Advocacy win for Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia

Speech Pathology Australia, in partnership with Dietitians Australia, achieved a significant advocacy win in securing essential clarifications to the NDIS Lists of Supports, ensuring that Australians with dietary and swallowing needs can access vital supports to eat and drink safely.

We expressed our concerns in a joint letter to Minister Shorten and Ms. Rebecca Falkingham, NDIA CEO and proposed a range of alterations and clarifications to be made to the List of Supports that are NDIS Supports, the List of Supports that are Not NDIS Supports and the List of Replacement Supports.

With the help of members amplifying the message by liking and sharing on social media, our advocacy reached a broad audience. Interim SPA CEO Lyn Brodie was featured in news stories in broadcasts across multiple 2SM radio stations in NSW spotlighting this crucial issue and the potential impact upon people with swallowing needs.

We’re thrilled to announce that our advocacy efforts yielded prompt results. We received a direct written response from Ms. Falkingham clarifying several points in relation to our letter.

  1. That modified fluids and thickener are considered to be NDIS Supports. Furthermore, a speech pathologist may be funded to develop a mealtime management plan and provide support and training to families, carers and support workers.
  2. That dietetics is considered to be an evidence-based therapy and will be funded where a participant requires dietitian support due to their disability and it would be considered reasonable and necessary.
  3. The NDIA have determined that food processors and liquid aerators are not classified as NDIS supports and would be considered day-to-day living costs. However, household items such as blenders and food processors that are required to prepare a modified diet, when recommended by a dietitian or speech pathologist would be considered as replacement supports.

We are pleased to report that information regarding these supports is currently being updated on the NDIS website to reflect these clarifications so that participants and their speech pathologists know that these critical supports are still available.

We wish to thank all of the members who took the time to share this important message and prompt the NDIA to provide this clarification urgently.