The great part about receiving your NDIS plan is that now you're able to work with a range of supports.
If you're considering speech pathology or want to learn more about it, we've got you covered. Read on for the essential facts to help you know if it's right for you.
What is speech pathology?
Speech pathology is a type of allied health service. So if you ever hear the term 'allied health', it can refer to speech pathology as well as other therapies. For example, occupational therapy and physiotherapy (just to name a few).
A speech pathologist's job is to support people with all forms of communication. They can also help with vital skills like the ability to safely swallow food and drink.
Is speech pathology right for me?
Speech pathology can be for both children and adults. If you have goals around speech, communication, eating or swallowing then it could be for you.
Your goals don't have to be purely functional, either. A speech pathologist can help you improve your conversation and social skills too.
And even though they're called "speech" pathologists, they don't just focus on verbal communication.
You can work with a speech pathologist even if you don't use your voice to communicate. They can introduce you to augmentative and alternative communication methods and devices. These can be anything that supports you to express yourself non-verbally.
Can I use my NDIS plan to fund speech pathology services?
Yes, you can. But first, you need to make sure you have the right funding in your NDIS plan.
To check your funding, look underneath the 'Capacity Building Supports' section of your plan. You need to have a support category listed in this section called 'Improved Daily Living'. If you do, then you can spend the funding written next to 'Improved Daily Living' on a speech pathologist.
One of the rules of NDIS funding is that it can only be used on things related to your disability. This is just something for you to keep in mind. It's very unlikely that someone will ask you to prove that you need speech pathology. And if you've approached a speech pathologist and it's not the right therapy for you, they'll let you know.
What are some specific things a speech pathologist can help me with?
Here are some examples:
- Helping improve your speech so you can talk more clearly and fluently
- Improving your reading and writing skills
- Working with you on non-verbal communication strategies
- Advice and help implementing assistive technology
- Developing or regaining the ability to swallow
- Eating and drinking care plans
- Supporting your social skills
- Providing advice to parents with infants who have trouble feeding
- Providing assessments and supporting documentation for the NDIS
This isn't an exhaustive list. You'll want to speak to your speech pathologist to see what a tailored support plan will look like for you.
How often do I need to see a speech pathologist?
Many people see a speech pathologist at least once a week. It’s typically a longer-term therapy too, so you might see your speech pathologist over a period of months or years to build your skills.
How often you need to attend sessions will be based on your needs, which you can discuss with your speech pathologist. It might also depend on how much funding you have. You'll want to budget so your funding lasts for the length of your plan.
If you think you need more funding for speech pathology, speak to your LAC, early childhood partner or NDIA planner. What needs to happen is a review of your NDIS plan to try to get you more funding.
What qualifications does a speech pathologist need to have?
A speech pathologist needs to have an undergraduate or masters degree and will be certified by Speech Pathology Australia.
Does a speech pathologist need to be NDIS registered?
No, they don’t. Like all providers, speech pathologists do not need to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission in order to work with NDIS participants.
What this means for you is that you can still work with a speech pathologist (or any other provider) who is unregistered. Unless your funding is agency-managed - then you must only use registered providers.
You should always expect a high quality of service from unregistered providers too. They still need to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and, if they’re a speech pathologist, need to be certified through Speech Pathology Australia.
How do I choose a good speech pathologist?
There are many good speech pathologists out there, but you'll also want to pick one that's right for you.
Consider basics like location and availability but also other preferences you might have. Would working with someone of a particular gender make you more comfortable? Or do you need someone who speaks another language?
To help, we've written about 5 things to look for when choosing the right NDIS provider.
I'm ready. How do I start working with a speech pathologist?
You can make a free service request with HeyHubble in less than 5 minutes. Let us know what's important to you and we'll find you some quality speech pathologists based on what you tell us. Our team personally reads every service request and can usually find you some great options within 48 hours.
We can also connect you with more than just speech pathologists. You can read about all the types of quality NDIS providers on HeyHubble and how it works here.
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