Therapists and NDIS Pricing: Striving for Equity and Valuing the Impact

For professionals in the field of disability support, the recently unveiled National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) pricing guide brought interesting insights and, crucially, some critical questions to light. Of particular note was the evident disparity in valuing different roles within the disability support sector.

In the latest pricing guide, the hourly rate for Speech Therapy has remained static at $193.99 from the previous year. This starkly contrasts with the broader economic landscape, where inflation has been running at around 7%, and wage rates for support workers have increased.

Support workers undeniably play a crucial role in the disability support sector and deserve recognition and fair compensation for their efforts. Their recent wage increase reflects this. However, it's crucial to balance this acknowledgment with the understanding that therapists – specialists who bring transformative changes to the lives of individuals with disabilities – haven't seen a similar adjustment in their remuneration.

Consider the figures: The average speech therapist earns an annual salary of approximately $75,000*, translating to an hourly wage of roughly $37. With inflation running at 7%, the real value of therapists' work is experiencing a subtle yet significant erosion. This becomes even more pronounced when the average plan utilisation for capacity building supports, including therapy and related services, stands at a mere 62%.

What this suggests is a glaring 'therapy gap.' There's an undersupply of these critical services despite the high demand and need within the community. In a typical market scenario, scarcity prompts an increase in pricing – a trend conspicuously absent in the NDIA's pricing behaviour.

Addressing this gap and disparity in remuneration is critical, not only for therapists but also for the individuals relying on these services. Creating an environment that values and fairly compensates therapists is a significant stride towards improving the availability and quality of therapeutic services.

TherapyNow has been working actively to fill this gap, offering therapists an excellent environment that genuinely values their skills. For those therapists seeking a supportive, rewarding place to practice, TherapyNow is a worthy consideration. Visit TherapyNow.au to explore more about what they offer.

The value of therapists in the disability support landscape is immense. A pricing model that doesn't adequately reflect this value risks limiting the supply of these professionals and compromises the quality of support for individuals who need it most.

As we move forward, we must advocate for a pricing model that aligns better with the actual value therapists provide. It's not merely about monetary terms; it's about recognising the transformative impact that therapists have on individuals' lives.

If you're a therapist seeking to make a difference in a supportive environment or if you wish to contribute to this crucial discussion, reach out to TherapyNow.au. Together, we can bridge the therapy gap, recognising and valuing each professional's role in the disability support sector.

*Hays Salary Report 2023