The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is indisputably revolutionary, valuable and vital. Its provision of necessary supports and services allows people living with disabilities to live an ordinary life by enabling them to choose the support they need. However, NDIS plans vary in their scope. Therefore, not all plans include funding for Support Coordination- an essential service.
This article will discuss how to identify how much support coordination you require while outlining the needed support coordination benefits of your NDIS plan.
Table of Contents
Understanding Support Coordination
NDIS Support Coordination is a capability-development provision designed to assist you in accessing vital support services. The main objectives of support coordination are to help you understand your NDIS plan, use it to support your goals and link you with NDIS providers, public, mainstream, and additional government-provided services. They also help build your assurance and skills in using and coordinating your supports.
Support coordination is available in three levels from which you can select to include in your plan:
Level 1: Support Connection,
Level 2: Coordination of Supports,
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination.
A support coordinator’s specific tasks and responsibilities may vary depending on your needs, goals, and circumstances.
Your NDIS plan will include the following:
- Core Supports:These are the primary supports that help you with everyday activities, such as assistance with daily living, transport, consumables, and assistance with social and community participation.
- Capacity Building Supports:These supports help you develop skills and independence in various areas, such as improved daily living, relationships, health and wellbeing, home living, and employment.
- Capital Supports:These are one-time investments, such as assistive technology, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications, to help you achieve your goals.
Understanding the different types of supports and their purposes will help you make the most of your bid for support coordination.
Benefits of Support Coordination
Having a support coordinator offers several benefits. Some of the key advantages include:
- Access to a wide range of services: A Support Coordinator helps identify the services needed and leverages their industry expertise and connections to connect you with appropriate providers. These service providers cover various needs such as care, therapy, home modifications, and transport services.
- Increased choice and control: Support Coordinators research and make referrals based on individual needs, allowing for more choice and control over supports without feeling pressured to use a one-stop shop.
- Assistance in navigating the NDIS: Support coordinators connect you to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and help you navigate and consider appropriate options.
- Developing individualised plans: Support coordinators work with you to create personalised plans to meet your goals and promote independent living.
- Budget management: They also help arrange and manage your budgets, ensuring efficient use of allocated funds.
- Reviewing and adjusting supports: Support Coordinators assist in reviewing and changing your supports as needed, ensuring the services continue to align with your goals and requirements.
Getting Support Coordination Included In Your Plan
The inclusion of Support Coordination in your NDIS plan is need-based. Therefore, like all other NDIS supports, you have to demonstrate a necessary and reasonable need for the services of a Support Coordinator.
Ensuring you get Support Coordination requires you to be detailed in your demonstration of why you need it. The first step lies in making a request. In order to get a clear idea of your requirements, you can talk to your LAC (Local Area Coordinator) or Early Childhood Early Intervention specialist.
Conclusion
Maximising your NDIS plan benefits and accessing quality support services is vital to living an ordinary life and achieving your goals. By understanding your plan and choosing the right support services, you can make the most of your NDIS funding and enjoy a fulfilling, independent life.