What it means to be a participant of the NDIS – Australia’s biggest disability scheme
Being a participant of the NDIS means that you are taking part in one of Australia’s largest social programs. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is here to offer eligible Australia’s the tools and support they need to live life more independently.
With greater independence at home comes the yearning to be more active in the community. One of the core supports offered by NDIS providers is access to social and community participation. Through these programs, people living with disabilities can become active and engaged members of the community.
If you’re ready to become an NDIS participant, get in touch with HealSoul. Our team can help you navigate the application process, while offering you direction as to what supports you can receive. When the time comes, we can assist you as you find your own sense of independence in our NDIS supports.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what it means to be an NDIS participant, and give you some background information about how the NDIS can help you become a community member. If you have any questions, contact our team. We are here to talk to you about anything to do with the NDIS.
NDIS participants – next steps
To get started with the NDIS, you need to do a few things:
- Assess your eligibility criteria
- Meet with a local coordinator
- Apply for NDIS funding
This process can take some time, but is nevertheless an important step in securing the funding you need to find your own sense of independence. So you’ve assessed the eligibility criteria, applied for the NDIS, and have secured funding for your supports. What happens next?
It’s time to access some supports! As we’ve covered before, there are dozens of supports available to participants of the NDIS. These supports can be split up into two broad categories:
- Care supports – NDIS supports that can give you a greater quality of life by improving your routines, addressing medical tasks, or offering general life support
- Social supports – programs and supports that give you greater access to the community, and assist you as you form new connections
Assessing your care needs
Everyone living in Australia – disability or no – is entitled to the highest and best quality of life possible. Care supports through the NDIS can make great steps to achieving this. They can include:
- NDIS home care services
- Respite and short term care
- Assistance with life stage transitions
- Community nursing care
- Exercise physiology
- Assistive technology
- Travel and transport
- Early intervention
- Assistance with daily life
Participants of the NDIS may be able to access some or all of the above supports to gain the best possible quality of life, while finding their own sense of independence.
Assessing your social needs
Part of living with a disability is joining or rejoining the community on your terms. Community engagement might not seem like an important part of life, but it’s actually imperative in helping people feel supported, well-rounded, and independent.
The NDIS can support the social needs of participants through a range of supports, including:
- Employment and education support
- Group activities
- NDIS social and community participation
Access to these programs will give NDIS participants the environment they need to forge new connections, meet new people, and develop a sense of independence and confidence in the wider community. We’ll take a look at some of these below.
NDIS social and community participation
Innovative community participation programs through the NDIS are some of the most impactful and beneficial supports offered by the scheme. While it’s hard to quantify the benefits of community engagement, many participants speak volumes about the social aspects offered.
NDIS social and community participation programs are all about fostering a connection – between individuals and individuals, and individuals and community groups. Your funding gives you access to the programs you want, as well as assisting you with transport and participation.
There are so many different options to choose from. Here are some ideas:
- Joining a community art or theatre group
- Finding a group out to go to the movies
- Attending holiday camps or other trips
- Becoming a member of a local sporting club
- Creating your own book or cooking club
How does it work?
You’ll be grouped with a disability support worker who will help you figure out what kinds of community groups you would like to participate in. Then, they’ll put you on the path to joining your new group by helping you get there and supporting you as you enjoy your new social life.
The aim of the game is to make you feel safe, supported, and part of a community. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable participating, for whatever reason, let your support worker know. They’ll assist you in making your own decisions about whether you want to continue, or change the way you are participating.
In the end, you’ll feel like part of society. You’ll have made new friends and other connections, learned new skills, and become a valued member of your local community. It’s one of the best things you can do to find a new life living with your disability.
How HealSoul can help
As a premier NDIS support provider, HealSoul can put you in touch with dozens of NDIS supports that can foster better care and healthier social lives. From at-home care support to transport to local community events and groups, our team can fit in with your life to give you more independence.
Our supports have been developed with the highest regard for compassion and respect. We work with our participants as part of their support team. As our client, you set your own independence goals, and we help you achieve them. It’s all part of our service as a nationally-renowned NDIS provider.
If you’re looking to enter the NDIS as a participant, give HealSoul a call. From our free consultation, we can work directly with you to give you better disability supports, whether it’s accessing care programs, or finding better ways of socialising in the community.
Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Career Development, Payroll Processing, Interventions, Team Building, and Organisational Leadership. Strong business development professional with a Advanced diploma of Community Sector Management focused in Community Management from Skills certified Australia.