What is Social & Community Participation?
Social & Community Participation is a support category under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) program in Australia. It aims to assist individuals with disabilities to actively engage in their communities, develop social connections, and participate in various social and recreational activities. The goal is to enhance social inclusion, promote independence, and improve overall well-being.
Social & Community Participation supports can include a wide range of activities tailored to an individual’s interests, goals, and abilities. These supports are designed to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in community events, build social relationships, develop new skills, and enjoy recreational and leisure activities. Some examples of activities that can be covered under Social & Community Participation include:
Group outings and community events: Support to attend community gatherings, festivals, concerts, sporting events, and other social gatherings.
Recreational activities: Assistance with engaging in recreational activities such as swimming, dancing, sports, art classes, music lessons, and hobbies.
Volunteer work: Support to participate in volunteer opportunities, contributing to community organizations or causes.
Skill-building programs: Access to programs that help develop social skills, communication skills, and confidence in various settings.
Education and training: Support to participate in educational courses, workshops, or vocational training programs to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones.
Peer support groups: Assistance to join peer support networks or groups focused on specific interests or shared experiences.
It’s important to note that the NDIS considers the reasonable and necessary nature of these supports when including them in an individual’s plan. The specific funding and level of support for Social & Community Participation are determined through an assessment process based on the participant’s goals, needs, and functional limitations. This ensures that the supports provided are tailored to the individual’s unique circumstances and help them actively participate in their communities.
How to access Social & Community Participation supports in NDIS?
- To access Social & Community Participation supports in the NDIS, you need to follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility for the NDIS program.
- Contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to request an access request form.
- Complete and submit the access request form along with any required documentation.
- If eligible, you will be assigned a planner or support coordinator who will work with you to develop your NDIS plan.
- Discuss your goals and needs related to social and community participation with your planner.
- Your planner will assess your requirements and include appropriate Social & Community Participation supports in your NDIS plan.
- Once your plan is approved, you can choose service providers registered with the NDIS to deliver the supports outlined in your plan.
What activities are covered under NDIS Social & Community Participation?
The activities covered under NDIS Social & Community Participation are diverse and tailored to individual needs and goals. Some examples of activities that can be included are:
- Participating in community events and festivals
- Joining social or recreational clubs and groups
- Engaging in sports, arts, or cultural activities
- Volunteering or participating in community projects
- Developing social and communication skills through workshops or programs
- Attending educational or vocational training courses
- Joining peer support networks or groups
- Exploring leisure activities, such as swimming, dancing, or music classes
- Accessing transportation assistance to attend community activities
It’s important to discuss your specific interests and goals with your planner to determine which activities will best support your social and community participation.
What are the benefits of Social & Community Participation supports in NDIS?
The benefits of Social & Community Participation supports in the NDIS program are numerous. By participating in social and community activities, individuals with disabilities can experience:
Enhanced social inclusion: Engaging in community events and activities fosters social connections, friendships, and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting social integration.
Improved well-being: Participating in enjoyable and meaningful activities promotes mental and emotional well-being, boosts self-confidence, and provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Skill development: Social & Community Participation supports offer opportunities to develop various skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and vocational skills, which can enhance independence and improve future employment prospects.
Increased community engagement: Being actively involved in community life allows individuals to contribute, share their unique perspectives, and create positive change within their communities.
Expanded networks: Participation in social and community activities opens doors to new friendships, support networks, and connections with people who share common interests and experiences.
Overall, Social & Community Participation supports play a vital role in promoting the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with disabilities by encouraging social interaction, personal growth, and active community engagement.
NDIS Data
That is nearly 300,000 Australians with disabilities who have an individual NDIS plan. More than 150,000 of those participants are receiving assistance for the first time. We’re working to improve the NDIS so that participants can live the lives they want, have more independence, and contribute to a more inclusive Australia. The NDIS is not just for the current participants; it is also for future generations.
Disability Support
We provide 24 hour support to participants funded under NDIS for core supports and behaviour support.
We provide support and work closely with participants to identify and reach their in-home and out-of-home goals while helping them build daily living skills and capacity. We help participants with daily living tasks, including preparing meals, cleaning, basic
personal care, appointments and accessing the community.
- Assist-Personal Activities
- Assist-Travel/Transport
- Daily Tasks/Shared Living
- Innov Community Participation
- Development-Life Skills
- Participate Community
- Group/Centre Activitie
Behaviour Support Plans
Our practitioners review behaviour support plans and design strategies around effective implementation of prescribed plans.
Our staff are trained to deal with complex and challenging behaviours. Our practitioners review behaviour support plans and design strategies around effective implementation of prescribed plans. Nexus Care Services is registered to use regulated restrictive practises when delivering NDIS supports to participants. We are partnered with experienced specialist behaviour support providers who undertake functional behaviour assessments and write support plans that contain regulated restrictive practices for our participants.
Our staff are available to offer 24 hour support to those requiring intense and ongoing support. We also have on-call services for those needing stand by support.
Independent Living
We assist young people transition out of care and into Independent living.
We offer a range of services to support
young people in the transition from
childhood to adulthood, including
supported accommodation and education funded under the NDIS. Our experienced and professional staff can help young people access the funding and services they need to live independently. We can assist with the following
- Advocacy
- Education
- Skills building
- Support accessing young adult care and
- applicable funding
Check the services we offer and how we can support your health and wellness needs.
What Our Clients Say Are Saying
Jimmy
“Jean takes me to work. Jorel takes me to fun activities. I’m hoping to do more fun activities again. Really nice support workers, very relaxing. They let me do my own jobs.”
David
“I am so grateful for the services offered by Nexus Care. Their approach to healthcare goes beyond just treating mental needs and they truly care about my overall well-being. I feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way. I have seen a noticeable improvement in my health and quality of life since I started working with them. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to take charge of their health and live their best life.“
Olivia
“I can’t say enough good things about
Nexus Care. They have been a true lifesaver for me, providing comprehensive care that has improved every aspect of my life. The team is not only knowledgeable, but also warm and compassionate, making me feel like more than just a patient. I truly feel heard and supported at every visit. I highly recommend Nexus Care to anyone looking for a healthcare provider that will treat them like family.“