_{If this email has been forwarded to you, sign up here}

The new October rules do protect some recipients of round-the-clock care - but there’s no respite for other participation budgets which face a steep reset

The federal government’s new participant guide sets out exactly how NDIS funding resets will work. Any plan reassessed (or created) from October will be caught by the new restrictions. Existing plans will remain unchanged until they’re renewed - a process that will kick-in from February next year. health.gov.au

The critical point is that these resets themselves cannot be reviewed. Nor does any reduction, by itself, qualify anyone for an unscheduled reassessment. The cuts will simply arrive as plans are progressively reviewed.

The only exemption is where participants can demonstrate a significant, ongoing change in needs. health.gov.au

Eligible participants (those requiring 24-hour funded support) can also seek a special variation within 90 days. This would add daily living or home-support funds needed for safe care, but cannot restore the affected participation or skills allocation. Decisions on such variations can be reviewed. health.gov.au

Bottom line: The safeguard may protect round-the-clock care but it will certainly leave less money for community participation.

Data Watch: The affected allocation falls 50% for social, economic and community participation and 10% for improved daily living skills. Exempt supports and actual spending make the effect on each person different. health.gov.au

What to watch next: Two ministerial support determinations are due to take effect on 1 October which will be scrutinised by Parliament. It is unlikely, however, that these will face any significant changes. health.gov.au

Variation threshold: The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says the special NDIS variation route requires, among other tests, at least $215,030 across specified pre-reset budget categories and funded 24-hour support at a shared ratio of at least 1:3. The participant or nominee must initiate the request; the NDIA cannot start it for them.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing health.gov.au

Signing access: The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has reminded providers that the existing National Sign Language Program offers free interpreting, tactile signing and live captions. Services are available seven days a week, including after hours and for emergencies; providers register with Deaf Connect to book.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing health.gov.au

Beach access: NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister announced four additional beach wheelchairs for Mollymook, purchased by Shoalhaven City Council with government grant funding. Both the local federal and state electorates (Gilmore and South Coast) are held by Labor with razor-thin majorities. Fewer than 400 voters changing their preferences would see Gilmore swing to the opposition.

Source: Minister for the NDIS

Sport access study: The Victorian Government’s aaaplay platform is inviting people with disability and carers in Victoria to University of Melbourne interviews about barriers to sport, recreation and social activities. The voluntary 45-minute interviews can be online or in person, with a $50 gift card for participants; the notice gives a contact address for expressions of interest.

Source: aaaplay aaaplay

Swimming classifications: Swimming WA reports that five swimmers with disability received classification outcomes after a 19 September session, including Western Australia’s first S2 swimmer. Two gained their first classifications; classification establishes the classes and applicable exceptions for eligible Para swimming competition.

Source: Swimming WA Swimming WA

Brain health resource: Curtin University has launched Brain Health WA, an online and print resource on dementia risk reduction and support services co-designed with more than 100 Western Australians, including people living with dementia and carers. Curtin says WA’s estimated dementia population could rise from 43,400 in 2026 to about 87,000 by 2054; that projection is not a measure of the resource’s likely effect.

Source: Curtin University

Queensland lashed over Thriving Kids holdout, days out from launch

The ABC reports that Queensland remains the only state yet to formally sign up to Thriving Kids before its first phase begins on 1 October. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says families are losing time; the Queensland government says it fears gaps in support and inadequate long-term funding. The first phase centres on general information and parenting resources, with targeted services to follow.

Source: ABC News | Paywall: No ABC News

Focus On Ability Short Film Festival returns in October

ScreenHub reports that the festival’s 18th edition will hold its awards and screenings at The Concourse in Chatswood on 18 October. More than 280 films were submitted from 26 countries, including 62 school groups; finalists will tour for community screenings and receive an SBS broadcast on 3 December. The event is free but registration is required.

Source: ScreenHub | Paywall: No ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games