One of the most common questions about the I-CAN rollout is: who actually comes to do this assessment? The answer matters because the person conducting it directly influences how your support needs are captured and what ends up in your plan.

This guide breaks down who the i-can assessor ndis participants will be meeting, what training they have, and how their role differs from the allied health professionals you may have worked with before.

Who Are NDIS I-CAN Assessors?

I-CAN assessors are people employed or contracted directly by the NDIA. They are not your treating therapist, your General Practitioner, or an independent provider. They work for the agency itself.

All assessors go through a dedicated training program before conducting any assessments.

There’s been some debate about who exactly these assessors are. A November 2025 NDIA briefing confirmed that having an allied health background is preferred but not required. Some disability advocates have raised concerns about this, especially for participants with more complex needs.

Do Assessors Need an Allied Health Background?

What we know so far:

• The government has indicated assessors should be allied health professionals such as an occupational therapist or social worker, but internal NDIA briefings suggest an allied health background is preferred, not required
• The NDIA is recruiting from a range of backgrounds, with allied health experience considered an asset
• All assessors must complete the full I-CAN training program before conducting any assessments
• For participants with complex needs, additional targeted assessments may still involve specialist allied health professionals

Disability groups have raised concerns that assessors without clinical training may miss the finer details of complex disability, particularly for autism or psychosocial disability. This is worth knowing so you understand why being clear and specific during your assessment matters.

What Are the Assessment Qualifications and Training Requirements?

The NDIA hasn’t published the full qualification requirements yet. Here’s what’s been confirmed so far:

• Assessors are employed at APS Level 6, a mid-to-senior government role
• Training is developed with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies
• All assessors must complete the full training before conducting any participant assessments
• Training covers the I-CAN tool, person-centred practice, communication adjustments, and report writing

Full details are expected before the mid-2026 rollout.

What Does the I-CAN Assessment Process Actually Look Like?

Here’s how the i-can assessment process works from start to finish:

Step 1: Scheduling. The NDIA contacts you to arrange a suitable time and place. Assessments can happen at home, in a community setting, or via telehealth.

Step 2: The conversation. The assessor has a structured conversation covering 12 areas of daily life. It takes one to three hours. You can take breaks, ask questions, and bring a support person.

Step 3: Scoring. Each area is scored on how often support is needed and how much, on a scale of 1 to 5. These scores combine to form a Support Intensity Score, which is used to determine how much funding goes into your plan.

Step 4: The report. The assessor submits a final report to the NDIA, which is used to build your new plan.

Step 5: Review rights. If you disagree with the outcome, you can request an internal review. You can also appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal, though its power to directly change plan funding has been restricted under the new framework.

What Role Do I-CAN Assessors Play vs. Providers?

One of the most important things to understand is what I-CAN assessors do and what they don’t do. Their role is to assess and report. They don’t deliver support, they don’t manage your plan, and they don’t advocate for you.

Your NDIS provider’s role stays separate. Providers continue to:

• Deliver the funded supports in your plan: personal care, therapy, community access, and accommodation
• Keep records of the support they deliver, which can become evidence at future plan reviews
• Work with you on your goals and make sure your funded hours are being used well

A support coordinator sits in between. They don’t assess you, and they’re not your provider of direct care, but they help you understand your plan, prepare for assessments, and connect with the right services. With the I-CAN rollout changing how plans are assessed and built, their role is more valuable than before.

What to Know Before Your Assessor Arrives

Before your assessor arrives, here are a few things worth knowing:

The assessor is there to listen, not judge. Their job is to understand your support needs. Describe your reality honestly, including your harder days, not just your average ones.

They can make adjustments. If you need breaks, more time, or communication support, let the assessor know early. They’re expected to accommodate this.

Bring someone who knows your daily life. A family member, carer, or support worker can fill in important gaps, especially if you tend to downplay your difficulties.

You’ll get a copy of the report. Read it carefully before it’s used to build your plan. If something doesn’t look right or doesn’t reflect your actual needs, let the NDIA know straight away.

How Jovial Healthcare Can Help

Jovial Healthcare is now operating as Hilda Care, continuing to support NDIS participants across Melbourne and Victoria with the same team and services. As a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne, we help participants navigate plan changes, including the upcoming I-CAN rollout.