The NDIS can help you be more social — here’s how

SPONSORED — Connecting with others and being part of the community is important for people living with disability. The NDIS can make this possible through being active in inclusive social settings.

Apart from the fun, it provides support that encourages outings, group activities, classes and more.

You can learn how community participation support works and how to enrol. Below, we have outlined an extensive guide on all you need to know.

What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is for people with disability. The NDIS helps people achieve their individual goals, overcome challenges and perform daily tasks through tailored support.

That support could be as simple as helping someone learn to cook by themselves or as broad as giving them the confidence and resources to find a job or join a community group. 

The NDIS is designed to put people first — it gives them more choice and control over how they live and who supports them. 

It also provides funding for activities that build life skills. The NDIS connects people to their community while supporting both physical and mental well-being. 

What is the NDIS approach to social and community participation?

The NDIS offers social and community participation support for people with disability. That support is designed to help you meet people with similar interests and join in social and community activities. 

‘Group’ and ‘social’ activities also mean different things to different people; it can include going to your local cafe or joining a netball team.

It can also involve bushwalking with a friend or doing a craft class and getting work experience by volunteering. 

Support from the NDIS for social interaction opportunities helps participants establish their goals. You can employ support workers with your allocated funding and then you get to enjoy the perks of social participation. 

How the NDIS assists with social and community participation

The NDIS supports participants in setting goals and employing support workers. Below, we’ve listed some ways that you can use your funding to benefit yourself.

Participate in group-based meetings

NDIS support with social and community participation allows you to enjoy group activities.

These activities include sports, painting and other fun forms of recreation, promoting teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Peer support

One of the supports the NDIS offers is peer support, where you get mentoring from someone who has had a similar lived experience.

It also assists young adults in transitioning to higher education and helps adults engage in community participation after retirement.

Volunteering

Volunteering is fun and helps you learn new things; you get to volunteer in so many ways as an NDIS participant.

These include community projects, like gardening or cleaning the local library. This helps you engage with the environment and meet new people.

How to request NDIS social and community participation support

To receive NDIS assistance with social and community participation, you have to be an NDIS member. 

There are some requirements you need to meet before you become eligible for this kind of support.

Age requirement

To apply for support from the NDIS, you must be under the age of 65.

Nationality

To apply for support from the NDIS, you must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident who lives in Australia.

Meet the requirements for disability

You are required to be assessed as meeting the requirements for disability, early intervention or both.

To be eligible under the disability requirements, you will likely need NDIS support for the rest of your life.

To be eligible for early intervention, the supports that are likely to benefit you must be NDIS supports.

If you are eligible for the NDIS, you can go ahead and apply for funding the community participation support. You can choose how you wish to apply from the options listed below.

Meet your local area coordinator

For children below the age of 9, visit the LAC or a childhood partner. They help you submit your application and guide you through the whole process.

Apply online 

However, you can apply online if you don’t want to apply in person by submitting your form via email.

Visit the physical office

If the first two options don’t appeal to you, you can visit their physical office to complete your application.

Conclusion

NDIS assistance with social and community participation helps to improve the social skills of participants. 

You can enrol in the NDIS if you want to connect and spend more time outside your home. That way, you build connections and grow as someone with a disability.

To connect with the right support worker, visit Support Network to get started and subscribe to the Talking Disability newsletter to stay up to date with news and industry updates.

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