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Information for NDIS Coordinators

Overview

NDIS Participants access Art Therapy as an Allied Heath evidence-based service. Therapy planning is based on NDIS goals, NDIS Functional Domains, and is informed by the individualized lived experiences of each participant’s NDIS funded disability. Using person centered art therapy methodology, the participant can often experience the therapy to be more engaging, establishing therapeutic relationships and ongoing self-management tools. Feel free to contact Bright Black Art Therapy for more information. Contact Bright Black Art Therapy for an initial discussion free of charge.

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is an allied health profession and works with psychological and physical wellness using creative process.

The therapist supports the participant to work toward their goals in informed safe environments. Often it is more about the experience than artistic skill. The process can include art making, image viewing, words, sensory use, movement, expression, and environmental responses. Different forms of communication are incorporated including visual, gestural, written, and verbal. Work can happen individually or within a group. Social inclusion, physical mobility, daily living skills, and self-management can be aspects of the therapy.

Is Art Therapy Evidence-Based?

The NDIA recognises Art Therapy within the Therapeutic Supports Registration Group. Evidence base practice and the NDIS are continuously evolving and improving. Evidence on effectiveness and best practice can be at times be hard to follow. For clarity, a recent statement has been made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia regarding the inclusion of therapy in a participants NDIS package:

“The literature, both in Australia and internationally is extensive and the value of arts-based therapies in the management of both mental and physical health conditions is overwhelming.” (Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia, Young and National Disability Insurance Agency [2021] AATA 1555)

 Sue Guzick achieved Master level training in 2015, engages in ongoing professional development, and records regular clinical supervision hours. Through these, Sue has skills to apply the evidence, ethically design therapy plans, facilitate safely, and report on therapeutic outcomes. Please get in touch if you wish to discuss evidence towards support of a specific person or disability.  

Why NDIS and Art Therapy?

ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association), formerly ANZATA, has explored the alignment of NDIS and Art Therapy goals: 

“Both the NDIS and practitioners of arts therapy share common goals. ... the main aim of the arts therapy profession is to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being of clients. The NDIS is a scheme that also aims to improve the lives of people with disability by providing participants with similar opportunities to other members of the community.”  (ANZATA, 2018) 

 The NDIS refers to Functional Domains to help describe participant’s needs and observe service outcomes. Art Therapy methodologies share common goals within these Functional Domains. These Domains inform therapeutic planning and reporting, which include: 

  • Mobility/motor skills 

  • Communication 

  • Social Interaction 

  • Learning 

  • Self-care 

  • Self-management  

NDIS Support Items and Registration

Participants access Art Therapy through these Support Item numbers:

  • Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living, Therapeutic Supports. 15_056_0128_1_3

  • Increased Social and Community Participation. 09_008_0116_6_3

  • Core Funding, Assistance with Daily Life. 01_741_0128_1_3

Sue Guzick is a Registered NDIS Provider which requires Master level Art Therapy qualifications and maintained professional ANZACATA membership. She can work with those who are Self-managed, Plan Managed and NDIA Managed. Sue’s training and experience also includes Mental Health and Disability Support, Community Inclusion, and Oncology. 

More Information

The NDIA has continuous updates. Working together with the NDIA we will provide best practice and ethical service. Feel free to in touch with Bright Black Art Therapy on service updates and to begin a referral process.