Pilates and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, where do we fit?
As specialised Pilates teachers, yes we are currently eligible to take on clients under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, it can be a bit tricky navigating through the information and working out our obligations and requirements, and how we can promote our services to NDIS clients in the correct way.
Below is a basic information guideline and links for specialised Pilates teachers, where they fit into the current NDIS and how they can reach clients under this scheme.
It is important to remember that with a recent significant reduction in funding, the NDIS may be required to change its processes. Whilst the APMA will do their best to keep you updated, we highly recommend checking the NDIS website or calling their hotline (1800 800 110) for up-to-date information.
Prepared by APMA Advocacy Sub-Committee
What is the NDIS?
NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This is a national Australian scheme that can provide necessary funding to people with a permanent and significant disability so they can access the supports and services they need to live and enjoy their life. Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their desired outcomes, the supports they will use and the funding they have received. Providers are one of the main contact points for NDIS participants. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis
I am a Specialised Pilates teacher; can I take on NDIS clients?
Yes, but under certain conditions.
Please read the text below for more information.
Do I need to register as an NDIS provider to be eligible for NDIS clients?
No, however there will be some limitations to the clients you are able to take on depending on what plan they are on.
Please read the text below for more information.
What are NDIS Providers?
Providers are an important part of the NDIS, delivering supports and services that help participants pursue their goals.
The good news is as specialised Pilates teachers we do not have to officially ‘register’ as an NDIS provider, which is an extensive and potentially expensive process.
This does mean that there are some limits to the types of NDIS clients we are eligible to take on.
Understanding the Different Categories of NDIS Providers:
Registered
A provider only needs to be NDIS registered if they wish to provide services for those participants that have their funds as Agency Managed - where a plan is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Under this program the NDIA manage book-keeping records of the client. The NDIS deals directly with providers to pay them for the support provided, cannot use unregistered providers.
Un-registered
A provider can choose to be unregistered under the other two (2) types of funding schemes which are:
Plan Managed – Under this fund providers do not have to be NDIS registered, but they still have to adhere to the NDIS price limits and code of conduct.
Self Managed – Under this fund providers still have to adhere to the code of conduct but are not restricted by the price caps.
‘Unregistered’ plans (the above two outlined) allow the participants to exercise their choice and control in choosing the provider they want - regardless of registration. However, the provider is required to have the relevant qualifications.
NDIS Jargon explained:
What’s The Difference Between the NDIS Commission, The NDIS and the NDIA?
|
Who? |
NDIS Commission |
NDIS |
NDIA |
|
What? |
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services |
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national scheme, governed by the NDIS Act 2013. |
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the Commonwealth agency responsible with delivering the NDIS. |
Are There Caps on Fees That The NDIS Will Support?
Yes, there may be pricing caps for Pilates services. This link further outlines pricing caps for NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements
Who Do NDIS Providers Work With?
Plan managers and support coordinators. Plan managers and support coordinators create and manage connections between NDIS participants and supports, offering participants self-direction, choice and value.
Plan managers. Participants can choose to have a registered plan management provider to manage their funding and budget for the supports in their plan.
Support coordinators. Support coordinators help participants to implement supports in their plan, including informal, government services, community activities and funded supports.
What Services or Supports Can Be Delivered Under the NDIS?
Participants receive funding in their plans to access ‘reasonable and necessary’ services and supports to help pursue their goals. These supports fall into 15 categories aligned with their purpose. Improved Health and Wellbeing is number 12 and would be where Pilates studio private 1:1 or semi-private sessions fall under. The NDIS does not pay for gym memberships.
What The NDIS Does Not Support
The NDIS Act and the NDIS Rules state which supports are not funded by the NDIS.
A support will not be funded if it:
Is not related to the participant’s disability.
Is the same as other supports delivered under different funding through the NDIS
Relates to day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participant’s support needs.
Is likely to cause harm to the participant or pose a risk to others.
Can be more appropriately or effectively delivered by another system, such as health or education.
How Can You Let Your Client’s Know That You Support the NDIS?
Most importantly, wording has to be carefully thought out.
If you are an un-registered NDIS provider there are legal restrictions on wording and the use of their logo is not allowed. However, there are still ways to promote your specialised Pilates services as available to NDIS clients. Include appropriate wording on your website or through social media such as:
“We welcome NDIS clients for those that are registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme”.
If you are a registered NDIS provider then you will have additional rights, such as displaying the NDIS logo and stating yourself as a ‘registered NDIS provider.
The following link outlines what is required to become a Registered NDIS Provider https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider
Legal Responsibilities of NDIS Providers
Before taking on NDIS clients it is important to understand the legal ramifications and your responsibilities such as pricing, invoicing and reporting. For more information visit ‘Your legal requirements’ on the NDIS website.
Sources:
National Disability Insurance Scheme, https://www.ndis.gov.au/, {accessed 4 July 2021}
Glenray Industries, Bathurst, NDIS Partner, 2021