Every year, World Dietitians Week is a time to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of dietitians in improving health and well-being. ORS is proud to join this celebration by recognising the important work of our dietitians in disability support and NDIS-funded care.
What is Dietetics?
Dietetics is a specialised field that takes a look into the intricate relationship between food, nutrition, and overall health. It encompasses the study of how various dietary components influence bodily functions, disease prevention, and health promotion.
The science of dietetics focuses on how food affects the body. It looks at the chemical and physical processes that happen when we eat. It also considers the social, cultural, and psychological factors that shape our eating habits.
Dietitians in Australia are highly trained health professionals with deep expertise in nutrition science. They complete an accredited university degree in dietetics, which includes extensive theoretical learning and supervised practice placements. Upon graduation, they can apply to become Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) through Dietitians Australia. Their qualification enables them to assess individual dietary needs, identify nutritional deficiencies, and create tailored treatment plans to support a wide range of health and dietary conditions.
Dietitians and Disability: How We Help
Nutrition and dietetics in disability care is essential. Individuals living with disability often face unique health challenges, including swallowing difficulties, sensory-related food aversions, behavioural eating concerns or nutrition support feeding. That’s where ORS dietitians come in.
Our NDIS allied health services are designed to empower individuals and their families. At ORS, our NDIS dietitians support clients through:
- Dietitian Assessments: We conduct comprehensive assessments to understand dietary needs and goals.
- Personalised Meal Planning: We create personalised meal plans that consider preferences, cultural backgrounds, functional abilities and medical needs.
- Building Independence: We help clients build skills by teaching them shop, prepare, and store healthy meals safely and confidently.
- Support across Settings: Our services can be delivered in homes, schools, and the community ensuring accessible support in the environments where it’s needed most.
- Collaboration with Other Allied Health Professionals: Our dietitians work hand-in-hand with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and positive behaviour support practitioners at ORS to ensure nutrition plans are integrated with behavioural and functional goals, supporting holistic care for each individual.
- Culturally Responsive Care: We proudly support individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and ensure that all dietary advice respects cultural food practices and traditions.
Telehealth and Dietetics:
At ORS, we understand that accessibility and convenience are essential when it comes to supporting your health and wellbeing. That’s why we proudly offer dietitian telehealth services — enabling individuals to access expert nutrition care from the comfort of their own homes, no matter where they’re located.
Through secure and user-friendly virtual consultations, our experienced dietitians are able to deliver high-quality, personalised support tailored to your unique dietary goals and health conditions. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, navigating food intolerances, or simply looking to improve your overall nutrition, our telehealth sessions ensure you receive the same level of care as an in-person visit.
With flexible appointment options, ongoing education, and consistent follow-up care, ORS dietitians are here to support you every step of the way — all without the need for travel or time away from your daily routine.
Is a Dietitian Funded by the NDIS?
Yes—dietitians are considered part of the allied health team and are eligible for NDIS funding. Support may be available under Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living). If you’re not sure where to begin, your GP or support coordinator can help refer you to an NDIS-registered dietitian at ORS.
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate Dietitians Week, it’s a great time to recognise the vital role dietitians play in promoting health and wellbeing. Whether in community health, clinical care, food services, or at ORS through NDIS-funded support, dietitians consistently deliver high-quality, and person centred care that empowers individuals throughout their health journey.
About this blog
This blog was co authored by ORS Dietitian Meher Vetvani & Dietetics Student Georgia Panagiotopoulos.
