PACE is a new computer system that will be gradually implemented over the next 18 months. It will be better designed to monitor and analyse data. It has also been designed to be easier to change when changes are made to the NDIS. First they will use it with new participants and those who are being reasssessed. Then they will gradually introduce it with everyone.

The biggest difference is that it is designed for bulk uploads and because of this there may be changes to what is entered eg. plan managers will need to have the correct item number on invoices. Also providers will be paid more quickly if you call them “My provider” - if not the NDIA may check with you each time. Plans may now be for up to 5 years - with a “check in” each year. Sometimes the money will be just released 3 months at a time. The categories are changing too.

There are so many changes that they are hoping to roll out during the next 5 years. My guess is that it will take longer than that!! First the states need to set up Foundation supports within schools and preschools and??? for early intervention for children. To do this there is a funding agreement where the states will get more money from the Federal government. Also navigators will replace Support Coordinators and navigators will be available for everyone not just specific people. They also want to have all providers registered or at least enrolled and they no longer want to have plan managers (I’m not sure what they will do instead??). Here is a bit more info from the NDIS.

The Disability Royal Commission also completed it’s submission this year and recommended more money go into inclusion ie. more money going into making schools and preschools more inclusive - my guess is that this will mean that within the next 5 years there will be more therapists available in schools, childcare and preschools - so things like handwriting and emotional regulation will be worked on within the school context. This will mean that NDIS funding will be mainly relevant for home life and community participation. They are talking about bringing in some sort of standardised assessment to help allocate funds but my guess is that that they will have to set up the Foundation supports first. So I think if we continue to have evidence supporting the benefits of OT there will little change for now.

I think it was just confusing that there was an NDIS review happening and so having plan reviews seemed to be the wrong word. They also wanted to reduce the amount of money being spent on writing reports each year. Therefore, they decided to just have a “re-assessment” when it is necessary - and otherwise just continue the money - sometimes this will be released every 3 months now rather than yearly. For more information see the NDIS website.