If you ask ten different families in Blackburn or Bundoora, “what do you think of the NDIS?” you will likely get ten completely different answers. For some, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been an absolute lifeline, providing structural funding that didn’t exist a decade ago. For others, it is a source of immense stress, filled with complex rules, changing legislation, and administrative gridlock.
At Posity, we work within the scheme every single day. As an allied health practice delivering specialised Occupational Therapy services, we see both sides of the coin. We see the life-changing transformations, but we also see the frustration of navigating a massive bureaucratic system.
If you want to skip the administrative headaches and connect with an agile, responsive therapy team, you can jump straight to our online intake form.
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The Good: Why the NDIS is Worth Fighting For
When the scheme works well, it genuinely fulfills its core promise: giving participants “choice and control” over their lives. Prior to the NDIS, disability support was heavily rationed and block-funded. Today, individual funding models allow for highly customised, capacity-building interventions.
Early Intervention That Changes Trajectories
One of the most praised aspects of the scheme is its dedication to young children. Specifically, our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and paediatric occupational therapy pathways allow families to address developmental delays early. Investing in high-energy occupational therapy for kids helps them build emotional regulation and fine motor skills before they step into a mainstream classroom.
Tangible Transitions to Adulthood
As participants grow, the scheme continues to provide specialised support milestones. We use targeted occupational therapy for adolescents to focus on travel training, workplace preparation, and social autonomy. Witnessing a teenager move from total dependence to catching a public bus independently is a powerful testament to what the scheme can achieve.
The Challenging: What Families Frequently Criticise
Despite its incredible benefits, if you ask a carer, “what do you think of the NDIS?” they will almost certainly mention “burnout.” The administrative burden of managing a plan can feel like a full-time job.
- The Paperwork Load:
Historically, participants have had to supply endless clinical reports just to maintain basic funding levels. - System Inconsistency:
Many families experience frustration over inconsistent planning decisions, where participants with identical functional needs receive wildly different budget allocations. - Waitlists and Access:
Finding high-quality local clinicians who aren’t locked behind a six-month waitlist can feel impossible in crowded metropolitan sectors.
The 2026 Perspective: Navigating the New Framework Reforms
If you are asking “what do you think of the NDIS?” right now, your opinion is likely shaped by the massive structural reforms rolling out across Australia. The government is progressively introducing “New Framework Planning” to address long-term cost sustainability and improve consistency.
The new model shifts away from purely functional models that require constant, expensive medical reports. Instead, plans are built around standardised Support Needs Assessments conducted by trained, independent assessors.
While the disability advocacy community has expressed valid concerns about these changes, rightfully arguing that supports should never be removed before alternative community networks are fully functioning the new framework does aim to offer:
- Greater Flexibility:
Less rigid line items, allowing you to use your core and capacity budgets more freely. - Longer Plan Periods:
Fewer repetitive reviews, giving families more time to focus on therapy rather than paperwork. - Transparent Rules:
Clearer guidance on what the NDIA considers “reasonable and necessary.”
Making the System Work For You: The Posity Approach
At Posity, we believe that the best way to tackle a complex system is with smart, collaborative care. We design our services in Blackburn and Bundoora to respect your time, maximise your budget, and deliver clear functional results.
To stretch your Improved Daily Living budget in line with 2026 value guidelines, we frequently utilise Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) for routine therapy delivery. Your Senior OT acts as the clinical architect, conducting detailed adult OT assessments and services and creating targeted home programs, while the AHA drives high-frequency practice at a lower hourly rate.
Furthermore, we remove geographical barriers entirely. Through mobile community occupational therapy delivered in your home or school, combined with accessible telehealth services for real-time consultation, we ensure your therapy fits smoothly into your actual life, not just your schedule.
The Verdict: A System Worth Directing with Care
So, what do you think of the NDIS? It is imperfect, complex, and undergoing major renovations, but it remains an incredibly vital framework for building an inclusive Australia. The key to succeeding within the scheme is partnering with an allied health team that values transparency, handles the clinical heavy lifting, and fiercely advocates for your ultimate independence.
Are you ready to take the stress out of your therapy plan? Fill out our intake form here and let’s discuss how we can maximise your NDIS Occupational Therapy goals in Blackburn or Bundoora today.