A Message From Lauren Reinhardt

Director, North Shore Speech Therapy 

Over the past week, many families have reached out as conversations about Thriving Kids gain momentum. As the Director of North Shore Speech Therapy, and as someone who has always strongly supported the NDIS for restoring genuine choice and control to families, I want to share my reflections and reassure you that we are walking alongside you through this period of change. 

My leadership team and I have reviewed all information released so far and have been actively involved in consultations and advocacy. The intention behind these reforms is one we wholeheartedly support: ensuring children receive the right support earlier, with fewer delays and clearer access pathways. 

Where I pause is in how these reforms may feel for families in everyday life. 

Many elements of Thriving Kids focus on parent capacity‑building, information, and group‑based support. These have value, but the families we work with already understand their child deeply. What they often lack is time, energy, and access to consistent, skilled professional help. When expectations on parents rise without a parallel rise in support, families can feel overwhelmed, not empowered. 

I’m also mindful of the use of labels such as “low” or “moderate needs.” These terms rarely reflect the realities we see in clinic rooms, classrooms, playgrounds and homes. Children described as “mild” may still struggle with communication, participation, friendships, emotional regulation and learning in significant ways and they deserve timely, individualised care. 

Another essential ingredient in children’s progress is continuity. Strong, trusting relationships with local therapists who know a child over time cannot be replicated in standardised, high‑volume models. If reforms unintentionally shift support away from community‑based teams like ours, families may lose the depth of relationships  that makes early intervention meaningful and successful. 

And as always, we must consider workforce realities. Speech pathologists and allied health clinicians spend years developing the skills children rely on. Without significant investment in the clinical workforce, shifting responsibility to schools or general community settings risks leaving families without the specialised support they need. 

A brief but important reflection:
Before the NDIS, Australia used a system similar in design to what is now being proposed. Families often faced long waiting lists, limited flexibility, and reduced access to individualised care during the years it mattered most. I share this not to create worry, but because history offers lessons and I believe strongly in protecting what the NDIS got right: dignity, access, and choice. 

At North Shore Speech Therapy, our commitment remains the same. Children develop within relationships, routines and environments, not in isolation. Progress comes from skilled professionals working alongside families and educators over time, adjusting support as children grow. That is the heart of our work, and it will not change. 

As the Thriving Kids model continues to evolve, we welcome greater clarity and will keep you informed every step of the way. Most importantly, please know this: you are not navigating this alone. We will help you understand the changes, advocate where needed, and ensure your child continues to receive the care they need and deserve. 

Warmly,
Lauren Reinhardt
Director, North Shore Speech Therapy