Navigating NDIS Updates presented by Shannon Thatcher, APD and Natalie Santelli, APD
This presentation effectively demystifies recent policy changes, ensuring that dietitians can continue to support participants with informed, solution-focused strategies.
Shannyn and Natalie systematically break down major changes, including impairment notices, funding adjustments, and the introduction of total budget amounts. Their explanation of the ‘ins and outs’ list sheds light on what is now excluded from funding—such as blenders for tube feeding—and how replacement supports can still be accessed. This is a useful update for any dietitian working in the NDIS space, combining expertise with a strong commitment to participant care and professional advocacy.
Learn about:
- Recent funding changes which require us to stay informed and advocate effectively for our services.
- New total budget amounts which aim to increase flexibility, but inconsistent implementation means dietitians must work closely with plan managers and support coordinators to secure funding.
- How advocacy and collaboration are key to navigating NDIS changes, ensuring we can continue providing essential support to participants despite evolving policies.
To register for the presentation and associated documents including the assessment quiz click here
You may also be interested in Shannyn’s three-part series: A dietitian’s guide to working in the NDIS
Shannyn Thatcher is a strong advocate for recognising nutrition as essential in disability care, particularly within the NDIS. As Founder and Managing Director of The RealEat, she leads a skilled team providing tailored nutrition support for people with complex disabilities across Australia. She specialises in complex disability nutrition, tube feeding (including blended tube feeding), and feeding differences in ASD and ADHD. Shannyn takes a trauma-informed, person-centred approach, empowering individuals and their support teams with evidence-based care. She is also dedicated to education and advocacy, mentoring dietitians, presenting to disability organisations, and contributing to national policy improvements. Known for her warm and practical style, she ensures every client feels supported, making nutrition more accessible for people with disabilities.
Natalie Santelli is an Accredited Practising Dietitian specialising in paediatric nutrition and disability support. She has expertise in sensory feeding challenges, ARFID, Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD), and tube feeding. With a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) from the University of Newcastle, she has worked across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community settings. Natalie takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach, helping families, carers, and professionals navigate feeding challenges with confidence. She focuses on simple, actionable strategies that foster positive, pressure-free mealtimes and long-term nutrition success.