NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Insights | Gibelli Positive Pathways
Providing mobile PBS and Functional Behaviour Assessments to families across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. While we support participants across multiple states, we are currently offering priority mobile capacity in Melbourne’s Western suburbs, including Melton, Werribee, and the Wyndham corridor.
The NDIS is changing in 2026. From the new I-CAN v6 assessments to flexible budgets, discover what Melbourne families need to know to secure their support.
Navigating the 2026 NDIS Changes: What Melbourne Families Need to Know About Support Needs Assessments
As we move into early 2026, the NDIS landscape in Victoria is undergoing its most significant shift in a decade. With the introduction of the New Framework Planning, many Melbourne families are asking: "How will my support change, and what does this mean for my Behaviour Support Plan?"
At Gibelli Positive Pathways, we’ve been closely monitoring these reforms to ensure our participants in Werribee, Melton, and across the Western Suburbs stay ahead of the curve.
From "Functional" to "Support Needs": The 2026 Shift
The biggest change this year is the transition toward Support Needs Assessments. Unlike previous years where "expensive reports" were the primary focus, the NDIA is now using the I-CAN v6 tool (developed right here at the University of Melbourne) to determine flexible budgets.
What does this mean for you? Under the new framework, your budget will be more flexible, but the evidence required to justify that budget must be more precise. A robust Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan is no longer just a compliance document—it is now a vital piece of evidence that outlines exactly what your daily "disability-related support needs" look like in practice.
Victoria’s Safeguarding: The Senior Practitioner’s Role
While federal rules are changing, Victoria’s commitment to safety remains high. We continue to work hand-in-hand with the Victorian Senior Practitioner to ensure that all Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) focus on the reduction of restrictive practices.
In 2026, the Senior Practitioner is emphasizing "The Right Direction"—a focus on quality of life and clinical integrity. Our practitioners are experts in:
BSP-QE II Compliance: Ensuring your plan meets the high-quality benchmarks set by the Victorian Government.
Authorised Program Officer (APO) Liaison: Streamlining the authorisation process so your support isn't delayed by paperwork.
Immediate Capacity in Melbourne’s West
We know that "reform fatigue" is real. With so many changes to NDIS laws, the last thing you need is a 6-month waitlist for a practitioner.
Gibelli Positive Pathways maintains immediate intake capacity for families in:
Werribee & Hoppers Crossing
Melton & Bacchus Marsh
Point Cook & Tarneit
Footscray & Sunshine
How We Help You Transition
Whether you are moving to a "New Framework Plan" this month or simply need to update your current strategies, we provide mobile, home-based assessments that capture the real-world data the NDIS now requires.
Ready to secure your 2026 support? Don’t wait for your plan review to find a practitioner. Let’s build a evidence-based pathway that protects your funding and improves your quality of life.
As Melbourne families prepare for the first bell of 2026, the transition back to school can bring unique challenges. With the statewide completion of the Disability Inclusion rollout, discover practical, neuro-affirming strategies to support your child’s return to the classroom and learn how our mobile PBS team can collaborate with schools for a successful Term 1.
Calm Classrooms: Supporting a Smooth Transition to School in 2026
The January Transition
For many families in Melbourne, late January is a mix of excitement and "transition anxiety." For neurodivergent students or those with complex support needs, the shift from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured demands of a classroom can be a significant hurdle.
This year is particularly noteworthy as Victoria completes its statewide Disability Inclusion rollout. Whether your child is starting Prep at a local primary in Werribee or heading into secondary school in Melbourne’s north, the way support is structured has changed.
What’s New in Victorian Schools?
The move away from the old "Program for Students with Disabilities" (PSD) to the Disability Inclusion Profile means that support is now focused on strengths and functional needs rather than just a medical diagnosis.
As a Behaviour Support Practitioner, I see this as a positive shift. It allows us to collaborate with schools to create environments that adapt to the student, rather than forcing the student to mask or struggle in a one-size-fits-all setting.
3 Tips for a Low-Stress Term 1
To help your child start the year with confidence, consider these proactive strategies:
The "Social Narrative" Walkthrough: If possible, do a drive-by or a walk-through of the school grounds this week. Use a simple "Social Story" to explain what the first morning will look like—from the school gate to the coat rack.
Sensory Audits: New uniforms, scratchy tags, and noisy hallways can lead to sensory overload. Try on the uniform now to wash out any stiffness, and discuss "quiet zones" with the school teacher before the first bell rings.
Collaborative Communication: Reach out to your school’s Inclusion Coordinator. Sharing a copy of your current Behaviour Support Plan early ensures that teachers have the proactive strategies they need to prevent escalations before they happen.
How We Can Help
At Gibelli Positive Pathways, we specialise in school-based transitions. We work directly with Victorian teachers and families to translate clinical strategies into practical classroom adjustments.
If you feel your child’s school transition needs extra support, we have immediate capacity to provide mobile sessions across Melbourne and Greater Geelong to help set your child up for success.
Is your child ready for the first bell?
We offer school-based observations and teacher collaboration sessions to ensure your child's support plan is implemented effectively in the classroom.