National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's support system for people with permanent and significant disability. If your child has communication or swallowing difficulties linked to a disability, NDIS funding can cover specialist speech pathology services to help them develop clearer speech, stronger language skills, and greater confidence in everyday situations.
Did you know? Many children with speech delays qualify for NDIS Early Intervention funding (ages 0–7) even without a formal diagnosis. Early support can lead to significant breakthroughs.
NDIS Speech Therapy Overview
What Does NDIS Speech Pathology Cover?
✔ Assessment & Diagnosis: Comprehensive evaluation of speech, language, and swallowing difficulties
✔ One-to-One Therapy Sessions: Regular sessions tailored to your child's goals and disability needs
✔ Alternative Communication Support (AAC): Speech-generating devices, communication boards, and other assistive technology
✔ Parent & Caregiver Training: Practical strategies to support speech development at home and in the community
✔ Progress Reviews: Regular assessments to track outcomes and ensure funding is used effectively
Who is Eligible for NDIS Speech Pathology Funding?
​Beyond basic eligibility, your child may qualify for speech pathology funding if:
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​They have a permanent impairment (physical, cognitive, neurological, or developmental)
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Communication or swallowing difficulties significantly affect daily life (school, friendships, learning, independence)
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Speech therapy is "reasonable and necessary" to help achieve their NDIS plan goals
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An assessment by a qualified professional (speech pathologist, GP, paediatrician) recommends ongoing support
Common Conditions Covered by NDIS Speech Pathology
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Cerebral Palsy
Speech Sound Disorders (articulation, phonology)
Language Disorder or Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Apraxia of Speech
Feeding and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Selective Mutism
Acquired Brain Injury or Stroke
Down Syndrome
Childhood Apraxia
How to Apply for NDIS Speech Pathology Funding
Step 1
Check Eligibility
Use the official NDIS website eligibility checklist to confirm your child meets basic criteria. Speak to your child's GP, paediatrician, or a speech pathologist for guidance on disability and speech pathology needs.
Step 2
Gather Supporting Documentation​​
Collect evidence that demonstrates your child's disability and communication needs. Required documents include:
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Speech Pathology Assessment Report: A professional assessment explaining specific communication difficulties and why therapy is needed
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Medical Reports: Letters from GP, paediatrician, or specialist confirming diagnosis and long-term impact
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School or Educator Feedback: Reports from teachers or early childhood educators about speech and language concerns
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Functional Assessments: Information showing how communication difficulties affect daily activities (school, play, independence)
Step 3
Submit Your Access Request
Complete the NDIS Access Request Form with all supporting documentation. You can submit online, by post, or in person at your Local Area Coordinator (LAC). The NDIS team will contact you to discuss your request and may ask follow-up questions.
Step 4
NDIS Decision
The NDIS reviews your application (typically within 3–6 weeks) and makes an eligibility decision. If approved, you'll move to planning. If not approved, you can request a review or reconsideration.
Step 5
Develop Your NDIS Plan
If approved, you'll meet with an NDIS planner to create your personalised plan. This includes specific goals, supports needed, and funding allocated for speech pathology under your Capacity Building budget.
Step 6
Choose Your Plan Management Method
Decide how you want to manage your funding: Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, or Agency-Managed. This affects which speech pathologists you can see and how invoicing works.
Step 7
Book Your Speech Pathology Assessment
Contact a speech pathologist experienced with NDIS to schedule an initial consultation. Discuss your child's goals, how sessions will be delivered, and how therapy aligns with your NDIS plan objectives.
Step 8
Begin Therapy & Track Progress
Start regular sessions and work with your speech pathologist on home practice strategies. Keep track of progress for your next plan review (typically every 12 months).
​NDIS Plan Management Options for Speech Pathology
Once you have an approved NDIS plan with speech pathology funding, you need to choose how to manage that funding. This decision affects which providers you can see and how payments are processed:
Self-Managed Funding
You manage: Payments, invoices, and provider selection.
Provider flexibility: You can see ANY qualified speech pathologist (NDIS-registered or not).
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Maximum flexibility in choosing providers
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Direct relationship with your speech pathologist
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You receive invoices and submit them to NDIS for reimbursement
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Requires more administrative responsibility
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Best for: Parents comfortable managing paperwork and invoicing
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Plan-Managed Funding
Who manages: A Plan Manager (third-party organisation) handles payments on your behalf.
Provider flexibility: You can see ANY qualified speech pathologist (NDIS-registered or not).
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Reduced administrative burden, Plan Manager handles invoicing
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Flexibility to choose unregistered providers like Speak Wonders
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Plan Manager ensures compliance with NDIS rules
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Typically costs 5–7% of funding for management fees
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Best for: Parents who want support and flexibility with providers
Agency-Managed (NDIA-Managed) Funding
Who manages: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly manages and pays providers.
Provider limitation: You must use NDIS-registered providers only.
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Most hands-off for families, NDIA handles everything
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Limited to registered NDIS speech pathology providers
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No management fees
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Less flexibility in provider selection
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Best for: Families preferring minimal administration
Why Choose Speak Wonders for NDIS Speech Pathology?
