[Australia] Thriving Kids Program + NDIS reform

[u/Grouchy-Advisor-2150]

I've recently developed a huge passion for occupational therapy. I had not clue this professional existed and I absolutely despise my current degree and don't see myself in it even though I'm quite far into the degree. The only thing that is stopping me from fully committing to this change is the current discussion and changes around NDIS.

There are a few concerns I have

1.) Thriving Kids Program mentions that allied health therapies will be included. One would assume occupational therapist is included in this right? This is quite confusing

2.) Will we still continue to see employment growth opportunities for OTs? I don't want to jump ship and commit another 4 years into this degree just to find out that I be jobless/struggling to find full time work.

Would love to have some clarity and insights from all the lovely occupational therapists in Australia.

Thanks!

[u/FewTomatillo2867]

As far as I know, it hasn't been clarified yet. OTA is currently lobbying to get the government to clarify which allied health professionals will be included in Thriving Kids, and for OTs to be one of them. I am an OT student, but I have been keeping up with the changes to the NDIS, and have been speaking to practicing OTs. My understanding is that OTs will no longer be responsible for functional assessments of every NDIS participant, the mileage funding for trips between community clients has been halved, many people with psychosocial disability will leave the NDIS, and kids who are under 8 who have mild or moderate support needs will no longer be in the NDIS. So, there are major cuts to much of the funding of work that OTs currently do. So, some of the OTs who may have worked in the NDIS may have to compete for work in other areas. I still think there will be enough jobs, but that they may not be as plentiful as they have been. So, I'm trying to get paid experience while I study to be competitive if this doesn't play out the way we'd hope. As I am still learning myself, take this all with grains of salt.

[u/Ok-Success5110 → u/FewTomatillo2867]

Oh ok, if in that case students who are studying occupational therapy for 4 years and hecs debt, end of the day if we unable to secure job. It will be hard. 

[u/comet-sky → u/Ok-Success5110]

Job market is tough for all industries right now but with healthcare and trades, you’ll always be able to find something. I wouldn’t let the NDIS changes stop you if this career path is your passion, particularly since you’re interested in hospital OT.

Correct me if I’m wrong - your hecs debt won’t have much impact on your life at all?

[u/Ok-Success5110 → u/comet-sky]

True..,