“We are passionate about the value of inclusion, and expert in the means for achieving it.”
Founder and Director
Catherine O’Farrell is a highly regarded NDIS, disability and community services specialist.
She held senior roles within the NDIS from 2016 to 2021 and is now employed by the Victorian Government as an NDIS Navigator.
Catherine is a registered teacher with experience in schools, adult education and community services.
You can view Catherine’s LinkedIn profile.
Our Beginnings
While working within the NDIS, Catherine saw that students with disability were often excluded at school and that parents were unsure how NDIS funds could support inclusion.
She also saw that schools and community services were not always clear on how the scheme connects with other systems.
Understandings was founded to bridge this gap.
Where We Are Now
We work with parents, support coordinators, education providers and community organisations.
We build knowledge of the NDIS and how it links with health, education, housing and other systems.
Our work includes preparing for planning meetings and reviews; managing transitions; providing evidence to support requests made to the NDIS; and supporting appeals through the AAT with successful outcomes.
More About Catherine
Senior NDIS Roles
From 2016 to 2021 Catherine worked in senior positions within the NDIS, including Senior Planner in the Complex Support Needs Pathway and Partner Performance Officer. She also assisted in developing and delivering the national Assistive Technology Home Modification training program.
NDIS Navigator
Catherine now works as an NDIS Navigator with the Victorian Government. She helps parents and schools understand and use the scheme, and works with therapists to support better coordination of NDIS supports in education settings.
Technical Expertise
Catherine draws on the NDIS Act 2013, updated legislation, the Operational Guidelines, the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Principles to Determine the Responsibilities of the NDIS and Other Service Systems. With this knowledge, she offers clear advice and helps families navigate and overcome barriers in their NDIS plans.
Practical Experience
Her working knowledge includes supporting families through reviews, applying for NDIS access, requesting assistive technology, managing plan variations and changes of circumstances, and assisting participants at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), formerly the AAT. Catherine also has lived experience working with students with autism, intellectual disability and other disabilities, giving her a practical understanding of inclusion in schools.
Registered Teacher
Catherine is registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. She has experience in school, special schools and adult education settings — as well as managing a Registered Training Organisation.
Contact Us
hello@understandings.com.au
0413.714.691