Engaging in social and recreational activities benefits everyone. But in some instances, people with disability may experience barriers to participating in social activities.
Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), participants who require support to take part in day-to-day activities may be eligible to receive funding in their plans towards community access and support. This allows you to utilise services to support your choice and autonomy, but providing the help you need to build capacity, manage daily activities, and even try new activities.
Setting and achieving goals with your NDIS plan
Your NDIS plan is designed to help you achieve your personal goals. These goals can range from learning new skills to increased participation in community activities. Setting NDIS plan goals involves identifying what you want to achieve, and working with your support team to create a plan to reach them.
In regards to your goals via the NDIS, community access & support plays a vital role in this process by providing one-on-one assistance tailored to your needs. This is particularly useful for goals around social and community participation.
What is community access and support?
Community access support helps participants do what they enjoy and feel connected to the people they love. This support covers a broad range of personal goals – from social and community activities to skill development. The role of support workers is crucial in this area, providing personalised help that is essential for a person’s individual success.
At Mosaic Community Care, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. Here are five ways community access support can help you reach your goals:
1. Start a sports activity
Participation in sports can be a fantastic way to build skills, increase your confidence and self-esteem, and meet new people in your community. Recreational activities like team sports can also help you to feel connected to people and build your peer support network – you already have something in common!
With funding from NDIS covering community access services, you can receive support to overcome disability-specific barriers to participation. This might include assistance with transport to and from the activity or having a support worker to help you during training or a sports event.
Let’s say your goal is to play soccer. In this instance, you may be able to use this funding to travel to and from events, and have a support worker assist your participation during soccer practice and games.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult your care team first to see if a particular sport would be compatible with your needs – or even to get a better idea of what accommodations you might find helpful while playing.
2. Visit family or friends
Social connections are essential for well-being, but some people with disability may experience barriers visiting family or friends to main social connections.
Community access & support services can help make these visits possible. They can assist with transportation and provide support during the visit, ensuring you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
For instance, you might want to visit your grandparents, who live in a different part of the city. A Mosaic support worker can help arrange transportation and accompany you, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.
3. Attend a community or group event
Whether it’s going to the movies, attending a concert, or participating in a community camp, a support worker can work with you to help you take part and have the fullest experience.
For example: If you want to attend a community event like a local music festival, your Mosaic support worker can help you find a suitable event and provide the right assistance you may require for an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
It’s important to note here that only the support service will be funded through the NDIS – not any costs associated with the event itself. That is because the event costs (tickets, food or drink, merchandise) are costs everyone must pay, not costs specific to your disability needs.
4. Learn new skills
Learning new things can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial. You can form new connections and have fun in the process! This could include taking cooking classes, pottery workshops, or accessing the library.
While the NDIS does not pay for the classes themselves, it may fund the necessary supports for you to attend if you would otherwise have difficulty doing so.
5. Support your independence, now and in the future
Community access support can assist you with daily tasks, like going to appointments, grocery shopping, job seeking or running errands.
These tasks, which might be difficult to manage alone, can become accessible with the right support. This allows you to lead a happier, more independent life, and stay connected to the people you love. Community access services are tailored to your needs, building the foundation for greater independence in the future.
Is community access & support NDIS funded?
Support services to help you try new things and connect with your local community more are able to be funded under the NDIS, but are subject to the usual eligibility criteria. If you are eligible for funding to support your goals in this area, it will likely be under your Increased Social and Community Participation budget as part of your NDIS Capacity Building budget.
There’s no denying the value of community access – helping you to achieve your goals and dreams. If you’re not sure whether your NDIS plan funding covers community access support services, why not contact our team? We would love to help.
Community access and support services in Perth, WA
Working the right provider offers you peace of mind. Mosaic Community Care offers one-to-one tailored support that focuses on your individual needs, goals and interests, so you can stay focused on enjoying your activities and building your independence.
Our client-first approach ensures personalised care, keeping you at the centre of everything we do. Our team of experienced Support Workers are here to work with you to meet your goals.
Explore your options for NDIS community access and support with Mosaic. Contact our friendly team at 08 9413 8900 or submit an online enquiry to book an appointment.
Tell us what you’ve always wanted to try – let’s make it happen!