Acquired Brain Injury and the NDIS: Accessing Rehabilitation and Support

Sven Rees
Jun 9
3 min read

Your NDIS Guide to Recovery After ABI

Navigating life after an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is hard enough—navigating the NDIS shouldn’t be. Many families and individuals feel overwhelmed by paperwork, plans, and the pressure to advocate for the right supports.

At Exercise Matters, we help people with ABI access the rehabilitation and support they need through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our Exercise Physiologists are experienced in writing reports, developing goals, and delivering functional programs that align with your plan.

What Is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides individualised funding to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. Acquired Brain Injury often qualifies due to its impact on daily function, mobility, cognition, and participation.

NDIS Support for ABI: What Can Be Funded?

NDIS plans for people with ABI may include:

Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology
Psychology or Neuropsychology
Assistive technology (e.g., wheelchairs, mobility aids)
Home or vehicle modifications
Support coordination or plan management
Community access and skill-building programs

NDIS funding is typically spread across three categories:

Core Supports – daily activities, transport, and assistance
Capacity Building – therapy and skill development (where EP is often funded)
Capital Supports – assistive technologies and home modifications

How Exercise Physiology Helps ABI Participants

Exercise Physiology is often funded under Improved Daily Living or Improved Health and Wellbeing.

At Exercise Matters, our ABI programs include:

Strength and mobility retraining
Gait and walking practice
Cognitive-motor coordination exercises
Fatigue management and pacing strategies
Functional capacity assessments and review reports

Programs are 1-on-1 and fully customised. We also offer in-home and telehealth options where needed.

Creating the Right NDIS Goals for ABI

NDIS funding is guided by participant goals. Common ABI-related goals include:

Improve walking, balance, or mobility
Reduce fatigue and increase activity tolerance
Regain function in the home or workplace
Increase participation in community or social events
Build independence in self-care and daily routines

We support participants and support coordinators in writing meaningful goals and translating them into therapy outcomes.

Case Study: Ben, 52, ABI After Aneurysm

Ben experienced left-side weakness and cognitive fatigue after a ruptured brain aneurysm. With NDIS support, his goals were to:

Regain mobility for community outings
Build confidence returning to part-time work
Improve coordination and energy levels

Through twice-weekly EP sessions and coordination with his support team:

Ben improved his walking endurance from 200m to 900m
His attention span during tasks increased
He successfully completed a supported return-to-work trial

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a diagnosis to access NDIS for ABI?

Yes. A formal diagnosis from a neurologist, GP, or specialist is required to meet access requirements.

2. What funding category does Exercise Physiology fall under?

Usually "Improved Daily Living" or "Improved Health and Wellbeing" in the Capacity Building category.

3. Can you help with reports for plan reviews?

Absolutely. We provide detailed progress updates, outcome data, and updated goals to support funding renewals.

4. Can you coordinate with my OT, speech therapist, or psychologist?

Yes. We work collaboratively as part of your allied health team.

5. Do you see self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed participants?

Yes—we welcome all plan types and can invoice accordingly.

Let’s Maximise Your Plan for Real Results

If you or a loved one has ABI and is on the NDIS, we’re here to help. From planning to progress, we support your goals every step of the way.

📞 Call (07) 5448 3532 🌐 www.exercisematters.healthcare

References:

NDIS Operational Guidelines. (2023). https://www.ndis.gov.au
Turner-Stokes L. (2015). Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for acquired brain injury. Clin Rehabil.
Bateman A et al. (2019). Physical activity and rehabilitation in ABI. Brain Inj.