If you’re a Personal Trainer looking to expand your client base and make a difference, working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a rewarding path. The NDIS provides funding to support Australians with a disability to achieve their goals, including improved health, fitness, and independence. And that’s where you, as a fitness professional, can play a valuable role.
But how exactly do you start working with NDIS participants? And what are the requirements? Here’s our practical guide to get you started.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a government-funded program that supports people under 65 with permanent and significant disabilities. Each participant receives a personalised plan with funding they can use for supports and services, like physiotherapy, allied health, and in some cases, personal training.
Can Personal Trainers Work Within the NDIS?
Yes, Personal Trainers can work with NDIS participants, especially when their services help improve a participant’s functional capacity, mobility, or overall well-being.
However, it’s important to note: the NDIS doesn’t directly fund general gym memberships or fitness sessions. Instead, your services must be aligned with capacity-building goals, such as improving strength for daily tasks, increasing confidence, or supporting independence.
Do I Need to Be Registered with the NDIS?
There are two ways to work within the NDIS:
- As a registered NDIS provider – This allows you to work with all participants, including those whose plans are NDIA-managed.
- As an unregistered provider – You can still work with plan-managed or self-managed participants without being officially registered.
Most Personal Trainers start by working with self-managed or plan-managed clients because NDIS registration can be a lengthy and complex process.
What Does “NDIA-Managed” Mean?
NDIS participants can have their funding managed in three different ways:
- NDIA-managed (agency-managed) – The NDIA pays providers directly, and only registered providers can be used.
- Plan-managed – A third-party plan manager pays providers, and unregistered providers are allowed.
- Self-managed – The participant (or nominee) manages their funding, pays providers directly, and can use any provider, registered or not.
💡 If you’re not registered, focus on plan-managed or self-managed clients—you can still provide your services and get paid.
How to Start Working with NDIS Clients
- Understand Your Role
- Your services must relate to NDIS plan goals—like mobility, independence, or mental wellbeing.
- Ensure you’re working within your scope of practice (you’ll need at least a Certificate III & IV in Fitness).
- Get the Right Insurance
- Make sure your public liability and professional indemnity insurance includes cover for working with NDIS clients and people with disability.
- Decide Whether to Register
- If you want to work with NDIA-managed clients, you’ll need to become a registered NDIS provider.
- Most PTs start by working with self-managed or plan-managed participants, where registration is not required.
- Start Promoting Your Services
- Network with support coordinators, plan managers, and allied health professionals.
- Let them know how your services support function, movement, and wellbeing.
- Provide Clear Invoicing and Documentation
- Include relevant plan goals and NDIS line items on your invoices.
- Keep records of session plans, goals, and progress.
How to Find Self-Managed NDIS Clients
Self-managed participants have the most flexibility in choosing their providers, making them a great place to start.
Here are a few strategies to help you connect with them:
- Join NDIS-friendly platforms like Mable, Kynd, or MyCareSpace to list your services.
- Engage in Facebook groups for NDIS families or disability communities in your area.
- Build referral networks with support coordinators, allied health professionals, and disability organisations.
- Ask for word-of-mouth referrals once you’ve worked with your first clients.
- Optimise your website by including a section about your NDIS-friendly services (e.g. “We support NDIS self-managed and plan-managed participants”).
Limitations and Cautions to Keep in Mind
Before diving in, here are some important things to be aware of:
- Be Careful with Advertising
- You can’t claim to be an “NDIS provider” unless you are officially registered.
- You can say:
- “We work with NDIS self-managed and plan-managed participants.”
- “Our services may be claimable under Capacity Building – Improved Health & Wellbeing.”
- Avoid using the NDIS logo or giving the impression that you’re government-endorsed.
- Know Your Scope
- You can support clients through strength, movement, and lifestyle-based goals.
- You must not diagnose, treat injuries, or deliver therapy unless you hold those qualifications (e.g. physiotherapy, OT).
- If in doubt, refer to or collaborate with qualified allied health professionals.
- Get the Right Insurance
- Not all policies automatically cover disability services—check that yours specifically includes NDIS-related or disability support work.
- Understand What You Can Claim
- Your sessions must relate directly to a participant’s NDIS goals—not just general fitness. For example: improving balance to reduce falls, increasing confidence, or supporting mobility for community access.
- Stay Professional
- You’re entering a space that requires empathy, patience, and professionalism.
- Keep detailed session records, be consistent with communication, and maintain clear boundaries and respect for each client’s individual needs.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, if you’re passionate about helping others, this work can be incredibly rewarding.
You’ll be making a meaningful impact in people’s lives, while building your business in a new and growing space. The disability and NDIS sector continues to expand, and Personal Trainers who can support clients with respect and purpose are in demand.
Final Tips
- Start by supporting self-managed clients to build experience.
- Learn about NDIS categories like “Improved Health and Wellbeing” or “Improved Daily Living”.
- Use your website and networks to clearly explain how you help people achieve functional goals.