Is Equine Therapy on the NDIS List of allowed supports?
After the latest updates on October 3 2024, MyCareSpace together with Plan Hero Plan Managers is answering your NDIS Support List questions
Is Animal Therapy (including Equine Therapy) allowed?
Animal-assisted therapy CAN be an NDIS support when it is delivered as a Therapeutic Support.
- Animal-assisted therapy is NOT the same as ‘animal therapy’.
- Animal-assisted therapists may use an animal to play a role in assisting the therapist and the participant to engage in therapy.
- Animals can be used as therapy tools, just like a board game, Lego, or a swing could also be used as a tool in a therapy session.
For example:
- A psychologist or counsellor may use an animal in therapy sessions to assist a participant to calm, focus or regulate whilst the counselling/psychology session is undertaken.
- An occupational therapist may use an animal in therapy sessions to assist a participant to participate in an activity such as walking, standing, balancing etc.
In these interventions, the therapy is delivered to the participant by the allied health professional, with the animal used to support participation.
When is Animal therapy NOT an NDIS support?
- Activities which are provided for people to have a positive experience with an animal such as engaging with puppies or riding a horse might be called ‘animal therapy’ by the provider of the service.
- Recreational, sporting or social activities involving animals could also be called animal therapy.
These activities are not animal-assisted therapeutic interventions and are not NDIS Supports, even if the provider of the service is an allied health professional.
Are Plan Managers paying for Equine Therapy?
Yes, if you have an experienced, informed Plan Manager.
Plan Hero Plan Managers are paying for equine therapy when it is delivered as a therapeutic support as described above.
We take the time to understand the NDIS rules and ensure our Participants continue receiving the support they want and need.
Find out more about Plan Hero Plan Managers
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