Finding Your Next Steps: Support for NDIS Participants After Annecto’s Closure

If you’re an NDIS participant or family member who receives support through Annecto, you’ve likely heard the unexpected news about their closure in July 2025. We understand this news can feel overwhelming and uncertain – and we want you to know that you’re not alone during this transition.

At Ability Assist, we’ve been supporting people with disabilities in Melbourne for over 30 years, and we’re here to help you navigate this change with confidence and peace of mind.

What’s Happening with Annecto NDIS Provider?

On June 11, 2025, Annecto announced the difficult decision to cease all disability services by July 2025. This affects over 3,000 participants and their families across Melbourne and beyond – a significant change that impacts our entire disability community.

For more than 70 years, Annecto has been a trusted name in disability support, which makes this closure particularly surprising for many participants and families. While Annecto has partnered with Melba Support Services to assist with transitions, it’s important to remember that you have the right to choose your own NDIS provider in Melbourne based on what works best for you and your family.

Your Rights: You’re in Control of Your NDIS Journey

Here’s something vital to remember during this transition – you have complete control over who provides your NDIS supports. The NDIS is built on the principles of choice and control, which means:

• Your funding follows you, not your provider
• You can change NDIS provider at any time
• You can use multiple providers for different supports
• You have the right to fair and reasonable pricing
• You can ask questions about any conflicts of interest.

If you’re feeling pressured to move to a specific provider or purchase services you don’t want, remember that this goes against your NDIS rights. You deserve to find a provider that truly fits your needs, goals, and preferences.

Source: NDIS

Support Available During Your Transition

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Several professionals are available to provide NDIS transition support:

• Support Coordinators can help you understand your plan options, connect with suitable providers, and set up new service agreements. They’re also there to help you plan for unexpected situations like this one. Learn more about working with providers
• Local Area Coordinators (LACs) can provide information about available providers in your area, help you connect with community supports, and assist with plan changes if needed. Find out more about LAC services
• The NDIA offers resources like the Provider Finder tool and can help you locate support coordination services if you need them. You can also access additional resources about participant rights.

Ability Assist’s NDIS Team – If you’re exploring your options for a new provider, our experienced Melbourne-based team is here to answer your questions and help you understand how we might be able to support your specific needs during this transition.

How to Find Your Perfect Alternative to Annecto

Step 1: Know What You Need

Take some time to think about what matters most to you:

• Location and travel requirements
• Types of support you need (community access, in-home support, SIL)
• Cultural considerations or language preferences
• Specific goals you’re working towards
• Support worker characteristics that work well for you

Step 2: Research Your Options

• Talk to your support coordinator or LAC – they know your situation and can suggest suitable providers
• Use the NDIS Provider Finder tool on the NDIS website to explore registered providers in your area
• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other participants in your network
• Contact potential providers directly to ask questions about their services and approach

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

When speaking with potential providers, consider asking:

• How do you match support workers to participants?
• What’s your approach to person-centred support?
• How do you handle changes to schedules or support needs?
• What experience do you have with participants who have similar goals to mine?
• Can you provide references from current participants?

Why Melbourne Families Choose Ability Assist

As a Melbourne-based NDIS provider with over 30 years of experience, we understand that choosing a new provider is about more than just filling a gap – it’s about finding the right partner for your journey.

Our approach centres on you as an individual. We believe in person-centred, trauma-informed support that respects your choices, builds on your strengths, and helps you achieve your goals. Our experienced team provides support across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs, offering:

• Community Access Support – helping you participate in activities and connect with your community
• In-Home Support – assistance with daily living activities in the comfort of your own home
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) – 24/7 support for those who need it

What sets us apart is our commitment to really getting to know you. We take time to understand your goals, preferences, and the support style that works best for you. Our support workers are carefully matched to participants, and we maintain open communication with you and your family throughout your journey.

We’re Here to Make Your Transition Smooth

We know that changing providers can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s not your choice. That’s why we’re committed to making your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our Melbourne-based NDIS team is ready to:

• Answer your questions about our services
• Discuss how we can support your specific needs
• Help you understand the transition process
• Work with you to ensure continuity of your supports

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’d like to learn more about how Ability Assist can support you during this transition, we’d love to hear from you:

• Phone: (03) 9306 1770
• Email: support@abilityassist.com.au
• Online: Complete our contact form at abilityassist.com.au/contact-us

Remember, this transition is an opportunity to find a provider that’s an even better fit for your needs and goals. With the right support and information, you can navigate this change with confidence.

At Ability Assist, we are more than just a provider; we’re a team in your corner. We lift our participants to reach their potential and own their independence every day. We’re here to help participants rewrite their own stories; with strength, resilience, and the freedom to live life on their terms.