Disability is not an end to life. It does not mean confining oneself to close boundaries. A person requires social and community engagement to feel included, happy, and healthy. Social and emotional well-being is as important as physical well-being. The NDIS recognizes this and offers funding to encourage and facilitate social and community engagement amongst disabled individuals.
Support and services for NDIS participants fall into three categories: core, capital, and capacity building. Social and community participation falls under both the core and capacity-building funded categories. Overall, the NDIS aims to help people achieve independence through social and economic participation. As an NDIS service provider in the Northern Territory, we are here to support you.
Wondering how your NDIS funding can support social activities?
Let’s uncover the nitty-gritty details.
How is Social and Community Participation categorized and priced under the NDIS?
Social and community participation is essential for the well-being of individuals. Under core support category no. 4, the NDIS helps you avail assistance with social, economic, and community participation.
Simply put, you can use the funds allocated under the core category to book a support worker. The support worker will empower you to participate in community, social, and employment activities.
Further, category 9 under capacity building offers funds for training and development participation to help you build independence. The funds here can be used to learn skills and participate in self-reliance programs within the community.
Confusing? We’ve simplified everything further. Just stick to the end.
Get a comprehensive understanding of where and how much funding is available for different support categories.
NDIS funding for social engagement
1. Social Skills Development
Social skills empower you to engage in social activities and are essential to build lasting relationships. NDIS funds can be used to pay for special training programs and workshops to develop emotional, social, and communication skills. These programs equip you with strategies and tools to help you address social situations with confidence.
2. Community Participation
Community participation is extremely important to get a sense of belonging. The NDIS support funds can be used to participate in community activities, programs, and events suited to your interest. From attending art classes to going on a camp or joining a sports club, there are different ways to utilize these funds by participating in communities. The main idea behind this funding is to help you expand your social network and develop new friendships.
3. Hire a Support Worker
The core category funds can be used to avail social worker help to engage in social and community activities. These funds are for individuals with physical and related disabilities that require additional support to participate in social activities. A social worker helps you reach the location and assists you in workshops. Any social activity that is challenging for you to perform independently can be accessed with the help of social workers.
4. Assistive Technology and Equipment
NDIS funds can also be used to purchase assistive devices that can enable you to participate in social activities easily. For instance, communication aids and mobility equipment will remove the barrier between you and social interactions and allow you to get involved socially. The NDIS goals that align with your social needs can get funding.
NDIS Funding: Social and Recreational Activities
The funding for recreational and social activities comes from capacity building: increased social and community participation. The NDIS pricing arrangement has been made so that a participant can claim reimbursement for activities and programs that build their skills for independence. It is important that the claims made by participants are deemed reasonable and valid. Talk with your service provider to get a detailed understanding of what activities are included in your NDIS plan.
However, here are a few activities that can be claimed under NDIS social funding:
- Attending a camp.
- Visiting a library, art expo, or museum.
- Getting a coaching lesson for various recreational and sports activities (e.g., swimming, soccer, badminton).
- Attending local activities.
- Going to the movies for independent living.
- Support to enter art competitions and events.
- Support help in performing various activities and art.
- Support help to set up your stalls at weekly markets.
- Support help to take you to book clubs, social events, and art classes.
All in all, anything that can help you feel socially connected, in better health, and independent can be funded under NDIS social.
How do you maximize your NDIS funding?
To get the most out of your social funding, keep these tips in mind:
- Clearly communicate your goals and aspirations to your NDIS planner. This will help you get an appropriate allocation that aligns with your objectives.
- Educate yourself on different ways and possible situations to use your NDIS funds. Explore the available options for social activities, programs, and services in your community. Enquire how you can use the social funds in those programs.
- Talk with your support professionals. They can help you pick activities and programs most beneficial for your situation.
- Stay updated with NDIS plans and policies. Having thorough information can help you effectively utilize your funds.
Rounding up, NDIS understands the importance of social inclusiveness and community belonging. The funding and price plans are designed to help NDIS participants improve their social skills, standing, and independence.
Hands on People is an NDIS service provider here to serve you and your loved ones to lead a better life. Connect with us now and let’s take a step forward towards independent living.
