AblePath Living Supports

19/08/2026

📢 NDIS BILL UPDATE

The Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill passed the Senate on 18 August 2026 with amendments.

Because the Bill was amended, it must now return to the House of Representatives before receiving Royal Assent. This means it is not law yet, and changes will not happen overnight.

What could the changes look like in practice?

🔹 Unscheduled plan reassessments
Stronger, up-to-date evidence may be needed—for example, evidence showing the loss of an informal carer, a recent hospital discharge or a new health and safety risk.

🔹 Provider records and claims
Providers will face tighter requirements around service notes, invoices, agreements, communications and evidence that supports were delivered.

🔹 Future plans and budgets
Budget and eligibility changes will be introduced progressively. Some changes may apply when a participant’s plan is renewed or reassessed—not immediately to every current plan.

For now, participants should continue using their existing plans and supports as usual unless contacted by the NDIA.

I’ll continue following the official updates and sharing the information in plain English as more details become available.

Need help understanding your plan or connecting with support coordination?

https://www.caremanagementsystem.com.au/participants/public/6a67fb2037421f9751c18693

AblePath Living Supports
Independent Support Coordination
South Burnett and surrounding areas

General information only. Individual circumstances may differ.

12/08/2026

🌿 Referring to AblePath just got easier!

AblePath Living Supports now has a simple online referral form.

If you would like to refer yourself or someone you support, you can complete the form using the link below. Once it has been submitted, I’ll be in touch to discuss what support you’re looking for and how I may be able to help.

🔗 https://www.caremanagementsystem.com.au/participants/public/6a67fb2037421f9751c18693

Referrals are welcome from participants, families, nominees and other providers.

Kate
AblePath Living Supports
📞 0494 585 767

A comprehensive platform for managing care services, participants, support workers, shift scheduling, compliance, and communication for disability and aged care providers.

03/08/2026

“Flexible funding doesn’t mean anything goes”

Does your NDIS plan describe some of your funding as “flexible”?

Flexible funding gives participants more choice—but it doesn’t mean the funding can be spent on absolutely anything.

Flexible funding generally means:

🔹 You can choose which suitable NDIS supports best meet your needs.

🔹 Funding may be used across flexible support categories within the same support budget, depending on how your plan is written and managed.

🔹 You must still purchase recognised NDIS supports that relate to your disability and are in line with your plan.

What about stated funding?

When funding is stated, it must be used for the particular support or purpose described in your plan. It can’t simply be moved somewhere else.

For example, Capacity Building funding is generally stated by category. This means funding allocated to Improved Daily Living can’t automatically be moved into another Capacity Building category.

Before changing how you use your funding, check:

✅ Whether the support is flexible or stated
✅ Which support budget and category it belongs to
✅ How that funding is managed
✅ Whether the purchase is an approved NDIS support

If you’re uncertain, check with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager before committing to the expense.

Flexible means you have choices—but those choices still need to follow your plan and the NDIS funding rules.

Have you ever found the words flexible and stated confusing?

31/07/2026

AblePath Living Supports isn’t just a business name to me, it’s an anagram created from both my name and my daughters name. 🤍

This work is genuinely personal.

I’ve experienced the disability sector from several different sides: as a support worker, as a Support Coordinator, as a friend and as a parent navigating supports and allied health for my own child.

As a support worker, I learnt that a plan can look great on paper—but what matters is whether the supports actually work in someone’s everyday life.

As a Support Coordinator, I see everything happening behind the scenes: searching for suitable providers, coordinating teams, gathering evidence, monitoring budgets, preparing for plan meetings and trying to keep things moving when the system feels anything but simple.

As a parent, I also understand what it’s like to read confusing information, chase reports, sit on waiting lists and wonder whether you’re making the right decisions.

Living and working in the South Burnett adds another layer. We don’t always have endless providers to choose from. Sometimes good coordination requires persistence, creativity and finding a way forward with the services that are actually available.

I won’t pretend to have every answer immediately—but I will research, ask questions, follow things up and genuinely care about getting it right.

That combination of professional and personal experience is what I bring to AblePath: practical support, honest communication and coordination that focuses on the person—not just the paperwork.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me to be part of their journey so far. 🤍

— Kate

P.S. Yes, P is pretending to pick her nose 😂 My Dad used to do exactly the same thing in selfies, so apparently it’s a family tradition, and honestly, that makes me love this photo even more. 💕

29/07/2026

NDIS funding periods: Why isn’t my full budget available?

Have you received a new NDIS plan and wondered why the full amount isn’t available to spend immediately?

Some new and reassessed plans now include funding periods. This means portions of the plan funding become available at set intervals instead of the entire budget being accessible from the beginning.

What you need to know:

🔹 Funding periods will usually be three months, although they can vary depending on individual circumstances.

🔹 Different parts of your plan may have different funding periods.

🔹 Funding periods don’t reduce your total plan funding—they only change when you can access it.

🔹 Any unused funding will roll into the next funding period within the same plan.

🔹 Funding from a future period generally can’t be brought forward, although the NDIA may consider this in exceptional or urgent circumstances.

🔹 Your plan document, participant portal or my NDIS app should show how much is available and when the next amount will be released.

This means supports need to be planned around both the total plan budget and the amount actually available during each funding period.

A Support Coordinator or Plan Manager can help you understand your funding periods and work out whether your current supports are sustainable.

Have funding periods appeared in your latest plan?

26/07/2026

🔬 Have you ever considered participating in a clinical trial or research study?

I have personally enrolled my daughter in clinical trials and found our experiences really positive. We were given clear information, had opportunities to ask questions and understood exactly what participation involved.

Clinical trials and research aren’t always about medications or medical procedures. Participation might involve:

• Completing an online survey
• Sharing your lived experience
• Participating in an interview
• Trialling a therapy, program or assistive technology
• Attending appointments or completing assessments

I have also participated in ACODA—the Australian Children of the Digital Age, a long-term study exploring children’s use of digital technology.

Every study is different and participation won’t be right for everyone. It should always be voluntary, and you should understand the possible risks, benefits, time commitment and privacy arrangements before agreeing.

Interested in exploring Australian research opportunities?

🔹 Australian Government Clinical Trials Search
🔹 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
🔹 Autism CRC – Participate in Research
🔹 Aspect – Take Part in Autism Research
🔹 Autism Queensland – Research Participation
🔹 ACODA – Australian Children of the Digital Age

These links are provided for general information. AblePath Living Supports is not affiliated with or endorsing any particular study.

Have you or someone in your family ever participated in research?

23/07/2026

🌟 Hypermobility – More Than Just Being Flexible?

Following on from my recent post about retained primitive reflexes, I’ve also been learning more about hypermobility and thought it would be helpful to share.

Hypermobility means that one or more joints move beyond the usual range. Some children and adults are naturally very flexible and experience no difficulties at all. However, for others, hypermobility may be associated with:

✨ Joint or muscle pain
✨ Fatigue, particularly after physical activity
✨ Poor balance or coordination
✨ Frequent sprains, strains or joint instability
✨ Clicking or “popping” joints
✨ Difficulties with posture
✨ Reduced strength or endurance
✨ Difficulty with fine motor activities, including handwriting
✨ Avoiding physical activities because they feel tiring or uncomfortable

Hypermobility does not automatically mean that someone has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or another connective-tissue condition. It can occur by itself, and each person’s experience is different.

If you recognise these difficulties in yourself or your child, it is a good idea to raise them with your professional team. A GP, paediatrician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other appropriately qualified health professional can consider the person’s individual symptoms and determine whether assessment or additional support may be helpful.

This information is shared for general awareness only and is not intended to diagnose or replace professional advice. 💚

22/07/2026

🌟 Retained Primitive Reflexes – Something I’ve Been Learning About

I’ve recently been researching retained primitive reflexes, and I thought it was worth sharing because it may be something many families have never heard of.

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies are born with. They usually integrate as the brain and nervous system develop, but in some people, these reflexes may remain active for longer than expected.

Retained primitive reflexes may be associated with challenges involving:

✨ Balance and coordination
✨ Posture and core strength
✨ Handwriting and fine motor skills
✨ Attention and concentration
✨ Sensory processing
✨ Emotional regulation
✨ Motor planning and body awareness
✨ Becoming easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks

These signs can also be related to many other developmental, neurological or physical factors. Having one or more of them does not automatically mean that someone has retained primitive reflexes.

If you recognise these challenges in yourself or your child, it may be worthwhile raising the topic with your professional team, such as your occupational therapist, physiotherapist, paediatrician or another appropriately qualified health professional. They can determine whether further assessment may be appropriate.

This information is shared for general awareness only and is not intended to diagnose or replace professional advice. 💚

14/07/2026

⚠️ Important reminder for Monday, 27 July ⚠️

Australia will be conducting a nationwide test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system at approximately 2:00 pm AEST. Compatible mobile phones—and potentially some connected tablets, smartwatches and other devices—may suddenly sound a loud siren, vibrate and display a test alert. The critical alert is designed to override silent and “Do Not Disturb” settings.

While this is only a test, please take a moment to prepare anyone in your home who may be frightened, distressed or overwhelmed by unexpected loud noises. This may be especially important for autistic and sensory-sensitive children and adults.

You may wish to:

🔹 Explain beforehand that a loud alarm will sound, but everyone is safe.
🔹 Use a visual story, countdown or reminder earlier in the day.
🔹 Have headphones, earmuffs or another regulation tool ready.
🔹 Let schools, support workers and carers know how the person may respond.
🔹 Stay nearby to offer reassurance when the alert occurs.

Important safety reminder: Anyone keeping a hidden or emergency phone for personal safety, including people experiencing domestic or family violence, should be aware that the alert may cause the device to make noise even if it is on silent. Consider switching the device completely off before the test or temporarily leaving it with a trusted person, provided this can be done safely.

A little preparation may prevent a very big fright—please share so families, carers and support teams have time to plan.

08/07/2026

🌟 Have you heard of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program?

Parenting doesn't come with a handbook, and every child is different. Whether you're navigating tantrums, anxiety, challenging behaviours, school transitions, or simply looking for new parenting strategies, the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) offers practical, evidence-based support.

There are different levels of Triple P available, ranging from general parenting advice through to more intensive support for families with additional needs. Many programs are available online, in groups, or one-on-one, and some may be free depending on where you live.

As a Support Coordinator, I often encourage families to explore supports that can build confidence and make everyday life a little easier. Sometimes the right information can make all the difference.

If you've completed a Triple P program, I'd love to hear what you found most helpful. 💙