Instead of relying on expensive medical reports, participants will now complete a structured interview with an NDIA assessor. This interview will use the I-CAN tool — a validated, strengths-based assessment developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and refined over 20 years.
The I-CAN tool looks at 12 areas of daily life, including:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Relationships
- Physical and mental health
- Self-care and domestic life
Each area is scored based on how often support is needed and how intensive that support must be.
Why It Matters
This new approach aims to:
- Reduce the burden on families to gather medical evidence
- Ensure more equitable access to supports
- Focus on what people can do with the right supports, rather than just their impairments
It’s a shift from a clinical model to a whole-of-life, person-centred assessment, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Sylvanvale is across the upcoming changes and is actively working through them with our internal teams.
What’s Next?
- The NDIA will begin rolling out the new assessment process in stages from mid-2026.
- Participants will be notified when it’s time for their assessment and will receive support throughout the process.
- Sylvanvale will continue to keep clients, families and supporters informed as more details become available.
If you have questions or want to learn more, visit the NDIS support needs assessment page. Alternatively you can call us on 1300 244 577 or email customers@sylvanvale.com.au
