Community Participation: your complete NDIS guide for greater independence and inclusion
Building confidence, forming connections, developing skills, and living independently are all part of what everyday participation is about. For many Australians with disabilities, participation in the community is made possible by NDIS community participation funding. For those on the Gold Coast who want to join a social group, volunteer, attend local community events, or participate in recreational activities, it is important to know the NDIS funding basics.
What Is NDIS community involvement?
community involvement in the NDIS refers to the funding for participants to take part in community activities including social, recreational, and educational activities. These supports allow for greater independence and more social connections.
The NDIS community involvement funding recognises that taking part in community activities improves many participants’ quality of life. The funding allows for NDIS participants to take part in activities that may be difficult to access because of their disability.
NDIS funding does cover the cost of support to take part in these activities.The NDIS generally funds the disability-related supports you need to participate, rather than the activity itself.
Understanding social and community participation funding
Importantly, NDIS funding typically covers the support required to participate, such as:
- Support worker assistance
- Transportation support
- Personal care during activities
- Assistance with communication and social interaction
The funding generally does not cover personal expenses such as event tickets, memberships, food, or equipment.
This support may be used for participants to:
- go to social groups
- take part in sports/writing/other recreational activities
- go to community events
- go shopping
- join hobby groups
- volunteer
As funding in this category is core support funding, it is quite flexible and provides support for a range of everyday participation activities.
Capacity Building: increased social engagement
Funding in this category supports the development of skills that, with time, will make the participant more independent.
This may involve learning:
how to use public transport
social skills
communication skills
how to be more confident
community navigation
personal and educational skills
Unlike core supports, capacity-building funding is more specific and tends to be goal-orientated.
Why social inclusion matter?
There are many advantages of social inclusion beyond improving social networks.
Enhanced Social Connections
Participating in the community helps forge new friendships and support networks and helps reduce social isolation.
Increased Self-Esteem
New activities improve self-esteem and confidence.Improved Independence
Social inclusion enhances the development of practical skills used in everyday life.
Better Physical and Emotional Health
Engagement in recreational and social activities fosters healthy habits and reduces stress.
Improved Job Readiness
Community programs improve skills that are necessary for employment, including communication, teamwork, and program-related skills.
Activities supported through NDIS community participation
NDIS social engagement funding is flexible. It can cater to personal interests and needs and provide support to meet individual goals.
Sports and Recreation | Arts and Creative Activities | Education and Skill Development | Social and Community Groups | Volunteering Opportunities |
Swimming | Painting | Digital literacy | Book clubs | Community gardening |
Sports | Photography | Budgeting | Community centres | Animal care |
Yoga | Pottery | Cooking | Gaming | Charity |
Tennis | Music | Languages | Gardening | Food bank services |
Cycling | Drama | Public speaking | Cultural | Environmental |
Innovative community involvement programs
Some participants need more specialised support than general community access programs provide. To create meaningful engagement opportunities, Innovative community involvement focuses on structured programs to address specific barriers.
Some of these programs may include:
- Supported Social Enterprises
- Community cafés
- Local markets
- Art
- Small businesses
Technology-Assisted Participation
Programs with:
- Communication devices
- Assistive technology
- Virtual participation
- Nature-Based Community Programs
- Community gardening
- Outdoor wellbeing and
- Volunteering activities
- Mentoring Programs
With peer mentoring programs, participants are paired with a mentor where they are taught skills on how to be confident members of their community.
These programs are an invaluable resource for people with high support needs, communication issues, and/or social anxiety.
Community Participation on the Gold Coast
In the Gold Coast, there are community-based opportunities that are open and available to NDIS participants.
Some of these options are:
- Programs to improve access to the beach
- Community Sports Teams
- Performing and Creative Arts Workshops
- Fitness Support Programs
- Volunteering
- Community Hubs
- Educational Workshops
- Fairs and Celebrations
A participant wanting to increase their social confidence may start going to community events with a support worker and then later on, start attending those events alone. Another participant may want to learn how to socialise and join a local gardening group.
At Gold Coast Disability Services, support workers engage with participants to help them choose activities that aid their progress towards independence and inclusion.
How to access NDIS community access funding
While preparing for your NDIS planning or reassessment meeting, focus on working on how participation will help in your disability-related needs.
Include the following if possible.
- Goals: Explain what you would like to achieve.
- Challenges: Explain the barriers that stop participation.
- Supports: Explain the help you require to participate.
Professional Recommendations
Supporting reports from:
- Occupational therapists
- Psychologists
- Allied health professionals
- General practitioners
These documents can strengthen your case for funding.
Common Challenges and Solutions
‘There Are Not Many Activities Where I Live.’
Try:
- Online social groups
- Virtual learning programs
- Community transport supports
- Programs in the neighboring suburbs
‘New Activities Make Me Nervous’
Try:
- Smaller group programs
- One-on-one support
- Peer mentoring
- Familiar Community Settings
‘What Options Match My Goals?’
Talk to your support coordinator or provider about what programmes you can do that will help your goals.
Creating meaningful community connections
The ideal outcomes are achieved when interests and aspirations are aligned with the activities on offer.
They help participants engage in activities that result in:
- Build lasting friendships
- Gain independence
- Improve confidence
- Develop practical skills
- Contribute to their community
They fulfil opportunities that your heart desires, whether this is on the sporting field, on the stage in arts, or on the side with volunteering and social groups.
At Gold Coast Disability Services, we work alongside participants to make the most of their NDIS funding by matching them with meaningful community activities that support their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is NDIS community participation?
Community participation funding through the NDIS helps participants access community activities that require social, recreational, and educational support. - What does social and community involvement funding pay for?
Funding generally pays for support workers, transportation, and any disability-related supports needed for community involvement. - Can I use NDIS community access funding for sports?
Yes, community access funding can be used to support participation in sports and community recreation activities if they are related to your goals. - What is Increased Social and Community Participation?
Increased social and community participation is a Capacity Building support category that focuses on fostering skills to promote independence and participation in the community. - Can children access social engagement funding?
Yes, children can access funding for social engagement activities that support social development and community inclusion, as well as skills-building activities. - Do I need a Support Coordinator for community access?
Although you don’t need one, a support coordinator can help find appropriate community access programmes and can help stretch the NDIS dollar. - How do I get community access funding?
In the funding meeting, you will need to outline your goals and the support needs and disability-related barriers you have to achieve your desired community access.
Ready to establish more community connections
Gold Coast Disability Services can help you through the process of optimising your NDIS plan so you can participate in the community, develop skills, and gain independence.
Contact our team today to learn how community access supports can help you achieve your goals and enjoy a more connected life.