The abilityNEWS Daily
Editor’s Note
A shorter version of the newsletter today as we experiment with new ways of presenting the what’s going on. If you’ve got any ideas about how we can improve, please feel free to get in touch by either calling 04 10 278 827 or emailing [email protected]
The Briefing
[image courtesy ANZACATA]
Therapists call for Better Recognition of Art Therapy
by Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) expresses deep concern over the recommendation to reduce the maximum payment rate to align with counselling. It says the current rate of $193.99 reflects the true cost of delivering quality art therapy, including postgraduate training, clinical supervision and therapeutic-grade materials. The proposed reduction to $156.16 undermines this and creates inconsistency across the allied health sector—particularly when psychology is funded at $232.99 and occupational therapy at $193.99.
KNOWLEDGE: What is Neurodiversity?
by Curtin University
Neurodiversity is an important-sounding word that just means a brain works differently. People use it to categorize a group of invisible diagnoses, including but not limited to: (with links to organisations) Autism Spectrum Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Tourette’s Dyslexia Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Developmental Delay Disorder Developmental Language Disorder General Anxiety Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Chronic Depression
KNOWLEDGE: Early identification of MS risk with antibodies
by Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Researchers have found that specific antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus may help identify individuals at higher risk of multiple sclerosis. This discovery could support earlier diagnosis and monitoring of those likely to develop the neurological condition.
KNOWLEDGE: MS Australia invests in research
by Multiple Sclerosis Australia
MS Australia is funding cutting-edge research projects aimed at improving outcomes for people living with multiple sclerosis. The organisation’s investment focuses on innovative therapies, disease progression studies and support for early-career researchers.
KNOWLEDGE: CPA’s Research Translation Symposium
by Cerebral Palsy Alliance
The CPA Research Translation Symposium brought researchers, clinicians and people with disabilities together to spotlight collaborative progress in disability innovation. Emphasising lived experience, the event showcased research that meaningfully informs practice and improves outcomes for people with cerebral palsy.
KNOWLEDGE: CPA researchers lead Twilight webinar
by Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Researchers from Cerebral Palsy Alliance led a Twilight Series webinar focused on improving early perinatal diagnosis and care. The session highlighted advances in neonatal research and the importance of early detection for better developmental outcomes.
[image credit MSA]
The Wrap
Critics slam major backflip on NDIS therapy price cap
by Herald Sun
A major U-turn on music and art therapy has sparked concern from critics who ask when the expansion of the NDIS will stop. Last year creative therapists copped a drastic pay cut under NDIS changes after a review found there was “little evidence” about their effectiveness. But an independent review released on Wednesday, spearheaded by health economist Dr Stephen Duckett, said there was evidence that the therapy was beneficial.
Critics slam major backflip on NDIS therapy price cap
by Daily Telegraph
A huge change to the rate that therapists can charge for their services has been revealed. Here’s how it affects NDIS participants. Critics have slammed the move. The major U-turn on music and art therapy has sparked concern from critics who ask when the expansion of the NDIS will stop.
Government winds back drastic cuts to NDIS therapies
by Age
Plans to drastically slash the amount that art and music therapists can charge through the ballooning National Disability Insurance Scheme have been shelved, as an independent review found the treatments were effective and beneficial for people with disabilities. This at odds with claims last year from the National Disability Insurance Agency that there was limited evidence about the treatments’ efficacy.
Paediatricians warn too many children are being wrongly diagnosed with autism
by 7 News
Australia’s leading paediatricians say thousands of children with developmental delays are being wrongly diagnosed as autistic, putting extra pressure on the already stretched National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Paediatrician-turned-politician Dr Mike Freelander is leading a parliamentary review into the NDIS. He says the scheme was never set up to deal with mild developmental issues.
Could this be the answer to Australia's hospitality staffing problems?
by SBS
The comforting chunky tomato stew featured an almost-melted feta and fragrant Middle Eastern zhoug atop it. The eggs were poached perfectly, the yolks oozing out in the red stew slowly as they should – it was a meal worthy of any of the award-winning cafes regularly making Top-10 lists. According to a report from All Things Equal, Equal Opportunity: A Blueprint for Disability Employment in Hospitality, Australian hospitality is in the midst of one of the biggest staff shortages in decades; however, hotels and food establishments continue to overlook people with disability simply because the system has yet to be adjusted to include them. Credit: Kitti Gould
[Shakshuka Credit: SBS/Kitti Gould]
The Diary
