‑term home you will move into. This might be social housing, private rental or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

2. Have a disability‑related barrier

You cannot move into your long‑term home yet because something is not ready. For example:

• Your disability supports (such as Supported Independent Living — SIL) are not in place yet.
• Your home still needs disability‑related changes or modifications.

3. Need somewhere safe to stay temporarily

You cannot stay in your current place while you wait for your long‑term home to be ready.

Why MTA Is Used

MTA provides a safe, supportive place to live for a short time until your long‑term home is ready.

Who Is MTA For?

MTA is ideal for NDIS participants who: 

• Are waiting for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to be built or become available 
• Need temporary accommodation following hospital discharge while they wait for their long-term housing solution 
• Are in crisis or unsafe living situations and need interim support 
• Have been approved for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and are transitioning into or between SIL home arrangements 

MTA homes can provide participants with the stability they need during periods of transition, ensuring their daily support continues without interruption. 

What’s Included in MTA?

While MTA covers the cost of housing only, other supports like daily personal care, meals or community access are funded separately through other areas of your NDIS plan. 

Typically, MTA includes: 

• A fully accessible, furnished accommodation (does not include specialised equipment [e.g., hospital bed]).
• Secure and comfortable home environment
• Location close to essential services (e.g. shopping, hospital, transport)

How Long Can You Stay in MTA?

NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation is usually funded for up to 90 days, or roughly three months. In some situations, plans can take longer than expected. If there are significant delays outside your control, such as construction setbacks or support services not being ready, the NDIS may consider extending MTA. However, any extension needs to be supported by clear evidence that explains why more time is needed. Throughout your stay, the focus remains on helping you move confidently towards your long-term housing solution.

How to Access NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation

To access MTA, you must have the support item included in your NDIS plan.

Here’s how to get started: 

1. Talk to your Support Coordinator or NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about your transitional accommodation needs.

2. Provide evidence or reports that show your need for temporary accommodation. This could be a letter from hospital, service provider or NDIS Planner.

3. Work with a provider like Ability Options to identify a suitable MTA arrangement that meets your needs.

How to Choose the Right NDIS Medium-Term Accommodation

Here are a few things to think about when exploring MTA options:

• Accessibility and safety

The accommodation should match your physical and support needs so you can move around comfortably and safely. This might include step-free access, accessible bathrooms, space for mobility equipment or features that support your independence.

• Continuity of supports

It’s important to check that the support you need can continue while you’re in MTA. This helps ensure your day-to-day life stays as consistent as possible.

• Length of stay and flexibility

MTA is medium-term, but plans don’t always run exactly to schedule. Make sure the accommodation can support you for the full approved period and you have clear transition plans in place to ease uncertainty and reduce stress.

We’re Here to Help

At Ability Options, we understand how to navigate the complexity of NDIS accommodation supports. We collaborate with you, your family and carers to ensure a positive experience during your transition.

We provide safe, high-quality Medium-Term Accommodation tailored to support your needs, with every part of your stay guided by your goals.  

Conveniently located on the NSW Central Coast, our Jacaranda House offers a tranquil environment where you can feel settled as you plan your next step. Reserved exclusively for Medium-Term Accommodation, Jacaranda House supports up to five people at a time. This smaller setting allows for personalised, person-centred support, alongside access to clinical care. Our MTA service also includes:

• Comprehensive transition support — An Ability Options Occupancy Coordinator works alongside you, your family and your support network to understand your needs and guide you through each stage of your stay.
• Tailored care — Skilled support workers are available around the clock to support access to GP and clinical supports when needed, helping you maintain independence and confidence.
• Guidance beyond MTA — While you’re with us, we help put plans in place for your next home. This includes exploring longer-term housing options and supporting a connected move into Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) where appropriate. 

Whether you need medium-term accommodation, short-term respite or longer-term care, Ability Options can help. We take an inclusive, person-centred approach in everything we do. That means listening, respecting choices and working alongside you and your circle of support to achieve your goals.

Reach out to our team to learn more and see how we can help you get started!

Her leadership of Community Services spans from Coffs Harbour to Sydney, along with Support Coordination, our business support team (PALs) for Community and Therapy. 

Our CEO Julia Squire was excited to welcome her and to launch the program, which will “give these important services, and our “shop front” to local communities the support, leadership, time and care they need and deserve”. 

Recently, we further caught up with Kathryn to learn more about her new role with us.  

Q: How have your first few weeks been at Ability Options been? 

A: Fun! I love getting to meet lots of people and learn new things, so I am enjoying myself. Of course, there are the usual “new person” anxieties that comes with not knowing where to find things, or how to work the printer, but everyone has been incredibly warm and welcoming. I have really appreciated it, and I am incredibly pleased to be here.  

Q: To you, what defines quality services? 

A: Services that support people to live their fullest life, that support the inherent dignity, rights, and aspirations of every individual we meet. I think that quality service provision should always be based on the person, family or community receiving the service, which means communicating well with and being led by the person all the time. It is a great privilege to do this work, to be trusted with the impact on others, and I value that a lot and try to keep in the forefront of my mind for every decision I make.  

Q: What does Transforming Community Services set out to achieve?  

A: The focus of my work will be ensuring the long-standing impact of the community portfolio of services for Ability Options into the future. This means understanding what supports people value and need most, how we are supporting our employees to deliver supports in the most effective and efficient ways to meet the needs of participants, and how we ensure financial stability for growth into the future. There is no fixed outcome at this stage, rather we are exploring how we want to do things moving forward. It is exciting and an opportunity to take stock and recalibrate. 

More about Kathryn

Kathryn has an extensive background in leading and transforming operational services in the not-for-profit sector, working closely with participants and families and the staff and communities who work alongside them. She prioritises high quality accessible services that support people to get the outcomes they want and need and to develop their capacity and be included in their communities. 

“Her track record in supporting staff to do the best job possible, develop their skills and careers and to be safe and happy at work, is nothing short of excellent,” Julia says. 

Kathryn has worked in the not-for-profit sector since she was 21 years old. Her entrance to the sector was informed by both a counselling-focused degree and a Master’s in Social Work.  

Her career spans a range of services including disability, health, family violence, mental health, and alcohol. She spent 10 years in frontline roles, first as a support worker, then in case management and counselling roles. The years following were spent across leadership roles including managing large portfolios in the disability sector and transitioning services into the NDIS. Most recently, Kathryn was CEO of a youth and family service. She has also held Board Director positions at several not-for-profit organisations.   

“I love working with people. It is important to me to feel part of something bigger than myself, and to be striving to have a positive impact where I can. I have a deep commitment to social justice and positive outcomes in communities. I help achieve these by listening and being led by the people receiving our services,” Kathryn says. 

Kathryn’s focus at Ability Options is ensuring the long-standing impact of the portfolio of our Community Services into the future. This means understanding what supports people value and need most, how we are supporting colleagues to deliver these in the most effective, efficient ways to meet the needs of participants, and how we ensure financial stability and growth.   

When Kathryn is not busy working, she likes to balance her lifestyle with gentle activities like yoga and swimming. She also practices mindfulness and meditation.   
  
“I’m a bit of a hippy at heart, which is something people tend not to expect from me!” she says. 

What is NDIS Assistance with Daily Life?  

NDIS Assistance with Daily Life are services delivered within your home, helping you gain confidence, build living skills and maintain a routine that works for you. These services can include personal care and household duties such as cooking and cleaning. No matter the level of support you require, the goal is to enhance your independence and overall quality of life. 

NDIS Assistance with Daily Life examples

NDIS participants can receive a range of daily living support services within the home environment. Here are just a few examples: 

• Daily Routine: Support with managing activities throughout the day, including morning, afternoon, and evening tasks 
• Household Skills: Develop independence through support with tasks like meal preparation and maintaining a tidy and organised living space  
• Self-care: Assistance to complete self-care activities such as showering, toileting and grooming 
• Routine and Planning: Develop your skills to manage appointments, plan your day, and organise activities like outings, transport, and meal preparation 
• Social Connections: Support to help to facilitate and strengthen contact with family and friends 

These examples highlight a few ways NDIS daily living supports can help you towards greater independence and participation in everyday activities. 

What does Assistance with Daily Life not cover?  

While NDIS Assistance with Daily Life provides crucial support, there are some exclusions: 

• Medical and Hospital Costs: This funding doesn’t cover medical treatments or hospital stays. 
• Living Expenses: Regular expenses such as rent, groceries, and utility bills aren’t included. 
• Non-Disability Related Services: Funding cannot be used to provide support within the Education system and other government-funded programs that fall outside the NDIS.
• Luxury or non-essential items — The NDIS funds what’s considered reasonable and necessary. This excludes luxury or non-essential items such as tickets for events. 
• Transport: Funding does not cover access to public transport or transport with a support worker 

Who Is Eligible for NDIS Assistance with Daily Life? 

NDIS Assistance with Daily Life is available to any NDIS participant with approved funding for home supports in their NDIS plan. To qualify, participants need to have goals or daily support needs that align with the services provided under this category. 

NDIS support codes for Assistance with Daily Life 

Assistance with Daily Life is part of the Core Supports category in your NDIS plan. These supports aim to assist with everyday activities at home. Here are some common supports you may receive under this category: 

• Assistance with household tasks 
• Assistance with personal daily activities 
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) 
• Short Term Accommodation and Assistance (respite) 

Getting Started with Assistance with Daily Life

 To access NDIS Assistance with Daily Life, your first step is to engage with a service provider like Ability Options and develop a support plan that outlines goals and needs. Service providers work with you to ensure you have the right assistance in place to help you work towards your goals. 

At Ability Options, we know that no two people are the same. That’s why we work closely with you to develop a personalised support plan that aligns with your individual goals and aspirations.  

Together we can:

1. Assess your needs: We start by getting to know you — your interests, preferences and the areas where support can enhance your independence and lifestyle. 
2. Match you with the right support worker: We carefully match you with a support worker who has the right skills and approach to support your unique needs and help you achieve your goals. 
3. Set and work towards your goals: We’ll help you set realistic, achievable goals and develop a plan to reach them, providing ongoing support and encouragement along the way. 

Support at home: NDIS Assistance with Daily Living 

Life with a disability is about possibilities, not limitations. We provide services that allow choice and the ability to live life on your terms. Our personalised NDIS Assistance with Daily Living supports will help you work towards your goals and enjoy everyday activities with confidence. 

Our support workers are not just here to assist; they are your partners in achieving your personal goals, encouraging you to live the life you want. From help with household tasks to supporting you planning and maintain your routine, we provide the care and guidance you need to exercise greater independence in your daily life. 

Where do we deliver Daily Living services?

Our Assistance with Daily Life NDIS services are available across several locations, including: 

• Greater Sydney
• Mid North Coast

If you or someone you know could benefit from our Assistance with Daily Life NDIS services, we’re here to help. At Ability Options, we have been providing in-home disability care for many years and have the experience to help you become your most confident self.

FAQs

How do I know if I have funding for Assistance with Daily Life under the NDIS? 

You can find out if you have funding for NDIS Assistance with Daily Life by reviewing your NDIS support plan. This funding category will be listed under your Core Supports, specifically labelled as “Assistance with Daily Life.” If you’re unsure, you can also contact your NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator for clarification. 

How much of my funding will this service use? 

The NDIS Price Guide, now known as the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, outlines the maximum prices that providers can charge for services covered under this category. This allows for consistency and transparency across all NDIS providers. For more specific information on pricing related to your plan, you can contact Ability Options, and our team will be happy to assist you. 

Is there a limit to how many hours of assistance I can access? 

The number of hours you can access depends on your individual NDIS plan. This is determined based on your specific goals, support needs, and the funding allocated for Assistance with Daily Life. Your LAC or Support Coordinator can provide you with details regarding the hours available to you and help you make the most of your funding. 

Can I choose the workers who support me? 

Your choice of who supports you is a top priority. At Ability Options we work with you to get an understanding of your goals and requirements and ensure a suitable match with trained support workers who align with your preferences and have the skills to support your unique needs.