Background and context
Children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) are inconsistently accepted onto the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Speech pathologists are the primary diagnosticians for DLD and assist families to apply for the Scheme. Clinicians and families often end up at appeal or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) despite sound applications. The authors have collected data about rate of rejection, common comorbidities of DLD, and the process of applying to the NDIS.

Learning outcomes
o Participants will learn how to apply the NDIS Act to children diagnosed with DLD
o Participants will learn about a current research study about DLD and the NDIS conducted through Griffith University and Speech Pathology Australia.
o Participants will explore case studies of successful applications to the NDIS for young people with DLD
o Participants will understand the appeals and AAT process
o Participants will understand how to access resources to assist with describing the functional impact of DLD

Assumed knowledge or experience
This workshop is relevant for all speech pathologists

Outline of activities
o Overview of NDIS act
o Overview of DLD diagnosis and co-morbidities
o Exploring DLD acceptance on the Scheme and reasons for rejection-based on research study findings and SPA advocacy data
o Presentation on AAT process from subject matter expect
o Case study presentation and exploring tools for describing functional impact of DLD
o Describe range of resources to support the application process
o Q and A session

Implications for practice
o Report writing insights and application tips
o Understanding legislative processes for funding

Keywords
DLD
Developmental Language disorder
Disability
NDIS
Paediatric

Submission Statement:
Children with DLD are inconsistently granted access to the NDIS. Speech pathologists are often advocates assisting with applications. This workshop will provide insight into prevalence rates of acceptance as well as case studies and experiences of attending the AAT.