OT Unplugged: Community of Practice Insights

A major shift in early childhood supports The long-anticipated Thriving Kids rollout is beginning to take shape in New South Wales, offering the clearest indication yet of how early childhood supports may operate from October 2026. Children already on the NDIS are not expected to be removed immediately. However, children aged eight and under who may previously have entered the NDIS under mild to moderate autism categories are expected to be redirected into Thriving Kids instead. This marks a significant shift for OTs, families and private providers. While the program includes many evidence-based early intervention ideas, it is also arriving alongside tighter NDIS eligibility. For many clinicians, the concern is not the existence of Thriving Kids itself, but what families may lose access to in the process. What the Thriving Kids model includes The current draft specifications outline a system focused on short-term, early intervention supports for children, families and carers. Proposed services include supported playgroups, parenting programs, peer support and allied health intervention delivered individually or in groups. There is also a strong focus on family navigation and coordination. Importantly, the model appears focused on functional support rather than diagnosis. General supports and early intervention The general supports stream includes playgroups, parenting programs, peer support and referral services. The draft also includes allied health “in-reach” within these programs, allowing clinicians to observe children in play-based settings, provide developmental guidance and support referrals into targeted services. For many OTs, this resembles community outreach models already operating within some health services. Targeted allied health supports The targeted support stream includes time-limited, goal-focused allied health intervention. Services may be delivered individually, in groups or through multidisciplinary collaboration across clinics, homes and community settings. Although exact limits have not yet been released, the wording strongly suggests therapy caps around intensity and duration. Group intervention also appears likely to play a larger role. While groups can work well for some children, clinicians are concerned they may become the primary pathway for children who require more individualised support. Why providers are concerned One of the biggest challenges for providers is the proposed commissioning structure. The New South Wales expression of interest documentation strongly prioritises not-for-profit organisations as preferred providers. This has created widespread concern across private practice, particularly for regional and rural clinicians who are already filling workforce gaps. However, the draft specifications also reference a pre-qualified allied health panel that may allow private practitioners, sole traders and small businesses to deliver fee-for-service supports where service gaps exist. This pathway appears especially relevant in thin-market and regional locations where NGOs or public services may not have enough workforce capacity. The practical reality in regional areas For many regional communities, private practitioners are already the only available providers. Long waitlists, recruitment difficulties and workforce shortages remain significant issues. As a result, practices operating in these locations may have stronger opportunities to demonstrate why private allied health involvement remains essential. The expression of interest process allows providers to outline: Existing early childhood experience Regional or multicultural service delivery Telehealth and in-person capacity Partnership arrangements Workforce capability and organisational structure There is also a strong emphasis on collaboration between providers, including partnerships with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and allied health services. For some smaller practices, consortium-style partnerships may become an important pathway moving forward. The return of capped intervention models Many clinicians recognise similarities between Thriving Kids and pre-NDIS systems where intervention was often short-term and group-based. The concern is not necessarily that group programs exist, but whether children who need ongoing support will still have access to consistent therapy. Families of children with ADHD, anxiety and developmental concerns have already struggled to access support under the current system. Many providers worry more children may now fall into those same gaps. At the same time, parts of the model are genuinely promising. The focus on peer support, family navigation, early touchpoints and community-based intervention aligns strongly with best-practice early childhood approaches. If these services were being introduced alongside existing NDIS access, many clinicians would likely welcome the program enthusiastically. Questions around assistive technology and coordination The draft specifications also include low-cost assistive technology funding for communication, mobility, sensory regulation and daily functioning. However, clinicians have raised concerns about how equipment provision will work in practice. Mobility and sensory supports rarely succeed through equipment alone. Effective implementation usually requires assessment, training and follow-up support. There is still little detail about funding caps, approved product pathways or how therapy input will integrate alongside equipment provision. The program also introduces a family support coordination role designed to help families navigate services and systems. Rather than a traditional NDIS key worker model, this role appears more focused on care coordination and oversight. For families navigating multiple systems, this could become an important source of continuity. Preparing your practice for what comes next Despite ongoing uncertainty, one message is becoming increasingly clear. Private practices will need to think strategically about diversification. Many providers are already exploring private fee-paying pathways, school-based supports, community partnerships and collaborative service models. Others are considering consortium arrangements to strengthen future tender opportunities. There is still substantial uncertainty around pricing, therapy caps and implementation. However, waiting for complete clarity may leave practices unprepared. For OTs, this is likely to be a period of recalibration rather than business as usual. Key takeaways for OTs • Thriving Kids is expected to begin in New South Wales from October 2026.• Children already on the NDIS are not expected to lose access immediately, but new children may enter Thriving Kids instead.• The model appears focused on short-term, goal-based and group-oriented intervention.• Current documentation strongly favours NGO-led delivery.• Regional and rural providers may still play a significant role where workforce shortages exist.• Collaboration and partnership models are likely to become increasingly important.• Practices should begin considering diversification strategies now.• Significant uncertainty remains around funding, therapy caps and implementation. Links Communities and Justice: Thriving Kidshttps://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/disability-and-inclusion/thriving-kids.htmlOT Unplugged - Brisbane Friends of the Podcast Event - 20 May 2026: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1576072 Balmoral Burn Fundraiser Event - Support Sarah here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/109219/humpty-dumpty-balmoral-burn/pledge/participant/46083634

The Occupational Therapy sector is moving through another period of uncertainty, with ongoing discussions around NDIS pricing, registration and funding changes continuing to dominate conversations across the profession. At the same time, conference and expo season is underway, giving OTs a valuable opportunity to reconnect, learn from one another and strengthen professional networks.In recent conversations across the OT community, one thing has become increasingly clear – while there is still a lot we don’t know about upcoming NDIS changes, there is enormous value in staying informed, avoiding misinformation and leaning into community support.Understanding the current NDIS funding discussionOne of the biggest concerns circulating at the moment is the discussion around NDIS plan reductions. There has been widespread confusion, with some providers and coordinators hearing claims that all plans will be reduced to a fixed amount.What has actually been communicated so far is that the government intends to gradually reduce overall plan spending back toward average funding levels seen around 2023. Reports suggest this may involve reductions somewhere in the range of approximately 22% to 30% overall, but the exact implementation process remains unclear.Importantly, this does not mean every participant will suddenly receive the same funding amount. The details of how any reductions may occur have not yet been released, and there is still uncertainty around whether changes will happen during scheduled plan reviews or through broader administrative adjustments.For OTs supporting participants through this period, caution around misinformation is critical. Many conversations currently happening online and within services are based on speculation rather than confirmed policy.Why the annual pricing review mattersA key document many providers are waiting for is the annual pricing review report. This report is expected to provide further clarity around pricing recommendations, registration pathways and possible future pricing structures.The annual pricing review is separate from the final NDIS price guide. The review outlines recommendations and findings gathered through consultation, while the price guide confirms the actual operational changes providers will need to follow.This distinction matters because many OTs are currently feeling pressure to begin registration processes immediately, despite not yet knowing what future registration requirements or pricing models may look like.For many providers, particularly sole traders and small practices, the most practical approach right now may simply be to stay informed, monitor updates closely and avoid making rushed decisions before the full details are released.NDIS worker screening checks for unregistered providersAnother area creating confusion for many therapists is the NDIS worker screening check process for sole traders and unregistered providers.While requirements vary slightly between states, the process generally involves applying through the relevant state authority before linking the screening clearance through the NDIS Commission’s unregistered provider portal.For sole traders, this can feel unnecessarily complicated because providers are often required to effectively link themselves to their own unregistered provider account.The worker screening process itself is relatively straightforward once the systems are set up correctly. Most therapists will need to provide identification documents such as a Medicare card, passport and driver’s licence, complete an online application and attend an in-person identity check.One positive development is that NDIS worker screening checks are now increasingly being recognised within aged care settings, reducing the need for duplicate police checks in some circumstances.For OTs considering future registration, obtaining a worker screening check may be one practical step worth completing early while waiting for further policy announcements.Conference season brings connection and perspectiveAlongside all the uncertainty, conference and expo season has arrived, bringing much-needed opportunities for connection within the OT profession.Large events such as ATSA and OTX require significant preparation from exhibitors, educators and providers. Behind every stand is a huge amount of planning, logistics, freight coordination and setup work that many attendees never see.For therapists attending these events, expos can provide far more than just product displays or CPD opportunities. They create space for relationship building, idea sharing and genuine community connection at a time when many clinicians are feeling professionally isolated or overwhelmed.Why networking matters for OTsProfessional networking is often misunderstood as formal or transactional, but for many OTs, it becomes one of the most valuable long-term career investments.Strong professional networks help therapists build referral pathways, identify trusted service providers and create collaborative support systems that ultimately benefit clients.For clinicians running private practices, these relationships can become particularly important during periods of transition or uncertainty. Having established connections with other providers makes it easier to coordinate care, refer appropriately and support participants when service needs change.Networking also creates emotional support within a profession that can sometimes feel isolating. Simply being around other OTs who understand the pressures of clinical work, business ownership and the evolving NDIS landscape can make a significant difference.Importantly, networking does not need to feel forced or performative. Often, the most meaningful professional relationships begin through simple conversations over coffee, shared experiences at conferences or casual introductions at industry events.Making the most of conferences and exposMany OTs feel intimidated by networking events or unsure how to approach large exhibitions. The reality is that there is no single right way to participate.Some clinicians enjoy speaking to every exhibitor they encounter, while others prefer to quietly explore before choosing who they want to engage with more deeply. Both approaches are completely valid.The most valuable conference experiences often come from approaching events with intention. Rather than collecting endless flyers or free merchandise, it can help to think ahead about what you actually want to gain from the experience.For some therapists, this may mean exploring referral pathways or learning more about local services. For others, it may involve discovering new equipment, asking questions about complex clinical areas or connecting with peers facing similar challenges.Students can particularly benefit from attending expos when they approach them with curiosity. Asking thoughtful questions about workplace culture, career pathways, client groups and clinical roles often leads to far more meaningful conversations than simply collecting brochures or promotional material.Approaching conferences with a clear sense of purpose can help therapists feel less overwhelmed and more confident engaging with exhibitors, educators and peers.Balancing innovation with practicality at exposExhibitors are increasingly looking for creative ways to stand out at conferences, but there is growing awareness that practical value matters more than novelty.Many attendees no longer want to carry large amounts of printed material home from events, leading providers to experiment with QR codes, digital resources and more streamlined information sharing.At the same time, there is still value in creating memorable experiences that reflect a brand’s personality and values. The challenge for exhibitors is finding the balance between engaging attendees and ensuring resources remain genuinely useful.For OTs considering future exhibiting opportunities, clear planning around goals, budget and intended outcomes can make a significant difference. Understanding whether the focus is on education, visibility, networking or referral growth helps shape a far more effective conference strategy.Building community during uncertain timesThe OT profession is currently navigating significant change, and uncertainty within the NDIS space continues to create understandable stress for providers and participants alike.But amid the complexity, one thing remains incredibly valuable – connection.Whether through conferences, networking events, online communities or informal peer support, staying connected with other therapists creates opportunities for shared learning, collaboration and reassurance.At a time when many OTs are searching for clarity, community may be one of the most important professional resources we have.Key takeaways for OTs• Current NDIS funding discussions do not mean every participant’s plan will be reduced to the same amount.• The annual pricing review and upcoming price guide are expected to provide further clarity on registration and pricing changes.• Sole traders and unregistered providers may still complete NDIS worker screening checks through the unregistered provider portal.• Conference season offers valuable opportunities for networking, learning and professional connection.• Attending expos with clear goals can make the experience far more meaningful and manageable.• Strong professional networks support referral pathways, collaboration and long-term career resilience.• Community connection remains essential during periods of industry uncertainty. Sydney Friends of the Podcast: Wednesday 13 May 2026 @ 5:30pmhttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1560836 Brisbane Friends of the Podcast: Wednesday 20 May 2026 @ 5:30pmhttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1576072