11/09/2025 NDIS Update: Art and Music Therapy to Continue After Independent Review
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recently conducted a significant review of the future of art and music therapy and supported it under its structure. This NDIS update confirms that this therapy will be available to participants, which emphasises the commitment to diverse, individually focused support from NDIS. The independent review led by Professor Peter Docket conducted careful tests of evidence and stakeholder reaction to guide decisions about these creative treatments and access.
What is the NDIS, and Why This NDIS Update Matters?
If you are wondering what NDIS is, it is Australia’s national program to provide funding and help people who live with disabilities. The purpose of this scheme is to help the participants and control the support they need to fulfil their lives.
NDIS’s latest news often focuses on changes or NDIS updates that support therapy and participating experiences. This recent announcement of arts and music therapy is especially important for many participants to use this support to improve mental health, social relationships and quality of life.
If you’re looking for support in managing your plan, My Mobile Plan Manager can guide you through NDIS budgets, therapy inclusions, and support coordination.
Highlights from the Independent Review
The independent report evaluated how art and music therapy benefit individuals and whether they should continue as funded supports within the NDIS. Key points from the review include:
- Strong evidence that art and music therapy can improve emotional well-being and social participation.
- Recognition that these therapies are especially valuable for certain participants, including those with psychosocial disability.
- Confirmation that therapy providers need clear guidelines and quality assurance within the NDIS framework.
- Recommendations on how to better integrate creative therapies with broader NDIS supports.
The review recommended setting a national price limit for these therapies at $70.23 per hour for participant-funded supports. This limit aligns with the NDIS objective to manage taxpayer funds responsibly while ensuring access to quality therapies.
Additionally, core support funding may cover assistance required to participate in art or music activities, but the cost of the activities themselves is not covered under core support.
Practical Implications for NDIS Participants and Providers
The confirmation to continue funding art and music therapy supports means participants can keep using these therapies if they align with their individual goals and NDIS plans. For those working with an NDIS support coordinator or a disability support worker, NDIS-funded, this NDIS update informs how therapy options can be planned and coordinated.
Some useful points to note:
- Participants should ensure their NDIS plans include appropriate goals to access art and music therapy funding.
- Service providers must meet qualification and registration standards to deliver funded therapy.
- Transparent NDIS service agreement arrangements should reflect updated pricing and therapy delivery guidelines.
- Participants should be supported to make informed choices about whether these therapies are right for them.
Why Art and Music Therapy Matter in Disability Supports
In addition to physical or practical help, NDIS accepts an important role of creative means in promoting emotional expression, reducing anxiety and improving social skills. Art and music can do:
- Provide a safe outlet for participants to express feelings and experiences.
- Increase cognitive function and concentration.
- Develop social contact and communication skills.
- To promote a sense of achievement and confidence.
These benefits emphasise why NDIS supports these treatments and strengthens a holistic approach to disability.
What the Future Holds for NDIS Supports
If you are new to NDIS or support those who are, the NDIS orientation module can provide valuable insight into the plan structure, funding and available support, including therapy such as art and music therapy. The Government and NDIS planners will continue to monitor efficiency and demand for various supports, including art and music therapy. When new evidence emerges and the participant is required, such NDIS updates ensure that the plan is adapted to responsibility.
For participants, providers, and coordinators, this means staying informed through official NDIS news channels, participating in reviews when invited, and advocating for supports that best meet individual goals.
Continuing the Journey with NDIS Update and Supports
This latest NDIS update confirms that art and music therapy support will continue under the plan following a strong independent review process. These therapies play an important role in many participants and match the NDIS goal for individual, flexible support.
Keeping the latest news about NDIS is important for participants and support workers equally to make informed decisions within their service agreements, prevent abuse of funds and maximise the benefits from the entire series with NDIS support.
For personalised support, feel free to contact a plan management service or reach out to disability support providers.