There are a wide variety of support services available to give NDIS participants access to same things in life as everyone else, such as a job, a hobby, a social life, and a safe place to live.

With an individually allocated budget based on their specific goals, NDIS Participants can choose the most suitable supports and services for them in three main categories: Core Support, Capacity Building, and Capital Support.

Core Support helps participants complete day to day living activities, whereas Capacity Building helps them build up a range of skills that increase independence. Finally, Capital Support helps with investment in assistive technologies and equipment, including home or vehicle modifications.

There are a number of different roles within the NDIS framework that provide this support to each participant. Here is an explanation of these different roles, including the services they offer and their responsibilities.

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) & Planners

Local Area Coordinators and Planners are paid directly by the NDIA to link participants directly to the NDIS, as well as to locally available community information and support. They also work together with the local community to ensure it is always inclusive and welcoming for people living with a disability.

Support Coordinators (Scs)

Support Coordinators help participants implement their approved support plans by developing service arrangements, negotiating which services are provided, and creating service bookings with preferred providers of participants. Funded out of participant’s NDIS plans, they provide different levels of support coordination and coordinate meetings with relevant parties and health providers for progress updates and any issues with the circumstances or functioning of support services.

Plan Managers

Plan Managers handle all aspects of funding, including bills, budgets, and financial records associated with your plan’s support services. Funded out of a separate plan management budget, they explain what supports funding can be spent on while also ensuring they are purchased in line with the budget and plan. Other options for those not using a Plan Manager include managing everything yourself or having it managed directly by the NDIA Agency.

Support Connection

Support Connection provides time limited assistance that strengthens the ability of participants to connect with the support services they require, whether they’re informal, mainstream, or funded and maintain their own support relationships. They can also help resolve any issues with support services as well as participate independently in many NDIA processes.

Specialist Support Coordination

Specialist Support Coordination is a time limited support that focuses on building the resilience of participants while helping reduce barriers and complexities of the support environment of NDIS. They also assist participants in making connections with support services as well as interacting directly with other services such as the health and justice systems.

Guardians

Guardians are legally responsible for acting in the best interests of people who have decision-making disabilities when choices are needed regarding health, lifestyle, or accommodation.  A guardian is often a family member or a close friend of participants who have their best interests at heart and are given the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.

If you’d like to learn more about the support roles offered by the NDIS, get in touch with our team today.