Cerebral Palsy and the NDIS: Getting the Right Support for Movement and Independence

Sven Rees
Jun 9
2 min read

Navigating the NDIS with Confidence

Accessing therapy and support for Cerebral Palsy can feel overwhelming—paperwork, plans, and providers. Many families worry they won’t get the right services or don’t know what to ask for.

At Exercise Matters, we help people living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) use their NDIS plans to access expert Exercise Physiology and move toward their goals. Whether you’re starting your first plan or reviewing an existing one, we guide you through the process.

What Is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to Australians with disability to access supports and services that improve their independence, health, and quality of life. People with Cerebral Palsy are typically eligible due to the lifelong nature of the condition.

What Can the NDIS Fund for Cerebral Palsy?

For people with CP, the NDIS can fund:

Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology
Assistive technology and mobility aids (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs)
Home and school support
Community access and social programs
Plan management and support coordination

Important: The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports related to your disability and daily functioning.

How Exercise Physiology Fits Into Your Plan

Exercise Physiology is funded under the Capacity Building or Improved Daily Living category.

We Help With:

Gait training and mobility
Muscle strength and posture control
Balance and coordination
Fatigue management
Participation in sport, school, or work
Recovery after surgery or Botox

Programs are tailored to the participant’s goals and can be 1-on-1, group-based, or home-supported. We also provide detailed reports for plan reviews.

Setting the Right Goals in Your NDIS Plan

Your plan goals help justify supports. For CP, common goals include:

Improve walking and mobility
Increase strength and balance
Participate in social or school activities
Improve daily independence (e.g. transfers, dressing)

We can help you prepare for planning meetings with the right terminology and supporting evidence.

Case Study: Ethan, 11, Spastic Diplegia

Ethan’s parents used his NDIS plan to access weekly Exercise Physiology. His goals included:

Improving stair climbing
Building leg strength
Joining his school’s sports carnival

After 6 months:

He climbed stairs independently
His sit-to-stand time reduced by 30%
He completed his school carnival 50m run unassisted

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use NDIS funding for Exercise Physiology?

Yes. If listed in your plan under Capacity Building or Improved Daily Living, Exercise Physiology is fully covered.

2. Do you help with progress reports?

Absolutely. We provide detailed assessments, outcome tracking, and supporting documentation for NDIS reviews.

3. What age can NDIS participants start EP?

From early childhood (around 3 years) to adults of any age. Programs are tailored to developmental needs.

4. What if my child has severe physical limitations?

We modify sessions using seated, supported, or assistive methods to ensure participation and progress.

5. Do you offer home visits or school-based sessions?

Yes. We offer flexible delivery where clinically appropriate.

Let’s Make the Most of Your Plan

NDIS support can open doors. Let us help you turn that support into stronger movement, better balance, and greater independence.

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

References:

NDIS Operational Guidelines. (2023). https://www.ndis.gov.au
Novak I et al. (2020). Clinical practice guidelines for CP. JAMA Pediatrics.

Verschuren O et al. (2016). Exercise recommendations for CP. Dev Med Child Neurol.