Using the NDIS at Optimum Movement Centre

This means some NDIS participants may be able to use their NDIS funding for suitable exercise physiology and physical wellbeing supports, depending on their individual plan, goals and funding arrangements.

This information sheet explains how the NDIS works, who may be eligible, how to apply, and how OMC may be able to support you if you already have an NDIS plan.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, often called the NDIS, provides funding to eligible people with disability so they can access supports that help them build skills, increase independence and participate more fully in everyday life. To join the NDIS, a person needs to meet access requirements relating to age, residency and disability or early intervention needs.

The NDIS is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency, also known as the NDIA.

NDIS funding is not automatic for every service or activity. Supports must be related to the participant’s disability, goals and plan.

Who Can Apply for the NDIS?

To access the NDIS, you generally need to meet requirements in the following areas:

Age

You must usually be under 65 years of age when you apply.

Residency

You must live in Australia and meet the NDIS residency requirements.

Disability or Early Intervention Needs

You may be eligible if you have a permanent impairment that substantially affects your ability to take part in everyday activities, or if you meet the early intervention requirements.

The NDIS will assess your individual situation based on the information and evidence you provide.

How Can Exercise Physiology Fit Into the NDIS?

Exercise physiology may be funded under the NDIS when it is linked to a participant’s disability-related needs, functional capacity, goals and plan.

The NDIS describes therapy supports as supports that can help improve skills and independence with everyday activities. Therapy supports may also help maintain a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks or prevent their functional capacity from getting worse.

Exercise physiology may be relevant for goals such as:

Improving strength, balance, mobility or coordination
Improving confidence with movement
Supporting safe physical activity
Building independence with daily tasks

Improving functional capacity
Supporting participation in community, work, school or home activities
Helping manage the impact of a disability through structured exercise and movement support

The NDIS provider finder includes “Exercise Physiology and Physical Wellbeing activities” as a provider category.

Why OMC Is Different

OMC is different from a general gym, fitness class or personal training service because OMC has a qualified Exercise Physiologist who is a registered NDIS provider.

An Exercise Physiologist can provide more clinical and disability-focused support than a standard fitness program. This may include:

Assessment of your current movement, strength, function and goals
An individualised exercise or movement program
Supervised sessions
Progress tracking

Communication with plan managers, support coordinators or other health professionals where appropriate
Reports or supporting information where required
Support that is connected to your NDIS goals

Because OMC is a registered NDIS provider, this may also make it easier for participants whose funding is NDIA-managed, also called agency-managed, to access suitable services through OMC.

Can I Use My NDIS Funding at OMC?

This depends on your individual NDIS plan, goals, funding categories and how your plan is managed.

The NDIS says supports must meet reasonable and necessary criteria before they can be funded in a participant’s plan.

In general, the support should:

Relate to your disability
Help you work towards your NDIS goals
Be value for money

Be likely to be effective and beneficial
Be an appropriate NDIS support
Not be something that should be funded by another system

OMC cannot guarantee that your NDIS funding can be used for exercise physiology or movement support. However, because OMC has a qualified Exercise Physiologist and is a registered NDIS provider, we can help you understand what information may be needed and how our services may fit with your plan.

How NDIS Funding Can Be Managed

If you receive an NDIS plan, your funding may be managed in one of three ways. The NDIS lists these options as self-management, plan management and NDIA-management.

Self-Managed

You manage your own NDIS funding and pay providers directly. This can give you more flexibility, but you are responsible for keeping records and making sure the support is allowed under your plan.

Plan-Managed

A registered plan manager manages your NDIS funding, pays invoices and helps with record keeping.

NDIA-Managed or Agency-Managed

The NDIA manages the funding and pays registered NDIS providers directly. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you usually need to use registered providers for relevant supports.

Because OMC is a registered NDIS provider, we may be able to support participants across different funding management types, depending on the participant’s plan.

If You Already Have an NDIS Plan

If you already have an NDIS plan and would like to use OMC, the best first step is to check your plan and speak with your support coordinator, plan manager, local area coordinator or NDIA contact.

You should check:

Whether your plan includes funding for exercise physiology, therapy supports, improved daily living, improved health and wellbeing, or similar supports
Whether your goals relate to movement, function, independence, health, confidence or community participation
Whether your funding is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed

Whether OMC can invoice your plan manager or the NDIA directly
Whether you need a service agreement
Whether any reports or progress notes are required

You can then contact OMC and we can discuss your goals, your plan requirements and the best way to get started.

If You Do Not Have an NDIS Plan Yet

If you do not currently have an NDIS plan, you will need to apply through the NDIS.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Start by checking whether you may meet the NDIS access requirements. These include age, residency and disability or early intervention requirements.

Step 2: Contact an NDIS Partner or the NDIS

The NDIS recommends connecting with an NDIS partner, such as a local area coordinator or early childhood partner, to help understand the application process.

You can also contact the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence

You will usually need supporting evidence from treating health professionals. This may include reports or letters from your doctor, specialist, psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or other relevant health professionals.

The evidence should explain your disability or impairment, how it affects your daily life, whether it is permanent or likely to be permanent, and what supports you need.

Step 4: Complete an Access Request Form

The Access Request Form is used to gather information to apply for the NDIS. It asks questions about you, your disability and your situation.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Your application can be submitted through the NDIS process, with help from an NDIS partner if required. The NDIS application process includes connecting with a partner, gathering evidence, completing the application, submitting it and waiting for a decision.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

The NDIA will review your application and let you know whether you meet the access requirements.

If you are not accepted, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed.

How OMC May Be Able to Help

OMC may be able to assist NDIS participants with:

Exercise physiology assessments
Individualised exercise programs
Supervised exercise physiology sessions
Strength, mobility, balance and functional movement support

Disability-related physical wellbeing goals
Progress notes or reports where appropriate
Service agreements where required
Invoices for self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed participants, depending on the plan and service type

Questions to Ask Before Starting

Before starting at OMC, it may help to ask your support coordinator, plan manager or NDIS contact:

Does my plan include funding for exercise physiology?
Which budget category should this come from?
Are my goals suitable for exercise physiology or physical wellbeing support?
Can I use a registered NDIS provider such as OMC?

Do I need a service agreement?
Can OMC invoice my plan manager or the NDIA directly?
Do I need a referral from my doctor or another health professional?
Will progress reports be required?

Important Note

This information is general only. OMC cannot decide whether you are eligible for the NDIS and cannot guarantee that NDIS funding can be used for every service.

NDIS decisions are based on your individual circumstances, evidence, goals, plan and funding arrangements.

Please speak with the NDIS, your local area coordinator, support coordinator, plan manager or treating health professional for advice about your situation.

Ready to Find Out More?

Contact OMC and we can discuss your goals, your plan requirements and the best way to get started.

Book Your Free Sessions

Book a complimentary introductory private lesson today

Please select when you would like to be contacted and the best method to contact you by