NDIS Reduces Funding for Music and Art Therapy
On Tuesday 26th November, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) released a statement indicating significant changes to its funding for music therapy and art therapy, drawing mixed reactions from service providers, therapists, and participants. The statement indicates that a new Operational Guideline relating to therapy supports was due to be released on 2 December, 2024 that clarifies changes to how NDIS participants will be able to access music and art therapy, however as at 3 December, 2024 this has yet to be released.
PLEASE SEE OUR UPDATE FROM DECEMBER 17, 2024: NDIA backflips on changes to Music and Art Therapy Functing.
Key Changes
The NDIA has indicated that both music and art therapy will be removed from therapeutic support and now be accessible from the Core support category instead. This change will also see a reduction in the service cost from $193.99 per hour to $67.56 per hour, except when conducted as a group of 4 participants, in which the rate of $193.99 will be available.
Rationale for the Decision
The NDIA’s decision aligns with broader efforts to optimise the allocation of NDIS resources by prioritising therapies that demonstrate measurable impacts on participants’ functional outcomes. The NDIA has stated that this adjustment is part of a continued push toward ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the scheme, which has been under financial pressure in recent years.
A spokesperson for the NDIA explained that while music and art therapy provide significant benefits, these interventions are generally more difficult to quantify in terms of specific functional gains. The agency emphasised that NDIS participants with more complex or individual needs will still have access to art and music therapy as a stated support if they are deemed clinically appropriate.
The NDIA have stated that “while art and music therapy remain permissible, they do not meet the evidentiary standards required to be classified as a ‘therapy’ under the definition of NDIS supports.”
The allowable NDIS 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, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community living. This includes an assessment by health professionals for support planning and review as required.
Impact on Participants and Service Providers
The reduction in funding for these therapies has raised concerns within the disability sector. Music and art therapists, along with disability advocates, argue that creative therapies provide vital support for individuals with complex needs, particularly those with limited verbal communication skills, such as in autism spectrum disorder. These therapies, they contend, offer non-verbal forms of expression that foster emotional regulation, improve social interaction, and enhance overall well-being.
The significant change in the cost model for music and art therapy will result in some service providers no longer offering these services, leaving a big question as to what the impact will be on the ability of NDIS participants to access these supports in future.
Looking Ahead
The NDIA have indicated that they understand that the evidence base in relation to art and music therapy is continuing to be developed, as it relates to disability-related support, and that in recognition of this, they will refer both music and art therapy to be assessed by the soon to be formed NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC). The NDIA is currently recruiting to the EAC committee for its 2025 start.
You’re welcome to contact our friendly team with any questions on (02) 8355 9348, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
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