Choosing a career in allied health is more than selecting a profession — it’s about finding a space where your skills have real impact, your values align with your work, and you’re supported to grow. That’s exactly what a career in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers.
Understanding the purpose of the NDIS
The NDIS is one of Australia’s most significant social reforms. Launched in 2013 and fully rolled out by 2017, it was developed through extensive consultation with people with disability and support providers. Today, the NDIS supports more than 700,000 Australians with permanent and significant disability, empowering people of all ages to live with greater independence, choice and control through personalised services.
For allied health graduates, working in this sector means contributing directly to these life-changing outcomes.
Why graduates are choosing the NDIS
Many allied health graduates are drawn to NDIS roles for the purpose-driven nature of the work. You apply your clinical skills to make a real difference in people’s lives and more importantly, you get to see the difference. In the NDIS, you have the privilege of supporting participants over time, watching them build capacity, achieve goals and celebrate milestones that truly matter.
The variety of cases offers broad clinical experience, especially in community-based settings where flexibility, autonomy and genuine connection are central.
Career development opportunities are another strong drawcard. From regular supervision to structured inductions, discipline-specific workshops and on-demand learning, NDIS providers, like Ability Action Australia, offer comprehensive support. Add to that the growing demand for skilled professionals across occupational therapy, speech pathology and positive behaviour support, and it’s clear why so many graduates are choosing this path.
Thriving in your early NDIS career
Launching a career in the NDIS offers incredible opportunities for growth and learning.
Ability Action Australia provides a tailored graduate experience that includes:
- Six-week immersive induction
- Weekly 1:1 supervision and regular group sessions
- Buddy Program for peer connection
- Report-writing support and Quality Assurance frameworks
- Access to discipline-specific resources and in-service workshops
- Regular check-ins with the Early Careers Manager
Together, this comprehensive support network helps graduates feel guided, connected and fully equipped to thrive in their roles, laying a foundation for a successful career within the NDIS.
What contributes to success in the NDIS?
Working within the NDIS involves more than clinical knowledge. Essential skills and personal attributes that set graduates up for success include:
- Adaptability – Supporting individuals of all ages with diverse diagnoses, backgrounds and experiences.
- Teamwork – Collaborating with multiple clinicians to coordinate and deliver multidisciplinary care.
- Effective Communication – Engaging with participants, carers, healthcare providers, and your multidisciplinary team, with clear documentation and advocacy on behalf of participants.
- Planning & Time Management – Managing a flexible schedule, especially when delivering community-based services.
- Growth Mindset – A genuine desire to learn and make a positive impact in the lives of people with disability.
Ready to start your journey?
If you’re studying or have recently graduated in Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology and are eligible for registration with AHPRA or SPA — you’re already on track.
Ability Action Australia is always looking for graduates to join our team, this is an opportunity to start your career with purpose, guidance, and a community behind you.
To learn more or apply for a graduate position, visit our graduate program page.
