National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Kids Connect Therapy is a registered NDIS provider. We deliver speech pathology and occupational therapy to NDIS participants from our Mulgrave clinic, and we can work with plan-managed, self-managed and NDIA-managed plans.

The NDIS is an Australian Government scheme that funds supports for people aged 0–65 related to their disability.

If your child is under 6 — or under 9 with a disability

The NDIS supports young children through its early childhood approach(previously called Early Childhood Early Intervention, or ECEI). It covers:

  • Children younger than 6 with developmental delay — no diagnosis required
  • Children younger than 9 with disability

You do not need a diagnosis, and you do not need to apply to the NDIS first. You can contact an early childhood partner directly.

For families in Monash, Whitehorse, Boroondara and Manningham, the early childhood partner is Link Health and Community.

Your early childhood partner will talk with you about your child's development, connect you to supports in the community, and help you access the NDIS if your child meets the requirements. Some children receive short-term early connections support without ever needing to become an NDIS participant.

If your child is 9 or older

A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you start. For Inner East Melbourne, the LAC partner is Latrobe Community Health Service.

Your LAC will link you to information and community supports, and help you apply to the NDIS.

Note: your nearest NDIS office may not be your allocated early childhood or LAC partner. If you're unsure, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to confirm.

Important: changes coming from 2028

From 1 January 2028, children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low-to-moderate support needs will be supported through the new Thriving Kids program rather than the NDIS. Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with higher support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS.

Thriving Kids begins rolling out in Victoria from 1 October 2026. If your child is currently receiving NDIS supports, nothing changes right now.

Read our Thriving Kids page

Using your plan at Kids Connect Therapy

NDIS participants accessing services at Kids Connect Therapy can find useful information in our Participant Handbook.

KCT welcomes Interpreters and encourages Advocates. Ask us to arrange an interpreter →

Where we see NDIS families

Our Mulgrave clinic supports NDIS participants from across Melbourne's south-east, including Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Clayton, Notting Hill, Springvale, Oakleigh, Dandenong North, Rowville and Wantirna South. We are an IN-CLINIC service. We offer school and childcare visits for our participants on a consultative basis.

Useful links

Last reviewed August 2026.