NDIS Core Support: Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation

About Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation

One of the most important purposes of your NDIS funding is to help you participate fully in the community. People living with disabilities sometimes experience social isolation because of discrimination, insufficient accommodations in community spaces, or the way their disability impacts communication and social skills. The goal of NDIS funding is to enable people with disabilities to experience full, satisfying lives, with an active social life and full integration into their communities.

Community participation doesn’t mean having lots of activities to attend or filling your day with a variety of things. The purpose of NDIS funding is to enable participants to fulfill meaningful roles they enjoy in the community. This funding can be used to explore interests, access opportunities for social encounters, or build community networks. When combined with Capacity Building Community Supports, this funding can increase your network of informal supports and help build a more accessible community.

For participants who need 1:1 support, this budget item is often used to pay for a support worker to help you attend these types of outings and activities. However, these funds can also be used for other expenses as long as they are ‘reasonable and necessary’ and they are related to your disability. For example, this budget can sometimes be used for tuition costs for a class or a course that will help you meet your goals. This funding can also be used for support with transport to a social or community activity.

Examples of Social, Economic and Community Participation Supports

Community, Social, and Recreational Activities

These supports help participants access and engage in community, social, and recreational activities and events. They are usually used to fund a support worker to attend an activity with a participant, but they can also be used for transportation or other disability-related costs. These supports can help you access existing activities and events in the community. This could be joining a sports team, participating in an event related to a hobby or interest, or attending a cultural event. The purpose of these supports is to enable you to engage with your local community and to enjoy the same types of activities that anyone in the community can access. These are usually mainstream events and activities that enable you to build relationships and networks of informal support.

Two items to note:

• Pricing limits are different if you need high-intensity supports that require a more skilled support worker. High intensity supports will be included in your budget if you have complex needs related to your disability, such as a medical condition requiring respiratory support or continence care.
• Your NDIS budget can also include a support item to help pay for social or community activities that would otherwise be unaffordable for you. This funding does not have to go toward support workers or other disability-specific needs, but it does need to help you attend an activity that prevents social isolation. This item is not subject to price limits.

Why should you choose South West Care Services?

• We ensure you receive the most out of your core support budget.
• We are a registered NDIS provider ensuring we meet the NDIS Practice Standards while providing services 
• We work with you to provide service at your convenience from Sydney CBD to Greater Sydney
• Our support workers are experienced and are trained regularly to meet the NDIS Practice standard.