Please note: The advice regarding art and music therapy has now changed. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the latest guidance.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to ensure participants have access to evidence-based, disability-related supports they require. Recent changes to legislation have introduced updated definitions of NDIS supports, clarifying what participants can and cannot use their funding for.

The Government engaged in community consultation on the legislative changes prior to their passage through Parliament and implementation on 3 October. As part of these changes, the NDIS Agency is updating its guidance to participants. A new Operational Guideline regarding therapy supports will be released on 2 December, outlining the following:

Access to Music and Art Therapy

• NDIS participants will continue to have access to music and art therapy.
• From 1 February 2025, how participants access these therapies will change. Participants can access these supports via their community participation budget in two ways:
  1. At a one-to-one rate of £67.56 per hour when delivered by a registered provider.
  2. At a group rate of £193.99 per hour when delivered to a minimum of four participants by a registered provider. This change aims to foster greater inclusion and community participation opportunities.

Participants and providers can maintain their current arrangements until 1 February 2025, when the updated price guide will come into effect.

Participants with art or music therapy explicitly stated in their plan—where it is deemed reasonable, necessary, and based on evidence specific to their circumstances—can continue accessing these supports at the higher rate.

Art and Music Therapy: Classification and Evidence Base

While art and music therapy remain permissible under the NDIS, they do not currently meet the evidentiary standards required to be classified as a ‘therapy’ under the scheme’s definition of supports.

The allowable NDIS supports list includes ‘evidence-based therapy to help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, psychosocial functioning, and community living. This also includes assessments by health professionals for support planning and review, as needed.’

Therapies such as psychology or occupational therapy are funded at higher rates compared to other activities, reflecting their strong evidence base.

The NDIA acknowledges that the evidence base for art and music therapy as disability-related supports is evolving. As such, these therapies are being referred to the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (NDIS EAC) for assessment.

The Role of the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee

The NDIS EAC was established following a key recommendation from the NDIS Review. Its primary role is to provide advice on the evidence base for therapeutic supports accessed through the NDIS. The committee aims to improve participant outcomes and ensure better value for money.

For further updates on NDIS-funded supports, stay informed by consulting official NDIS communications or contacting your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator.