The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will soon introduce a new, evidence-based method for assessing participant support needs through the Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN).

This update aims to simplify planning, make budgets fairer, and more tailored to each participant’s individual circumstances.

What Is the I-CAN Assessment Tool?

The I-CAN assessment tool is a standardised instrument designed to evaluate the functional and support needs of people with disability.

Developed over more than 20 years in partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies, I-CAN Version 6 introduces a structured, evidence-based framework that helps NDIS planners and participants identify the right level of support needed for everyday living and independence.

Why I-CAN Matters for NDIS Participants

The I-CAN assessment will bring greater consistency and transparency to the planning process. It will reduce variability between plans and ensure participants receive funding that aligns with their actual needs.

What Is the Goal of the New Assessment?

The new NDIS assessment aims to create fairer budgets and simpler pathways to disability supports.

By collecting information directly from participants, families, and carers, the system ensures that every plan reflects genuine, real-world needs rather than just documentation or reports. This approach will also help reduce the stress of gathering evidence and speed up planning approvals.

How It Improves the Current Process

• Ensures more accurate and equitable funding allocations.
• Reduces administrative load for participants and families.
• Supports data-driven decision-making for NDIS planners.

When Will the I-CAN Assessment Be Introduced?

The rollout of the I-CAN tool is expected to begin from mid-2026, allowing time for participant education, staff training, and process adaptation across all NDIS regions.

This phased introduction ensures that providers, support coordinators, and participants can smoothly transition to the new system without disruption to existing plans.

What Participants Should Do Before 2026

• Stay informed about updates from the NDIS Commission and HAHS.
• Review your current plan goals to prepare for future reassessments.
• Speak to your support coordinator about how I-CAN may influence your next plan review.

What This Means for Help at Hand Support (HAHS) Participants

For HAHS participants, the new I-CAN process represents an opportunity to achieve plans that truly match individual needs.

Our coordinators will receive training on the new framework and work closely with each participant to ensure their support plans reflect the I-CAN data accurately. This proactive approach means you will continue receiving the best possible outcomes from your NDIS plan.

Our Commitment to You

• Stay updated on every NDIS change that affects you.
• Explain the I-CAN process in simple, participant-friendly language.
• Support your transition through planning and reviews.

Have Questions About the I-CAN Rollout?

If you are unsure how the I-CAN assessment might impact your NDIS plan or would like to prepare ahead, the HAHS team is here to help.

📞 Call us: 1300 822 190
✉️ Email: admin@helpathandsupport.com.au

We encourage all participants and families to stay informed and reach out early for guidance as the NDIS prepares for this significant change.

FAQs

What is the I-CAN assessment used for?

The I-CAN tool measures a participant’s functional ability and support requirements to ensure their NDIS plan accurately reflects their needs.

Who developed the I-CAN assessment?

It was developed by the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies after over two decades of research and refinement.

When will I-CAN be introduced?

The I-CAN tool will be implemented across the NDIS from mid-2026.

Will participants need to reapply for the NDIS because of this change?

No. Existing participants will transition automatically as the new tool becomes part of the planning process.

How will this affect plan reviews?

Future plan reviews will rely more on I-CAN data, making them more consistent and transparent.

NDIS Plan Management

The introduction of the I-CAN Version 6 assessment tool will directly influence how participant budgets are structured and managed under the NDIS. As these new data-driven insights begin to shape fairer funding decisions, effective NDIS Plan Management becomes more crucial than ever.

Through professional plan management, participants can ensure their I-CAN-based funding is allocated efficiently across essential supports such as personal care, allied health therapies, community access, and transport assistance.

At Help at Hand Support, our plan managers will work closely with each participant to interpret I-CAN outcomes, optimise spending, and maintain transparency throughout the NDIS budgeting process ensuring every dollar aligns with the participant’s goals, independence, and wellbeing.