What the NDIA’s Statement on Music and Art Therapy Means for You

Key Points

• A new update released by the NDIA clarifies how music and art therapy fit into the NDIS and how this will affect participants who are already receiving this type of support.
• Music and art therapy provide individuals who have difficulties communicating with an alternative way to express their emotions, manage stress, and build their confidence.
• According to the NDIA, starting on February 1, 2025, the way music and art therapy supports are delivered via the NDIS will be standardised, which will focus more on community engagements and group-focused approaches.
• Participants who are already receiving music and art therapy support through their plans can expect to experience changes when the new guidelines get rolled out, such as the shift toward group-oriented sessions.

Summary

On February 1, 2025, the NDIA will unveil new guidelines on how music and art therapy support services are delivered via NDIS plans. The agency aims to standardise this type of support to focus more on community engagements and inclusion. Due to the new updates, participants who are already receiving music and art therapy through their plans can expect to see a couple of changes to how this support is delivered.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Why Music and Art Therapy Matter
3. The Key Updates from the NDIA
4. What It Means for Participants
5. The Challenges Ahead
6. Moving Forward
7. Wrapping It Up
8. Want Further Assistance?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released a new statement about music and art therapy, clarifying how these therapies fit into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

If you or someone you support relies on these creative outlets, you might feel a little unsure about what the changes mean.

Let’s break it down into something a bit easier to follow.

Why Music and Art Therapy Matter

For many people, music and art therapy are more than just activities—they’re vital tools for emotional and social growth.

These therapies provide a space to express feelings, build confidence, and even manage stress in a safe, supportive way. They’re especially powerful for individuals who may struggle with traditional methods of communication.

But there’s a catch. The NDIS places a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, like improved mobility or communication skills.

Because music and art therapy don’t always fit neatly into those boxes, they’ve often faced extra scrutiny when it comes to funding decisions.

The good news – key updates from NDIA

The good news? Music and art therapy aren’t being excluded from the NDIS. The NDIA has made it clear that participants who already have these therapies included in their plans as “reasonable and necessary” supports will continue to receive funding.

However, things are set to change.

Starting February 1, 2025, the NDIA will roll out updated guidelines that aim to standardise how music and art therapy are delivered.

There will be a stronger emphasis on community engagement and inclusion, signalling a shift toward more group-focused approaches.

For example, group music therapy sessions will now be funded at a higher hourly rate than before, encouraging participants to connect with others and build social relationships. There could be positive benefits for participants with this approach.

In addition, the NDIA has asked its Evidence Advisory Committee to take a closer look at the long-term benefits of music and art therapy.

This review will play a role in shaping how these therapies are supported in the future, potentially influencing funding decisions down the line.

What It Means for Participants

This announcement offers a mix of reassurance for individuals who rely on music and art therapy.

They need to be prepared for change.The therapies are still part of the NDIS, which is a relief, but the updated guidelines may bring some adjustments. 

With the new focus on group sessions, there’s a clear push to promote social inclusion and community participation, which could open up new opportunities for some participants.

It’s also important to note the NDIA’s growing emphasis on evidence-based practices. 

While this focus can be helpful in ensuring funding goes to effective therapies, it could mean additional hurdles for creative therapies like music and art, which aren’t always easy to measure in traditional ways.

For now, the current funding arrangements remain in place until February 2025. Further announcements will be made after this.

That gives participants and providers some time to adjust, review plans, and prepare for the upcoming changes.

The Challenges Ahead

Even with the clarifications, this shift has raised some concerns. One of the biggest questions is how the unique benefits of music and art therapy can be fairly evaluated.

Emotional growth, stress management, and creative expression are deeply personal and don’t always fit into neat, measurable categories. 

Advocates argue that these therapies deserve recognition for the significant impact they have on mental health and well-being, even if that impact is harder to quantify.

There’s also the issue of funding rates. Some providers worry that the updated rates for therapy sessions might not fully cover the costs of delivering high-quality services. 

This could lead to challenges in maintaining the availability of these therapies, especially for participants in rural or under-served areas.

Organisations like the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) are already calling for an independent review of these changes. They’re pushing for a fair and transparent process that takes the unique nature of creative therapies into account.

Moving Forward

Change can be unsettling, but there are steps you can take to navigate it with confidence.

Staying informed and actively engaged are the most important things you can do. Keep up with updates from the NDIA, your providers, and advocacy groups. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to make decisions and advocate for your needs or the needs of those you care for.

This is also a good time to have conversations with your support team. 

Review your current NDIS plan, talk about how these changes might affect you, and start thinking about any adjustments you might need to make.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of sharing your story. If music and art therapy have made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love, let others know. 

Whether it’s through the NDIA, advocacy groups, or your community, your voice can help highlight the value of these therapies and ensure they remain a vital part of the NDIS.

Wrapping It Up

The NDIA’s announcement is a reminder of how important it is to have evidence-based practices that support the unique needs of participants.

While change is on the horizon, the continued inclusion of music and art therapy in the NDIS is a positive step.

If you’re a participant, caregiver, or provider, staying proactive will be key in navigating the updates.

Music and art therapy aren’t just about therapy sessions; they’re about connection, creativity, and growth. Let’s work together to make sure those values remain at the heart of the NDIS.

Want Further Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs help accessing music and art therapy support or navigating the latest NDIA updates, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices.

We can serve as your personal guide by providing assistance with NDIS applications. Through our tailored NDIS Application Assistance service, we’ll help you become part of this government-funded insurance program, allowing you to access life-changing funding.

Also, we are a trusted NDIS plan management services provider. Through our experienced and reliable NDIS Plan Managers, we’ll oversee the daily administration of your plan, which includes settling your invoices from service providers, monitoring your funding, and making sure that the supports you’re getting are aligned with your goals.

Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you create a better life through our NDIS Application Assistance, NDIS Plan Management, and NDIS Plan Review services.

AIIM Choices is committed to creating a stronger healthcare community that provides people with the care and support they need. Through partnerships with like-minded organisations, AIIM Choices aims to deliver inclusive, compassionate, and high-quality care to those who need it the most. Visit our Community Program page to learn more about how this initiative is making a difference.