NDIS Services in Regional and Remote Areas

How to make the most of your NDIS plan in regional and remote areas, so that you are able to access the therapy you want and deserve.

While there is so much to love about rural living, there’s also a harder truth: NDIS participants in regional and remote areas are often faced with fewer providers, fewer support networks, and fewer options overall.

There might not be a network of mums or carers to turn to for support or advice. There might not be an allied health practitioner in town — or the closest one might be over an hour drive away. Their books could be closed. Or maybe they’re just not the right fit for you or your family.

We see the pressure regional families and carers are under — and it’s real. With the recent changes to funded travel under the NDIS, it’s only becoming more difficult for many families to get the support they need, when they need it.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers, and we may not always be able to provide support ourselves — but we do want to help. We’ve been thinking hard about this since these changes were announced, and have put together ideas and options that might help you make the most of your NDIS plan, stay connected, and look after your own wellbeing.

So What Are the Options?

1. Get Connected (Even When It Feels Hard)

   It’s not always easy, but don’t be afraid to reach out — whether that’s in your local Facebook group, a school noticeboard, or a community page. You might be surprised how many others are feeling the same way. Shared experiences can reduce isolation and create informal support networks.

   
   

2. Ask Around and Team Up

   If there are therapists or providers nearby who don’t currently come to your town, ask if they’d consider grouped travel. If there’s another family nearby who also needs support, the provider may be able to reduce travel costs by supporting multiple clients in one trip. It never hurts to ask — flexibility is often possible. If you’re not sure whether there is anyone else nearby who also needs support, consider reaching out to neighbourhood groups or making a post of Facebook to get expressions of interest.

   
   

3. Consider Telehealth (Even as a Short-Term Option)

   Telehealth isn’t the perfect fit for everyone — especially for younger children or hands-on therapy needs — but it can help bridge the gap until in-person services become available. Many providers offer flexible, engaging and person-centred telehealth sessions - if it's not a good fit for you or your family, you can always hold off on supports until you find the right person.

   
   

4. Use Allied Health Assistants or Community Supports

   If you have access to an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) or experienced support worker locally, they may be able to assist with the implementation of therapy plans developed by a psychologist, behaviour support practitioner, occupational therapist, physio, or speech pathologist via telehealth. This can help make support more accessible, consistent and cost effective.

   
   

5. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)

   If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, your local ACCHO or Aboriginal Medical Service may be able to support with allied health services, organising specialist supports, and supporting you to access culturally competent therapeutic care. Even if you’re not sure what’s available, have a yarn with the local clinic—they may know of travelling services or programs. You can find an ACCHO near you by searching locations here: www.naccho.org.au/locations/

   
   

6. If Urgent Support is Needed, Consider Private or Public Health Services

   Your GP, paediatrician or community health nurse may be able to assist with a referral to mainstream or community health services. Public and community health centres may be able to offer free or low cost sessions. If you are plan or self-managed, you can see a non-NDIS registered provider – although you may be required to pay a gap fee.

   
   

7. Use your Funding Creatively

   Discuss with your therapists whether there are any resources, or equipment, that can help with you being able to implement therapeutic strategies at home. Your therapist may be able to provide training to yourself, a support worker and educators to continue implementation in the home, school and community environments. While this may not be as beneficial as face-to-face intervention with a specialist, it can help bridge the gap. If you have a support coordinator or plan manager, ask them for support with figuring out how you can use your NDIS funding – always check your plan, and if there are stated supports.

   
   

8. Develop Therapy Plans

   To ensure that everyone is on the same page, is consistent and knows what they’re doing – ask for a therapy or intervention plan from your therapists. This can help with therapists remaining consistent across all supports if they are having infrequent visits, and they can support you to make small changes in your day or routine to implement therapies at home yourself.

   
   

9. Look After Yourself Too

   If you're struggling emotionally or mentally, speak to your GP, community health nurse, or contact a national helpline like Beyond Blue or Lifeline. You are just as important as the person you're caring for. The NDIS journey is a marathon, and your wellbeing matters.

Living regionally or remotely shouldn’t mean going without support. You’re not alone in this. Whether or not we can offer you services ourselves, our team is always happy to point you in the right direction, share ideas, or help you explore options.

You deserve support that works for where you live. And we’re here to help however we can.

Have your therapy supports been impacted by the recent price guide changes? Visit www.itsnowornever.com.au for information on how you can make your voice heard.

Got questions? We’re here to help

You can enquire through our website or email us at office@onestepaheadhealth.com.au.