Pathways To Care

29/01/2026

NEW podcast alert! The DSC team have launched Frontline, a podcast for NDIS workers who want to strengthen their skills and deliver truly person-centred support.

In the first episode, host Sara Gingold speaks with people with disability about what person-centred support really looks like in practice, and how services can be tailored to each individual. It’s a practical, insightful listen for anyone working in the NDIS.

Find it here ➡️ teamdsc.com.au/podcasts/frontline-episode-1

27/01/2026

With extreme heat expected for several days this week, it’s important to be prepared. Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older people, children, people with disability, and people with health conditions.

The Australian Red Cross has helpful information on how to prepare for a heatwave, what to do during one, and where to get help. You can find their tips and links to state and territory health services here: https://bit.ly/4fmTc9o

23/01/2026

Plan Managers are governed by strict NDIA rules and oversight by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This means they often need extra detail or confirmation from NDIS planners or my NDIS contacts before paying invoices. While this can sometimes feel frustrating, these checks exist to ensure funding is used correctly and participants are protected under the scheme.

20/01/2026

Everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach. Across Australia, many beaches now offer accessibility features such as beach matting, wheelchair access, accessible toilets and beach wheelchairs. A wonderful non-for-profit organisation, Accessible Beaches, has made it easier for everyone to find beaches that meet their access needs.

The Accessible Beaches website is simple to use. You can search by state or location to find nearby beaches, then click on each listing to see detailed information about what accessibility features are available. This includes parking, paths, beach matting, accessible amenities and whether beach wheelchairs are provided. The site helps you plan ahead so there are no surprises on the day.

Access to the beach isn’t a luxury, it’s something everyone deserves. Thanks to Accessible Beaches Australia, families, carers and people with disability can make informed choices and enjoy time by the ocean with confidence. If you or someone you care for loves the beach, this is a fantastic resource worth sharing.

16/01/2026

The NDIA has shared more information about new framework plans. An announcement made in December confirmed these plans will begin rolling out from mid-2026, using a phased approach.

Framework plans introduce a new planning process. This process is designed to improve consistency and place a stronger focus on a person’s disability support needs, rather than functional impairment alone.

14/01/2026

With changes introduced in October last year, to Short Term Accommodation (now called Short Term Respite), participants generally can’t use this support in a different state or territory to where they live. There are limited exceptions, for example, participants who live close to a state border.

This clarification from the NDIA is part of a broader effort to establish clearer rules for Short Term Respite. The focus is on reinforcing that this support is intended as respite, not accommodation for holidays.

We understand this can feel confusing and stressful. It’s important to be very careful when arranging Short Term Respite. This support must be appropriate for you and should be discussed with your planner or my NDIS contact, or specifically referenced in your plan as a support you can use your funding for.

Short Term Respite can be a high-cost support. Before engaging with this support, it’s strongly recommended that you confirm that using your funding this way aligns with the intent of your plan. Where Short Term Respite has been used without this confirmation, we have unfortunately seen large invoices declined by the NDIA.

08/01/2026

Today, we say thank you and farewell to James, aka Jimmy/Jim.

Jimmy started with Pathways to Care back in 2015, when Ros and Jane were running training programs designed to support people with disabilities gain employment. Over the past ten years, Jim has held many roles, including administrative support, plan management, leadership in our intake and customer service teams, and marketing and business development. Throughout, Jim has shown his passion for empowering participants through his extensive NDIS knowledge, while demonstrating compassion and care.

We couldn’t be more excited about Jim’s next step into education. He has an innate ability to talk to anyone, bringing joy and positive energy wherever he goes. The team will miss him dearly; however, we know his future students are so lucky to have him.

Thanks, Jim!

30/12/2025

THANK YOU, JANE!

Last week, we celebrated our one and only Jane, who finishes up at Pathways tomorrow. Jane, our former Director, alongside Ros, has dedicated the past 11 years to ensuring the business delivers the highest level of support to people with disability.

From the early days of developing high-quality training materials, to providing Support Coordination for people on the NDIS, right through to ensuring Pathways operates at the highest level of NDIS compliance across all areas of the business. Jane’s work ethic, attention to detail, calm leadership and unwavering commitment to quality support are key reasons Pathways to Care is what it is today.

At her farewell dinner, Jane shared that she is most proud of the team, the shared knowledge, and the way we have supported our NDIS participants over the past eight years. While we are incredibly sad to see Jane go, we are equally excited for what lies ahead for her. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you and good luck, whoever your next employer is, they will be incredibly lucky to have you.

17/12/2025

Breaking news from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission!

Mandatory registration for supported independent living (SIL) and platform providers will start on 1 July 2026.

This change will strengthen oversight and ensure providers are accountable for meeting quality and safety standards. Registered providers must pass audits, suitability assessments, and comply with strict worker screening and incident reporting requirements.

This announcement follows extensive consultation and aligns with recommendations from the NDIS Review, Disability Royal Commission, NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce, and the NDIS Commission’s Own Motion Inquiries.

We will share guidance on transition arrangements in early 2026, giving providers time to prepare while maintaining continuity of support.

See the link to the media release in the comments.

17/12/2025

The NDIA has released an important update about funding periods. In the latest Your Plan OG, a key paragraph about overspending funding periods has been removed. We are already seeing an increase in claims being rejected by the NDIA because of this change.

This affects all participants who have funding periods in their plan. If a service is delivered in a funding period that has no money left, the NDIA will not pay the invoice. Funding periods are designed to help spread funding across the plan and support participants to stay within their budget. This update means it is now more important than ever to manage spending carefully.

There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid unpaid invoices:
What Participants can do:
• Ensure you have service agreements with all your providers.
• Check your budgets often using our plan management app, the my NDIS portal, or by contacting us.
• Reach out to your providers if funding is being used faster than expected.
• If you have a Support Coordinator, they should be helping you monitor this.

What Providers can do:
• Make sure all participants have clear service agreements outlining allocated funding and frequency of supports.
• Keep an open dialogue with your participants around their budget when funding periods are in place.

We understand this update may be frustrating, but being aware of it is essential.

02/12/2025

Today we acknowledge International Day of People with Disability and this year’s theme, “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. An inclusive society is one where everyone feels valued and able to take part in their community. When we design systems, services and attitudes that include people of all abilities, we create stronger, healthier and more connected communities.

While today is an important moment for reflection and celebration, it should not be the only day we hold these conversations. Inclusion should guide the way we think, plan and act every day. Positive change happens when we continue to learn from the disability community and recognise the skills, strengths and contributions that enrich our workplaces, communities and relationships.

International Day of People with Disability gives us the chance to focus on the disability community and to amplify their voices, achievements and leadership. By committing to inclusion every day of the year, we help build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

02/12/2025

We’re excited to share the final total, our first-ever Pathways to Care Charity Golf Day has raised $11,285.36 for the Australian Sliders!

A huge thank you to all our sponsors who backed the event so generously. Your support made the day possible, and we’re truly grateful.

The event itself was a fantastic success, with 16 teams hitting the course to compete. Many participants travelled hours to be part of the day, bringing an amazing energy with them. Even a quick 10-minute burst of wild weather couldn’t dampen spirits, DJ Vinnie Mammoliti kept the party hole pumping and the good vibes rolling across the course.

While the Golf Day may be over, our support for the Australian Sliders is far from finished. We’ll be cheering them on as they train and prepare for Finland next year. They still need all the help they can get, so please keep sharing their story.

GO SLIDERS!

Donate here - https://bit.ly/4pM5dLj

Australian Powerchair Hockey Association - NSW Inc.
Kieser Australia
NeuroSpine Vic
Bendigo District RSL
Victorian Specialist Support Services
Empowered Liveability
AceComms
KFC Bendigo
2easy Cleaning & Gardening Bendigo
One Community
Country Care Group
The Foundry Hotel & Mister Bobs Sports Bar
Surgical House
Elegant Living Furniture & Bedding
able.plus
More Opportunities
IMS Support Services
Jenna Hunter - Golf Professional
100 Mile Foodie
Dan Murphy’s Bendigo
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