As a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant, there can be a lot of new concepts and terminology to wrap your head around. However, taking the time to thoroughly understand the system, along with the different people who are there to support you such as Local Area Coordinators, can help you make the most of your NDIS plan.
What is an NDIS Local Area Coordinator?
A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is a professional who works in partnership with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to provide support and assistance to people with a disability, their families, and carers. LACs support NDIS participants aged 7 – 64 and all people with disability to understand and access supports available to them. This includes identifying your needs and goals and understanding and accessing the NDIS. If eligible, they can help you apply for an NDIS plan and ensure you understand and can use the supports to achieve your goals.
How LACs fit into the NDIS
LACs can help you access the NDIS and collect the information required by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to create and approve your NDIS plan. They can provide advice and guidance on how to use your NDIS plan to achieve your goals and help you to build your capacity to make decisions about your supports. LACs are also available to provide support to you and your family to help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the NDIS. They serve as a point of contact to discuss any questions you have about your plan and can help you apply for changes to your plan with a plan reassessment or plan variation as needed.
What LACs can and cannot do
LACs can assist NDIS participants with a range of tasks, including accessing the NDIS, developing your goals, using your NDIS plan to access supports and ensure your plan is working well for you. However, LACs cannot make decisions about NDIS funding. That is the responsibility of the NDIA.
What is the difference between an LAC and a Support Coordinator?
LACs assist all people with disabilities, including NDIS participants, by providing information about local supports and services. In contrast, Support Coordinators are available only to NDIS participants with Support Coordination in their NDIS plan. While LACs can offer general guidance and information about local supports, Support Coordinators actively connect participants with providers and help negotiate service agreements.
How NDIS Local Area Coordinators can assist you
Identifying your needs and goals
One of the key roles of an LAC is to work with you to identify your needs and goals. This involves getting to know you, your strengths, and your challenges, so your plan is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Helping with your NDIS plan
LACs can assist you with collecting the information needed by the NDIA to develop your NDIS plan. This involves identifying your goals and supports and services you might need to help you achieve them.
Using your NDIS plan
LACs can help you understand and use the supports in your plan to achieve your goals. They can provide information to help you find both funded and non-funded supports in your local area including community groups, recreational activities, sporting clubs and social groups.
Monitoring your progress and adjusting your plan
LACs play an important role in monitoring your progress and ensuring that your plan is meeting your needs. They can assist with making adjustments to your plan if necessary and provide ongoing support and guidance to help you achieve your goals.
Accessing NDIS Local Area Coordinator services
Eligibility criteria for LAC support
LACs can support people with a disability whether they are eligible for an NDIS plan or not. You can find your NDIS partner for your local area on the NDIS website. For people aged 7 – 64 years of age contact your Local Area Coordinator. For younger children, Early Childhood Intervention Coordinators are available for support.
How to request LAC assistance
To request LAC assistance, people with a disability and NDIS participants can contact their Local Area Coordination provider directly. You can find your NDIS partner for your local area on the NDIS website.
What to expect from your first meeting with an LAC
During your first meeting with an LAC, also known as your planning meeting, you can expect to discuss your needs and goals.
Your LAC will provide you with information on how to access the NDIS and how to apply for funding if you are eligible. They can provide you with information about the different types of supports and services available to you through the NDIS. You may also be asked to provide information about your current situation and your goals for the future. Your LAC will collect all the information that the NDIA need to develop your NDIS plan. Your LAC will also explain their role and how they can assist you throughout the NDIS process.
They’ll discuss with you how you’d like to manage your plan and if you would like to use a plan manager and also if a support coordinator to help you implement your plan might be suitable for your situation.
Once your NDIS plan and funding is approved, they can help you understand your NDIS plan and provide advice on using your plan to achieve your goals.
They can also help you to understand the NDIS rules and regulations and explain anything that you don’t understand.
Tips for working with an LAC
1. Communicate clearly
Effective communication is key to building a positive and productive relationship with your LAC. Be clear about your needs and preferences, and ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the NDIS process.
2. Advocate for your needs and preferences
To achieve the most out of your NDIS plan, it is important to advocate for your needs and preferences when working with an LAC. Be clear about what is important to you to ensure your plan meets your specific needs and goals.
3. Work collaboratively
It is important to remember that your LAC is there to help you, and that working together collaboratively is the best way to achieve a successful outcome. Ask for help if you need it, and encourage feedback and suggestions from your LAC to help you build your understanding and knowledge. Make sure to keep your LAC updated on any changes to your situation or your goals, and ask for a review if you feel your plan is not meeting your needs.
Understanding how you can lean on your Local Area Coordinator for support is an important part of making the most out of your NDIS plan, and accessing the supports you need to live your most fulfilling life.
If you need further support managing your NDIS funds and supports, you might like to consider reaching out to MyIntegra. We offer both Plan Management and Support Coordination services to help you make the most of your NDIS plan.
