myAutonomy

10/11/2025

Service agreements don’t just protect participants. For providers, they are more than just paperwork, they’re an essential step. They create transparency, safeguard your business, and strengthen the relationship with participants.

By clearly setting out what services will be delivered, who will deliver them, how often, and at what cost, you reduce the risk of confusion or disputes. Agreements also demonstrate professionalism and build trust, showing participants that you are committed to fairness and accountability.

From a compliance perspective, service agreements are critical. The NDIA increasingly asks for evidence before approving payments, and having agreements in place provides that documentation. This not only helps you get paid on time but also lowers the risk of payment delays or refusals.

24/10/2025

We finally have a new operational guideline for Short Term Accommodation, now renamed Short Term Respite (STR) following a terminology change.

The NDIA consulted with participants, families, and carers about this shift, and most agreed the new term better reflects what the support actually provides, time apart and assistance for both participants and their informal supports.

The new guideline is far more detailed, 16 pages compared to 7 previously but understanding what that detail means in practice is the real challenge. It’s clear the NDIA is tightening its focus on who can access Short Term Respite, with much greater detail around eligibility for both adults and children.

The change in terminology also reframes the intent of the support: STR is designed to give informal supports a break, not to serve as a “getaway” or chance to “try new things.”

We’re preparing a side-by-side comparison of the old and new guidelines, which will be shared soon in a comprehensive blog post breaking down the changes in plain language for participants and providers.

In the meantime, here’s a quick look at the key differences.

23/10/2025

LAST CHANCE TO BE IN THE ROOM!

The Australian Disability Service Awards are excited to welcome an incredible mix of organisations for to the night. From dedicated service providers to innovative solution partners, advocates, and community leaders, the night is about coming together to celebrate the impact we’re all making.

It’s not just an awards night, it’s a rare chance to connect, share stories, and spark collaborations that move our community forward. Don’t be the organisation that isn’t in the room, missing out!

🎟️ Tickets are almost gone, secure yours now and join in celebrating the heart of the sector. We’ll be there!

Find them here ➡️ https://adsa.onecommunity.net.au/

22/10/2025

The NDIA has released updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL), supporting documents, and a new operational guideline for therapy. Changes will be live on 24 November 2025.

Here’s what’s changing:
• Therapy: New operational guideline released.
• Art & Music Therapy: New price limit – $156.16/hour.
• Support Lists: Updated community participation descriptions.
• Supporting Documents: COVID Addendum removed; AT line item removed from Capacity Building.
• Travel: Modified Monash Model updated to 2023 version.
• SDA: Calculator indexed to align with Disability Support Pension.

17/10/2025

This week is National Carers Week, a time to say thank you to the millions of Australians caring for loved ones every day. Your support makes a world of difference.

Caring can also be exhausting, especially when you’re always putting others first. If you’re feeling run down, unmotivated, or disconnected, you might be experiencing burnout and that’s nothing to feel guilty about.
To protect your wellbeing:

• Schedule “you time”, even if it’s just 10 minutes
• Keep in touch with people who lift you up
• Get outside and move your body
• Ask for help before things feel too heavy

15/10/2025

⏰ Secure your tickets now!

The idea for the Australian Disability Service Awards came from One Community members who wanted a way to recognise and celebrate the great work happening across the industry. In response, the Awards were launched in 2021, bringing people from all over Australia together for one special event.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Awards. More than just a celebration, it’s a chance to connect, share, and strengthen the bonds that unite our sector.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this incredible night of recognition, networking, and community. There are only two days left to secure tickets at the regular rate!

Book now before prices increase: https://adsa.onecommunity.net.au/

23/09/2025

Whether you're a provider navigating support options or a participant seeking guidance, having the right contact details can make all the difference when you need help most.

Save these numbers:
> Providers: 1300 311 675
> Participants: 1800 800 110

The NDIS Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm (local time).

22/09/2025

After years of training and sacrifice, the Australian Sliders have earned their place on the world stage at the 2026 Powerchair Hockey World Championship. But without funding, some players may not get the chance to compete — not because of ability, but because of cost.

This team is self-funded, covering travel, accommodation, support people, specialised equipment, and tournament fees. It adds up to tens of thousands of dollars, with no government or major sponsor support.

Your donation can change that:
💛 $20 helps with training
💚 $50 goes toward equipment
💛 $100 brings the team one step closer to Finland

Every dollar fuels a dream. Together, we can send the Sliders to Finland and make history.

👉 Donate today: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/australian-powerchair-hockey-association-nsw-inc/help-the-australian-sliders-go-to-finland

19/09/2025

Have you heard of Kismet Help?

It’s a central hub designed to make navigating the NDIS simpler and more accessible.

- Clear, step-by-step guides
- Answers to common NDIS questions
- Resources for participants, providers, and support coordinators

Whether you’re managing your own plan, supporting a loved one, or working in the sector, the Kismet Help is there to make the NDIS easier to understand.

19/09/2025

Standing with Support Coordinators

Support Coordinators play a vital role in the NDIS, helping participants find the right supports, navigate the system, and achieve their goals. But after years of frozen rates, many providers are struggling, and skilled Support Coordinators are being forced out of the sector.

Disability Intermediaries Australia has launched a petition to Parliament, calling for urgent action to protect Support Coordination. With only 1 week left to reach 10,000 signatures, now is the time to act.

As a plan manager, we see every day the difference Support Coordinators make for participants. That’s why we’re encouraging our community to add their voice.

Petition closes: 26 September 2025
Sign and share today — every signature matters.

e-petitions

18/09/2025

We’re back with episode 5 of our Kismet x One Community webinar series for Support Coordinators, and this one’s all about AI!

💡 This session will show how Support Coordinators can use AI to cut through the busywork and stay focused on high-quality, human-centred support.

Hear from Jessica Timmins and Ben Armstrong, co-founders of , who’ve spent over a decade building disability tech and are passionate advocates for people with disability.

💬 Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Join our community!

Register here to attend: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0n2yG-0

17/09/2025

When we talk about autism, the words we choose matter. They shape how people see autism, and how autistic people feel understood.

You may hear terms like “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe.” While common, these words don’t always give the full picture. Autism isn’t about severity, it’s about how someone experiences the world, and the type of support that helps them thrive.

The latest version of the DSM-5 (the diagnostic guide used by clinicians) describes autism in terms of support needs:

Level 1: Requires some support
Level 2: Requires substantial support
Level 3: Requires very substantial support

These levels aren’t about being “more” or “less” autistic. They’re about recognising that support looks different for every person, and may change over time.

Clear, respectful language keeps the focus where it belongs, on understanding the individual, not on labels.