The waiting game - what is the real cost of long wait times?

September 11, 2023

The Dilemma of Long Wait Lists: Impact on Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes for NDIS Participants Accessing Allied Health Services in Australia


Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been a significant step towards improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. However, the scheme has faced challenges, with one of the most pressing issues being long wait lists for accessing allied health services. This article examines the impact of these prolonged wait times on clinical diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for participants of the NDIS in Australia.

 

The NDIS and Allied Health Services


The NDIS, launched in 2013, aims to provide personalized support and funding to Australians with disabilities. Allied health services, which include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychology, play a crucial role in supporting participants by improving their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.


The Waiting Game


Despite the positive intentions of the NDIS, long wait lists have emerged as a major challenge for participants seeking allied health services. The wait times can range from several weeks to several months, leaving individuals without the essential interventions they require.


Clinical impacts for participants due to long wait lists


Impact on Clinical Diagnosis

Prompt and accurate clinical diagnosis is vital for individuals with disabilities. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improve the individual's quality of life. Current long wait lists hinder the timely assessment of participants, delaying their access to vital diagnostic evaluations. Valuable time is lost, and the window for early intervention may close, leading to potential setbacks in the individual's progress and development.


Impact on Treatment

Effective and timely treatment is key to managing disabilities and achieving the best possible outcomes. Prolonged wait times for allied health services result in delayed treatment plans, which can exacerbate the existing issues faced by NDIS participants. For example, a child with speech and language delays may experience significant delays in communication development due to extended waiting periods for speech therapy.


A lack of access to timely intervention can also lead to increased reliance on acute medical services, resulting in higher healthcare costs for both individuals and the system as a whole.


Impact on Outcomes

Delayed diagnosis and treatment can impede progress in areas such as mobility, communication, socialisation, and overall functional independence.


Prolonged waiting can cause frustration, stress, and anxiety for both the individual and their families. The emotional toll of waiting for essential services can lead to a decline in mental health, which may further impact the overall well-being of the participants.


Addressing the Issue


Recognising the critical nature of timely access to allied health services, several measures can be taken to alleviate the burden of long wait lists:


Increased Funding: Adequate funding allocation for allied health services under the NDIS is necessary to accommodate the growing demand and reduce wait times.


Workforce Expansion: Investing in the recruitment and training of allied health professionals can help meet the rising demand for services and address workforce shortages in certain regions.


Telehealth Services: Implementing telehealth services can provide participants with remote access to allied health professionals, reducing geographical barriers and easing the burden on physical facilities.


Early Intervention Focus: Prioritising early intervention services can help identify and address disabilities at an early stage, potentially reducing the need for more intensive and costly interventions later.


Long wait lists for accessing allied health services under the NDIS in Australia pose significant challenges for participants. Delayed clinical diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes can have far-reaching effects on the well-being and development of individuals with disabilities.


Impact on Funding for Participants


Long wait lists for allied health services not only affect the clinical aspects of participants' lives but also have significant implications for their funding budgets under the NDIS. The delayed access to essential services can lead to unanticipated financial burdens for both the participants and the NDIS system.


Increased Costs for Participants

As participants wait for their turn to receive allied health services, they might resort to seeking private services to fill the gap. Private services are often expensive and not covered by the NDIS, leading to out-of-pocket expenses for the participants. This can quickly deplete their allocated funding budgets, leaving limited funds available for other necessary supports and interventions.


Funding Unutilised or Misutilised

Participants might find it challenging to utilize their funding effectively during the waiting period. Funds allocated for specific allied health services may remain unused or may be used on less critical needs, temporarily patching immediate concerns. When the essential services are eventually accessed, participants may face budget constraints to cater to their ongoing needs and therapies.


Reduced Capacity to Access Other Supports

Long wait lists can significantly impact participants' ability to access other important supports available under the NDIS. For example, participants who are unable to access timely occupational therapy services might face difficulties in developing essential life skills and independence, perpetuating reliance on the NDIS system.


Increased Pressure on the NDIS Budget

The NDIS, being a government-funded scheme, allocates specific budgets for each participant based on their assessed needs. Prolonged wait times can lead to inefficiencies in service delivery, resulting in delays and increased costs for the NDIS. Additionally, the increased demand for services due to longer wait lists may require additional funding allocation to meet the growing needs of participants, straining the overall NDIS budget.


Addressing Funding Challenges


To mitigate the impact on funding budgets for participants accessing allied health services under the NDIS, several strategies can be implemented:


Transparent Communication: Regular and transparent communication with participants about the status of their services and expected wait times can help them plan their budgets accordingly.


Provisional Funding: Exploring the possibility of providing provisional funding for essential services during the waiting period can help participants access necessary supports without compromising their overall budgets.


Prioritisation of Urgent Cases: Implementing a system that prioritizes urgent and critical cases can ensure that individuals with pressing needs receive services without extended waiting periods.


Reviewing Funding Models: Continuous evaluation and improvement of funding models can help identify areas where adjustments are needed to better support participants facing prolonged wait times.


Final thoughts


Long wait lists for allied health services have a profound impact on the funding budgets of NDIS participants, creating financial challenges and limiting access to crucial supports. Ensuring timely access to these services is not only essential for improving clinical outcomes but also for optimising the utilisation of allocated funds. By addressing the issue of long wait lists and implementing strategies to mitigate its impact, the NDIS can better support individuals with disabilities in Australia, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.


News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

New helpz Webinar: Love, Rights, and Relationships: Supporting People with Disability to Thrive

February 15, 2026
Over the weekend, many people celebrated Valentine’s Day, a time that highlights love, connection and belonging. While the flowers and cards may fade, the deeper message remains: relationships and intimacy are central parts of being human. For people with disability, however, these areas of life are often surrounded by misunderstanding, stigma and unnecessary restriction. The truth is simple: people with disability have the same human rights to sexuality, relationships, safety and self‑determination as anyone else. This includes the right to have relationships, express affection, explore identity, seek connection, and make informed choices. Yet in practice, many people with disability continue to face barriers. From limited access to education, to overprotection, to environments where their needs are misunderstood or overlooked. As professionals in the field, we play a crucial role in ensuring people with disability are supported with dignity, respect and clear information. That’s why this month, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re excited to highlight our online training Relationships & Sexuality for Adults with a Disability . A practice‑focused session designed to equip carers and professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals safely, ethically and respectfully. What the Webinar Covers 1. The Rights of People with Disability: Understanding rights is the first step in upholding them. 2. Assessment of Sexual Knowledge: Many people with disability simply haven’t been given clear, accessible education. We discuss respectful ways to explore what a person knows, identify gaps, and plan education that builds independence and safety. 3. Identifying Relationship Types and Boundaries: From friendships to romantic relationships to professional boundaries, people need simple, concrete ways to understand different types of relationships. Our webinar shares tools and visuals that support this learning. 4. Traits of a Healthy Relationship: Kindness, respect, choice, trust and safety. We break down these ideas that help people recognise what healthy relationships look and feel like. 5. Teaching Consent and Pro‑Social Behaviours: Consent is more than “yes” or “no.” We cover: how to teach consent step‑by‑step how to model respectful interactions how to support people to communicate their own boundaries how to recognise the boundaries of others 6. Supporting the Need for Privacy: Privacy is a right , not a privilege. We discuss strategies to teach privacy in ways that keep people safe, empowered and respected. 7. Internet Dating Safety: Online platforms can provide connection, inclusion and opportunity, but also risks. We provide practical strategies for: teaching online safety recognising red flags supporting safe communication navigating photos, profiles and personal information 8. Exploring Personal Needs Through Accessing Sex Workers: A sensitive but important topic. We approach this area with professionalism; this discussion helps workers feel confident navigating a topic that often arises but is rarely talked about openly or respectfully. Why This Matters For people with disability, opportunities for connection are often controlled by others. Overprotection, even when well‑intentioned, can unintentionally limit autonomy, confidence and emotional wellbeing. By improving support around sexuality and relationships, we help people: build self‑advocacy form safe, meaningful relationships understand consent reduce vulnerability to abuse improve mental and emotional wellbeing experience the joy and connection they deserve Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love, belonging and intimacy are not luxuries, they are part of human life. Our role is to ensure people with disability are empowered to navigate these areas safely and confidently. Join Us for the Webinar Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your practice, this webinar will leave you with practical tools, deeper understanding and greater confidence to support people with disability in one of the most important areas of life: relationships, identity and human connection. Let’s work together to ensure every person, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to experience safe, fulfilling relationships rooted in respect and autonomy.

Disability Awareness Hub: Understanding Frontal Lobe Dementia

February 15, 2026
What is Developmental Coordination Disorder—and Why Does It Matter?

From bronze to Milano: Ben Tudhope and Australia’s road to the 2026 Winter Paralympics

February 15, 2026
From 6–15 March 2026, the world will turn its eyes to Milano Cortina for the Winter Paralympic Games. And Australia is heading there with a powerful, determined team across four disciplines: para-alpine skiing, para-snowboard, para-cross country and para-biathlon. Leading the charge is dual Paralympic medallist Ben Tudhope, alongside team captain Sean Pollard. For many Australians, the Winter Paralympics are about elite sport. But they are also about representation, resilience and reimagining what’s possible. A team built on grit and talent Australia’s 2026 Winter Paralympic team features a strong mix of experience and emerging talent. Para-snowboard Ben Tudhope (2022 Paralympic bronze medallist) Sean Pollard Amanda Reid Aaron McCarthy Blair Rosser Para-alpine skiing Josh Hanlon (World Cup medallist) Georgia Gunew (with guide Ethan Jackson) Liana France Sam Tait Para-nordic (biathlon and cross-country) Lauren Parker Dave Miln Lynn-Maree Cullen With Chef de Mission Ben Troy and captain Sean Pollard providing leadership, the team heads into Milano Cortina with both confidence and clarity of purpose. Backed by more than $2 million in Australian Government funding to support preparation, training and performance, these athletes are not just participating. They are competing to win. Why this matters beyond the podium When athletes like Ben Tudhope line up at the start gate, something bigger happens. Young people with disability see someone who looks like them in a high-performance environment. Families see possibility. Communities see strength, skill and dedication rather than limitation. Sport can be transformative. It builds confidence, independence, community connection and physical wellbeing. It challenges stereotypes and expands what society believes is achievable. At helpz, we see this same transformation every day in different ways. Whether through allied health support, behaviour support, occupational therapy, speech pathology or creative therapies, our work is about enabling people to participate fully in life. For some, that might mean the Paralympics. For others, it might mean joining a local sports club, learning a new skill, returning to school with confidence or navigating everyday challenges with greater independence. Every goal matters. The road to Milano Cortina Preparation for the Winter Paralympics is intense. It requires physical endurance, mental resilience, technical precision and strong support networks. Behind every athlete is a team of coaches, clinicians, families and supporters. Behind every run is years of training. As we head towards March 2026, we’ll be cheering for Ben and the entire Australian team. Not just for medals, but for what they represent. Courage. Capability. Community. And a powerful reminder that disability does not define potential We can’t wait to see what they achieve on the snow.