NDSP Plan Managers

23/02/2026

Every Paralympic athlete has a story, and behind that story is a cheer squad 📣

Family who show up. Friends who encourage. Support workers who make the logistics possible. Coaches who believe. Communities that open doors.

Getting involved in sport (or any community activity) doesn’t happen alone, it’s a team effort and every role matters. So here’s to the people who make participation possible 🙌

Let us know, who’s been your biggest supporter?



[Image description: Iti the rhino in a purple shirt holding a cardboard sign that says 'Thank you cheer squad!' against a red orange background with purple star shapes.]

18/02/2026

Applying to the NDIS can feel like a maze, but not the fun kind 🙅 Who can apply? What evidence? Which form? Why so many acronyms?

We’ve pulled together a quick guide that helps makes sense of it all. If you’re about to dive into an application (or helping someone else who is), give it a read👇

https://ndsp.com.au/blog/ndis-news/how-to-apply-for-ndis-funding/

Learn how to apply for NDIS funding as a person living with disability or for your loved one, including NDIS eligibility and what evidence to supply.

17/02/2026

Beach safety is such a big deal for us Aussies, and seeing kids pull on their own red and yellow cap is pretty special 🌟

Now there's a program specifically for kids with disability to learn real surf life saving skills in a way that works for them, and the Starfish Nippers have been absolutely thriving! Real little legends in the making.

It's only running at a handful of Victorian surf life saving clubs so far… but imagine this popping up on beaches all around Australia 🌊💛❤️

Read the full story here 👉 https://ow.ly/Xlog50YgRcc

At this popular Victorian beach, children who once may not have gone more than ankle-deep in the surf are swimming past the break.

16/02/2026

Big dreams start with small steps… and a little support along the way 🤝

With the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games just around the corner, we love being reminded that participation isn’t only about the elite athletes - it’s about everyday Aussies finding ways to join in, whether it’s sport, art, or community activities.

Did you know your NDIS plan can help make that happen? Here are a few ways it might support your journey:

- Community participation funding – for activities that build confidence and connection
- Assistive technology – for disability specific gear you need to take part
- Support coordination – to help connect you to local programs and opportunities
- Plan management – so you can focus on the fun, not the paperwork

It’s all about making participation simple and enjoyable 💜

We'd love to know how your NDIS plan has supported you in sport or other activities, hit reply and tell us about it below!



[Image description: A young lady with blonde hair preparing to shoot a basketball indoors, text reads, "Ready to play? Your NDIS plan can help!"]

13/02/2026

A good plan manager should make your life easier, so if yours isn't... it might be time to switch things up.

The good news is it's WAY easier than you think 🙌

Spot the red flags and learn the simple steps to make the change here in our latest blog 👉 https://ow.ly/FlBY50YeavP

12/02/2026

Hey friends, Iti the Rhino here, and guess what? The 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games is just around the corner! So there’s no better time to get inspired and start your own journey into Para sport.

We teamed up with Australian Paralympic Team to create a FREE e-book “Get Active, Stay Involved”. It’s packed with tips, athlete stories, and practical steps to help you take that first leap into sport and community activities.

Whether you’re cheering from the side lines or ready to join the action, this guide is your go-to resource.

Download your free copy today and kickstart your goals! 👉 https://ndsp.com.au/download-your-copy-of-get-active-stay-involved/

What sport would you love to try? Tell us below!

04/02/2026

Ever met a support worker who just gets it? ✨
That’s not luck, it’s about knowing what matters to you.

If you’re navigating support workers and want help choosing someone who feels right (and when you should trust your gut), our latest blog might be worth a read 👇

https://ow.ly/mNk350Y5M2t

Learn how to choose the right NDIS support worker for your needs, and how to build and maintain a great working relationship with your support team.

02/02/2026

🦏💜 Iti was in her element at Disability Sports Australia’s The Hills Abilities Unleashed Kids event back on International Day of People with Disability!

From high fives to showing off some very enthusiastic “sports skills,” our favourite rhino had an absolute blast with the NDSP team and all the incredible kids.

Access to sport means so much 🎾🏀🏏 like confidence, connection, as well as moments like these. We’re really proud to support DSA and the amazing work they do.

Hit play for pure joy 🎥🙌

29/01/2026

Welcome back to Ask Iti! 🦏 I’m here to clear the tall grass and tackle your latest NDIS question.

This week we have a question from S (which I'm going to assume stands for Savannah, my stomping ground 🌳):

🗨️ "Can I use a friend as a support person?"

Hey S, absolutely! Friends can be fantastic support people, they’re part of your herd after all.

But if you’re asking the NDIS to fund your friend as a paid support worker, that’s a different story.

The NDIA usually says “nope” to paying family members or close friends, because it can create a tricky jungle of issues and sometimes strain relationships. They want to make sure your choices and independence can roam free!

There are a few rare exceptions where the NDIA might fund a family member or friend, like:
- If there’s a risk of harm or neglect without them
- If cultural or religious reasons make it important
- If you have strong personal views about privacy or dignity

Even then, the NDIA will check if all other options have been tried first. So, while your friend can absolutely be by your side for informal or emotional support, funding them as a paid worker is only possible in special circumstances with NDIA approval first.

So stick with your herd for informal support, and only let them charge onto the payroll when it’s truly the last resort.

💜 Iti

✨ Got an NDIS question? Iti's got answers! Submit yours here 👉 https://ow.ly/upVJ50XBGcr

26/01/2026

It's Barbie's world, and were just living it (now that it's more inclusive, of course!) 💁‍♀️

The first autistic Barbie is here and we think it's so cool 🙌 Big yes to more representation in kids’ hands and more diversity on the shelf.

Read all about it here 👉 https://ow.ly/Mbsk50XX3Qe

Company says doll is the latest expansion of its commitment to representation and inclusion

22/01/2026

Attention parents with kids in the NDIS 👧👦 There are lots of different roles in the NDIS, but have you heard of a Key Worker?

🗝️ They’re your family’s main point of contact that coordinates supports, and delivers therapy as part of the Early Childhood Approach.

And, they can simplify your NDIS journey by making sure everyone in your child’s care team is working together towards common goals – making them a valuable player!

Here’s what to know about Key Workers to get the best out of this vital support 👉 https://ndsp.com.au/blog/ndis-news/what-is-a-ndis-key-worker/

Learn how NDIS key workers can help your child and family coordinate supports and navigate the complex NDIS system, to get the best care.

21/01/2026

Just a heads up mates, our office will be closed on Monday 26th January for the Australia Day public holiday.

If you need us, please get in touch today or tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll get back to you once we're back from the bush on Tuesday 🦘