“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.
Catherine worked in multiple senior positions at the NDIS, including as ‘Senior Planner for the NDIS Complex Support Needs Pathway.’
She is a registered teacher, and has worked in schools and adult education.
Catherine is experienced working as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) manager.
Our Beginnings
During her time working at the NDIS, Catherine noticed that students with disability were often excluded at school, and parents were at a loss what to do next.
She also noticed that schools, community services and businesses lacked awareness how NDIS funding could support inclusion of persons with NDIS plans.
So Understandings was founded to bridge the gap.
Where We Are Now
Today Understandings works with parents, support coordinators, education providers, and community service providers and businesses.
Our pride is in building awareness and connecting you with the best NDIS outcomes, for supporting persons with disability in all walks of life.
We invite you to contact us to build your knowledge of the NDIS, and other regulations and funding for inclusion.
More About Catherine
Former NDIS Employee
From 2016 to 2021, Catherine worked in several senior positions at the NDIS, including ‘Senior Planner with National Delivery,’ ‘Senior Planner for the Complex Support Needs Pathway,’ and ‘Partner Performance Officer. In this later role Catherine supported NDIS partner organisations such as Intereach and Brotherhood of St. Lawrence. Catherine also worked to develop and deliver the ‘Assistive Technology Home Modification Training’ program to partner organisations nationwide.
Autism Awareness
Catherine participated in the TEACCH Autism Program (University of North Carolina, 2005); and Global Critical Conversations: ‘Removing barriers to inclusion for autistic children: Educational, psychological and neurological perspectives' (Monash University, 2021).
Qualified Spalding Tutor
Catherine received this qualification from Spalding Education International (SEI), which is accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).
Training in Disability Standards for Education
Catherine holds Certificate 1 & 2 in Disability Standards for Education for Primary Schools, and Certificate 1 & 2 in Disability Standards for Education for Education Leaders.
Registered Teacher
Catherine is registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
Contact Us
hello@understandings.com.au
0434.659.345