For families navigating the NDIS, the term Short Term Accommodation (STA) has long been the standard way to describe overnight stays, holiday programs, and camps. However, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has recently transitioned toward the term “Short Term Respite”—a shift that is much more than a simple name change.
This rebranding signals a deeper evolution in how the NDIS views the role of camps and overnight supports for children. It moves the focus away from the “bricks and mortar” of a building and places it squarely on the sustainability of the family unit.
Why the Name Change Matters
In the past, the term “Short Term Accommodation” led many to view the support as a transactional service: the NDIS pays for a bed and supervision. This often created friction during plan reviews, as the NDIS strictly does not fund “holidays” or “luxury travel.”
By rebranding to Short Term Respite, the NDIA is emphasising the functional purpose of the service. “Respite” acknowledges a fundamental truth: caring for a child with significant disability is a 24/7 commitment that requires immense emotional and physical energy. The goal of this support is to give the primary informal carers (parents and siblings) a break, thereby preventing burnout and ensuring the child can continue to live at home in a stable environment.
Supporting the “Informal Support Network”
The NDIS operates on the principle of “reasonable and necessary” supports. One of the most critical factors in determining what is reasonable is the role of informal supports—the unpaid care provided by family and friends.
Under the new “Short Term Respite” framework, the value of a camp is measured by its impact on the family. When a child attends an NDIS-funded camp, the “respite” element provides three key benefits:
- Caregiver Longevity: It allows parents to rest and recharge, which is essential for maintaining the long-term care arrangement at home.
- Sibling Focus: It provides a window for parents to spend dedicated, one-on-one time with siblings who may often have their needs sidelined by the intensive requirements of their brother or sister.
- Crisis Prevention: Regular, planned respite reduces the likelihood of family breakdown or the need for emergency, high-cost residential placements.
A Focus on Growth, Not Just Housing
While the benefit to the parents is a primary driver, the shift to “Short Term Respite” also highlights that these experiences must be developmental for the child.
For a camp to be funded under this category, it shouldn’t just be a place where a child is “watched.” It should be an environment where they are:
- Developing social skills with peers in a community setting.
- Building independence away from their primary caregivers.
- Practicing daily living skills (such as hygiene, dressing, or meal prep) in a new environment.
What This Means for Your Plan
If you are looking to include a camp or respite stay in your child’s NDIS plan, your language needs to reflect this shift. Instead of focusing on the “holiday” aspects or the specific location, focus on the outcomes for the family and the child.
When preparing for a planning meeting or review, consider these talking points:
- “How will this respite stay assist my family to continue their caring role?”
- “What specific social or independence goals will my child work on while at the camp?”
- “Why is it essential for the sustainability of our household that we have this break?”
The transition from STA to Short Term Respite is a positive step toward acknowledging the complexities of disability care. It validates the exhaustion many parents feel and provides a clearer pathway to securing funding for camps by highlighting them as an essential tool for family resilience.
By viewing these experiences through the lens of respite rather than just accommodation, families can better advocate for the supports that keep their household healthy, happy, and connected.
