The NDIS has changed a lot over the past decade. It’s opened doors for sole traders, contractors, and small providers – and with that kind of growth – change tends to be constant. Finding ways to adapt (while still keeping participants at the centre of what you do) is part of the job, even if it’s not always easy.
At the same time, there’s a lot of chatter out there. Opinions, predictions, rumours – you name it. It can be hard to figure out what’s actually worth paying attention to, and what’s just background noise. So, the real question becomes: What should you focus on to keep your business steady, even as the NDIS continues to evolve?
Lately, most of the conversation has been about registration, compliance, foundational supports, and pricing changes. These things do matter, and they’ll shape the way providers work in the future. But there are also simple, practical things you can do right now to make your business more resilient, so that if changes do come, they don’t throw your whole operation off course.
You can think of the areas below as your “steadying points” - the things that help you stay grounded and ready for whatever happens next.
Like any business, having a solid plan is essential. A good business plan sets out your goals, expectations, and opportunities – it’s your foundation for success.
Marketing is part of that plan, but in the NDIS space, it’s just as important to prepare for change. Think ahead: what happens if regulations shift, funding changes, or unexpected challenges arise? Clear procedures and backup plans mean you won’t be left scrambling when things get tough. Instead, you’ll have a roadmap ready to guide you through.
Think about how prepared you are for both growth and challenges:
Good record-keeping is the backbone of compliance and quality service - so much more than just a box to tick. For providers, following the NDIS record-keeping requirements is part of everyday business.
We all know paperwork takes time, and that should factor into your expectations around caseloads. Accurate, up-to-date records help you deliver quality services, adhere to NDIS requirements and build trust with clients and regulators.
Picture an audit tomorrow - would your records pass the test? Are they thorough, secure and easy to update, and could your system adapt if requirements change?
The right technology can make life easier. From streamlining admin tasks to helping you stay on top of compliance, technology can save time and reduce stress. But if you’re using cloud-based solutions, make sure your data is stored in Australia which is a key requirement for NDIS compliance.
And while technology is helpful, it’s not without risks. AI tools, for example, can be great for efficiency, but they also raise questions about accuracy, bias, and privacy. When you’re dealing with participant information, privacy should always come first. Before adopting any new technology, check how it handles sensitive data and whether it meets NDIS standards for security and confidentiality.
Think about where technology could lighten the load in your business.
The NDIS space is always evolving, and staying ahead means keeping your knowledge up to date. Investing in ongoing professional development helps you stay across best practices, emerging trends, and new regulations – and that positions you as a trusted, adaptable provider.
Think of learning as a long-term investment in your business - it’s about building confidence, credibility, and resilience when change happens.
Ask yourself:
Open communication with clients is good practice, and in fact, it’s a requirement under the NDIS Practice Standards. Providers must have a clear, accessible process for managing feedback and complaints, and show they act on it.
Regular feedback helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and what clients really need. And it shouldn’t only happen when things go wrong (or right). Building a transparent, ongoing feedback process – and having clear steps for how you’ll respond means you can adjust services proactively, avoid bigger issues, and stay compliant. It also shows clients you value their voice, which builds trust and loyalty.
Consider whether feedback is helping you improve or just ticking a box:
Advocacy is part of what makes the NDIS work. Standing up for your clients’ needs in the industry and in your day-to-day business dealings helps ensure their voices are heard. It can even influence policy discussions and keep changes focused on what matters most: people.
A person-centred approach is a conscious choice that takes commitment, vulnerability, and continuous improvement.
Ask yourself ‘Are my clients’ needs at the forefront of every decision I make?’
Change in the NDIS isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. And while change can feel daunting, it’s part of what makes this sector dynamic and impactful. The providers who thrive aren’t just reacting - they’re planning ahead, staying informed, and keeping people at the centre of everything they do.
By building strong foundations you’ll not only weather change, you’ll lead through it. That’s how your business stays strong, and your clients get the support they deserve.
As the NDIS evolves, at My Plan Manager we’ll stay focused on what matters most - making the finance side simple for you and your clients, so you have one less thing to worry about.
