Show notes
Kicking off 2026, Cathy Love is joined by Muriel Cummins for a grounded, timely conversation on what is moving fast and what remains unresolved across NDIS reform. With consultation windows opening and decisions being shaped quickly, this episode focuses on what Allied Health providers need to be paying close attention to right now. Designed for Allied Health Business Owners, leaders, and clinicians, the discussion breaks down the two major levers shaping early 2026: the NDIS Bill and the new Rules. Muriel outlines emerging changes to support needs assessments, explains why the detail matters, and highlights the importance of informed, collective advocacy during this critical period. Muriel Cummins works across disability, mental health, and the NDIS, and in this episode speaks from her role with OTSi (OT Society Inc for Invisible Disability / OT Society for Hidden and Invisible Disabilities) — a national society supporting Occupational Therapists working alongside people with invisible and hidden disabilities, with a strong focus on systemic advocacy, policy direction, and protecting access to occupational therapy. Topics covered include NDIS Bill 2.0, NDIS Rules & Planning Framework, Support Needs Assessments, Foundational Supports: NDIS Bill 2.0: What’s in the fine print Why Allied Health must look beyond safeguarding, including concerns around Section 45A and expanded NDIA powers to request participant information before claims are paid. NDIS Rules & Framework Planning: Where decisions will be made How the upcoming Rules will shape assessments, budgets, appeal rights, and possible Section 10 changes, making them the most critical lever in early 2026. Support Needs Assessments & I-CAN: Key risks Concerns about adapting the I-CAN tool, including assessor qualifications, validity, budget-setting processes, and limited appeal pathways. Foundational Supports & Thriving Kids: Unresolved questions How Thriving Kids fits within foundational supports, with ongoing uncertainty around funding, state agreement, and access for people with psychosocial disability and Allied Health services. Resources Mentioned Attend for free: OT Community Town Hall Meeting on the NDIS Bill and New Framework Planning Rules Related Episodes Episode 378: 2025 – A Shapeshifter Year for Allied Health Business OwnersEpisode 373: 2026 on the Horizon – Thriving Kids, Pricing & Allied Health Business Change P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat....