Support Needs Assessments: What we know and what OTSI has proposed

The introduction of Support Needs Assessments (SNA) within the NDIS has sparked significant discussion, particularly given the pace at which the NDIA appears to be progressing.?

In a recent episode of OT Unplugged, we sat down with Muriel Cummins to unpack the latest developments, concerns and what the OT Society for Invisible Disability (OTSI) has proposed as an alternative approach.

What we currently know about support needs assessments

The concept of an SNA was written into the new NDIS legislation, meaning its implementation is inevitable. However, rather than engaging in the promised co-design process with the disability sector and allied health professionals, the NDIA has released tender documents indicating an accelerated rollout.?

This has raised concerns about:

• Lack of co-design: The disability community was assured that any new assessment processes would be developed in partnership with people with lived experience and relevant professionals. However, the sudden release of tenders suggests otherwise.
• Speed of reform: Many stakeholders, including Every Australian Counts, have called for a slower, more considered approach, highlighting the need for thorough consultation.
• Concerns over standardisation: The tender documents suggest that the NDIA wants a standardised assessment that does not consider a participant’s environment or informal supports, raising red flags about its ability to accurately capture individual support needs.
• Potential for workforce expansion: The government appears to be moving towards employing 1,000 assessors directly within the NDIA, rather than utilising the existing network of qualified allied health professionals.

Given the history of independent assessments, which were overwhelmingly rejected by the sector, many are wary that this is history repeating itself.

What has OTSI proposed?

In response to these concerns, OTSI has put forward an alternative model for delivering Support Needs Assessments. Their key recommendations include:

1. Medicare-Funded assessments – Instead of a centralised NDIA-employed assessor model, OTSI proposes that support needs assessments could be funded through Medicare. This would:
2. Assessments conducted by qualified allied health professionals – OTSI strongly advocates that assessments should only be conducted by professionals with expertise in disability, particularly occupational therapists who specialise in functional capacity assessments.
3. A trauma-informed approach – Many participants, particularly those with psychosocial disabilities, have experienced trauma related to previous assessment processes. OTSI’s model prioritises:
4. Piloting before full implementation – OTSI argues that any new assessment tool should be piloted before being rolled out nationally. This is critical to ensure:

• The tool accurately reflects individual needs.
• There are no unintended consequences that could result in people missing out on essential supports.
• The approach aligns with best-practice models internationally.

The bigger picture

While the NDIA’s rapid movement toward implementing SNAs raises concerns, there is still an opportunity for advocacy and alternative solutions to be considered. As Muriel highlighted in our discussion, we need to push for transparency from political candidates ahead of the next election.

Some key questions we should be asking include:

• How will the government ensure that the new assessment process does not repeat the mistakes of independent assessments?
• What steps will be taken to ensure participant choice and control in the assessment process?
• How will the new model ensure fair and accurate assessments for people with complex disabilities?

How can you get involved?

OTSI is actively working to advocate for a fairer approach to SNAs, and they encourage all OTs and allied health professionals to:

• Sign the Every Australian Counts petition calling for a slowdown in reform.
• Engage with your local MPs and candidates – ask them how they will ensure fair and accurate support assessments within the NDIS.
• Stay informed and participate in discussions – OTSI regularly shares updates and resources for those wanting to advocate for change.

To learn more about OTSI’s proposal, visit www.otsi.net.au.

Let’s ensure that any new support needs assessment process is one that truly meets the needs of participants and upholds the values of the NDIS.

What are your thoughts on the proposed support needs assessments??

Let’s keep this conversation going in the comments.