The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to help Australians with disabilities achieve greater independence, improve their quality of life, and reach their personal goals.
Among the wide range of supports available through the NDIS, assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation is an important service that fosters inclusion, independence, and personal development.
So – what does community participation mean under the NDIS? We will break this down, highlight its benefits for participants, and explore how MyIntegra’s Plan Management and Support Coordination services can help you make the most of this support.
What is assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation?
Under the NDIS, assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation is a support category that helps participants engage in social, recreational, economic and community activities. These activities are designed to build skills, confidence, and independence while fostering meaningful connections with others.
This type of support is flexible and tailored to the participant’s individual needs and goals. It may include assistance to attend events, join clubs or groups, volunteer, or engage in skill-building programs.
Examples of activities covered
NDIS funding for social, economic, and community participation can support you to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:
- Recreational activities: Attending hobby-based classes, joining a sports club, gym group fitness sessions.
- Social engagements: social groups, attending social gatherings, or joining a community group.
- Skill development: Learning new skills such as cooking, gardening, or photography.
- Nurturing hobbies: Exploring and engaging in hobbies that bring joy but also foster personal growth, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Cultural participation: Attending the movies, museums, or cultural events.
- Volunteering and work opportunities: Getting involved in work experience, structured community programs, or local volunteering opportunities,
It’s important to know that the NDIS does not cover the cost of the activities themselves. Instead, it may fund:
- The support of a worker to assist you during the activity
- Capacity building support to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to participate
To better understand what the NDIS will and won’t fund, you can visit the official NDIS Guidelines on funding.
How does Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation Work?
This type of support is typically funded under the Capacity Building Supports or Core Supports categories of an NDIS plan.
- Core Supports: Focus on helping participants with day-to-day activities, including accessing the community.
- Capacity Building Supports: Aim to develop skills that enhance independence and long-term engagement in social, economic or community activities.
The funding for these supports is highly flexible, allowing participants to choose how they engage with their community and achieve their goals.
Who can provide these supports?
Participants can select providers that align with their interests and preferences, ensuring a personalised and enjoyable experience
Choosing NDIS registered providers can be beneficial as they often have experienced and trained support workers. The NDIS offers a tool called the NDIS Provider Finder to help participants discover providers.
What are the benefits of social, economic and community participation?
Engaging in social, economic and community activities is more than just an enjoyable experience—it has real benefits for NDIS participants. These include:
1. Improved social skills and relationships
Regular participation in community activities helps participants build and strengthen social skills. It creates opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and form meaningful connections, reducing isolation and loneliness.
2. Increased confidence and independence
Learning new skills, taking part in group activities, and navigating new environments foster self-confidence and encourage participants to take greater control of their lives.
3. Enhanced physical and mental wellbeing
Active participation in sports, exercise classes, or recreational activities promotes physical health, while engaging with others can boost mental wellbeing and reduce stress.
4. Skill development for employment or volunteering
Community participation often includes opportunities to learn new skills that can pave the way for employment or volunteering roles, enhancing independence and personal fulfilment.
5. A sense of belonging
Being part of a community helps participants feel included, valued, and connected, fostering a sense of belonging that can improve overall quality of life.
How can MyIntegra help with your social, economic and community participation goals?
At MyIntegra, we understand the importance of participation in empowering NDIS participants to live fulfilling lives. Our NDIS Plan Management and NDIS Support Coordination services are designed to help you get the most from your funds and access the right supports, including Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.
Our Plan Management service can help you
- Ensure timely payments: We handle the invoicing and payment processes, ensuring your providers are paid on time.
- Track your budget: With our user-friendly portal, you can monitor your NDIS funding 24/7, helping you stay on top of your spending and plan accordingly.
- Monitor effective use of funds: We help ensure you’re utilising your NDIS plan funds effectively and have the financial capacity to cover your needs.
- Flexibility with providers: As your Plan Manager, we provide the flexibility to work with both registered and non-registered providers for your social and community activities.
For participants with Support Coordination funding, our Support Coordinators can:
- Identify suitable activities: We’ll work with you to understand your interests, goals, and support needs, identifying programs and activities that align with your preferences and aspirations.
- Connect you with providers: Our extensive network of trusted providers allows us to recommend services specialising in social, economic, and community participation.
- Coordinate services: We can organise schedules, ensure services align with your NDIS plan, and manage any challenges that arise.
- Support you to achieve your goals: Our Support Coordinators focus on helping you connect with providers and build a personalised strategy to achieve your goals and build your independence.
How to choose the right Community Participation provider
When selecting a NDIS provider for social, economic and community participation, it’s important to consider:
- Your goals: Does the provider offer activities that align with your interests and objectives?
- Accessibility: Are the programs and venues accessible to your specific needs?
- Reputation: Does the provider have a proven track record of delivering quality services?
- Flexibility: Can they adapt to your preferences, whether you want one-on-one support or group activities?
- Registration status: If you are self or plan managed, providers don’t need to be NDIS registered. However, choosing registered providers can offer added assurance as they meet specific standards and often have trained, experienced staff.
Our tips for making the most of your Social, Economic and Community Participation funding
1. Set clear goals: Think about what you want to get out of the participation, whether it’s making new friends, learning new skills, improving your health and fitness, or a combination of things. the activities or opportunities you are participating.
2. Explore your options: Research different providers and activities to find what excites you.
3. Use your budget wisely: Keep track of your spending to ensure you’re using your NDIS funds effectively.
4. Stay open-minded: Be willing to try new activities or programs—you might discover interests or skills you didn’t know you had!
5. Seek support: Work with a Plan Manager and Support Coordinator (if you have funding) to simplify the process and get the most out of your plan.
Achieve your goals with support for community engagement
Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation offers participants the opportunity to build skills, connect with others, and achieve their personal goals. By engaging in meaningful activities, participants can improve their independence, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
At MyIntegra, we’re here to help you make the most of this important support. Whether through our Plan Management services or Support Coordination, we provide the tools and guidance you need to make the most of your plan and achieve your goals.
Contact MyIntegra today to learn how we can help you navigate the NDIS.
