Did you know that the NDIS can provide funding that can get you out and about, and enjoying activities in your community?
Social and Community Participation is a funded support category found under Core and Capacity Building in NDIS funding. Its purpose is to support people with disability to achieve independence through increased social and community participation. The NDIS recognises that people need community engagement, socialising and fun for their health and wellbeing. Living with disability may mean a person is not able to participate in these aspects of life without the funding the NDIS provides.
What is social and community participation?
As per the NDIA, social and community participation is about “meeting people with similar interests and joining in social and community activities.”
It can mean different things to different people. For some, this could be going to a local cafe, for others, joining a community sport team or craft class. It also includes getting work experience and volunteering.
Why is increased social and community participation important?
Social and community participation is important for a variety of reasons. It can help to:
- Enhance quality of life
- Promote inclusion
- Build skills and independence
- Improve mental health
- Access new support networks
- Provide opportunities for learning and growth
- Empower and encourage
- Achieve NDIS goals
How is Social and Community Participation categorised and priced under the NDIS?
Assistance with social and community participation is catergorised under both Core and Capacity Building supports in the following ways
Core - 04 Assistance with Social, Economic and community Participation
The Core Supports funding can be used to book a support worker to assist NDIS participants to participate in community, social and employment activities. These supports can be provided in a range of environments, such as in the community, or in a centre.
Capacity Building - 09 Increased Social and Community Participation
The Capacity Building funding can be used for development programs to help build skills for independent community participation, such as social interaction skills, navigation skills and communication skills.
For more information on pricing for social and community participation support, please refer to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Increased social and community participation examples
There are many ways you can engage in social and community participation, no matter your age, interests or goals. The social and community activities funded by the NDIS must be deemed as a ‘reasonable and necessary’ to help you meet your goals as outlined in your NDIS plan.
Social and community participation activities for children
- Sports and physical activities: Attending adapted sports camps, receiving coaching for sports like swimming or horseback riding, or participating in dance or martial arts classes with additional support.
- Learning and development: Taking music lessons, attending museum visits, participating in science experiments, or joining workshops on art, writing, or spelling.
- Social interaction: Support to organise playdates with friends to encourage social participation.
Discover how 7-year-old Josh is learning to participate in social activities thanks to support accessed through Mable.
Social and community participation activities for adults
- Learning and cultural exploration: Going to the library, a museum, an art gallery or an expo
- Social connection and fun: Participating in cooking classes or food tasting events, attending a speed dating event, playing trivia, board games, or video games at a pub, cafe, or similar venue. Going to the movies, a concert, the theatre, or a music festival with someone who shares your tastes. Joining a social club (book club, collectors’ club, debating club, storytelling club, karaoke club)
- Physical activity and wellbeing: Water-related activities (kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, yabbying) or joining a sports club.
- Skill development and creativity: Attending workshops for model aeroplane-making, origami, bonsai, woodworking, and pottery.
Read how Jacob used NDIS-funded support to start a business and is now learning a language and getting shopping tips from a qualified chef, all through Mable.
Social and community participation activities for older adults
- Learning and staying connected: Taking lessons in internet security, mobile phone usage, or pet grooming. Joining a book club or social group to play cards, chess, or Scrabble on a weekly basis. Attending workshops on potting plants, pickling, making pasta, and arranging flowers
- Social interaction and leisure: Visiting a cat cuddle café or dog rescue service. Participating in lawn bowls, bocce, croquet as part of a local club. Going to the markets or setting up your own stall at a market to sell your creations. Attending art shows, author talks, and fashion parades
- Creative expression and skill development: Learning to do stand-up comedy and dance, singing, or acting lessons.
Book a support worker on Mable for assistance with social and community participation
Social support and community participation means different things to different people. One of the biggest benefits of booking support workers through Mable is that you can find support workers who share your interests. Mable client Angela, for example, booked support worker Damien, with whom she shared an interest in animation. Another client, Penny, booked support worker Rachel, who shares her love for hiking.
On Mable, you can build a team of support workers, who can support you in different ways to work towards the goals in your NDIS plan.
Through Mable, you can increase your social and community participation with:
- Choice and flexibility: You have choice and control over who supports you, when you receive support and how much you pay for the support. You can also choose a support worker who has shared interests. This can make social activities more enjoyable and promote long-term connections.
- Qualified support & expertise: You are safeguarded, thanks to our strict verification processes and suite of insurance arranged on behalf of support workers. Our network of independent support workers includes workers with experience facilitating social activities for people with disabilities. They can help to navigate social settings and overcome participation barriers.
Connect with an independent support worker in your area today.
FAQs
How can I get social and recreation support in my NDIS plan?
The NDIS will need to understand what kind of support you need because of your disability and the barriers that prevent you from participating in social and recreational activities. Your plan will need to include a goal that you want to achieve by taking part in these activities.
