The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative that provides support to individuals with disabilities in Australia. As part of the NDIS, the NDIS provides participants with support coordination services to help them navigate the various aspects of their NDIS plan. In this post, we explore the role of NDIS support coordination and provide a guide for participants to help them better understand the support coordination process.
What is NDIS Support Coordination?
NDIS support coordination is a service that helps participants navigate the various aspects of their NDIS plan. This can include service providers, funding, and ongoing support.
Support coordination helps participants manage their plan and achieve their goals. Support coordinators work closely with participants to understand their needs and preferences, and to ensure that they receive the support and services that are most appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Types of NDIS Support Coordination
There are three types of NDIS support coordination available to participants, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. These include:
Support Connection:
The most basic form of support coordination is designed for participants who have relatively simple needs and can manage their own plan with minimal guidance. Support connection focuses on helping participants connect with service providers and access the services they need.
Support Coordination:
Participants who require more assistance to manage their plan can receive a more intensive form of support coordination. Support coordination involves developing a comprehensive plan for the participant, coordinating services and supports, and monitoring progress towards goals.
Specialist Support Coordination:
Participants with complex needs who require specialist support to manage their plan can receive the most intensive form of support coordination. Specialist support coordination involves working closely with the participant, their family and support network, and other service providers to coordinate complex services and supports.
The Role of NDIS Support Coordinators
NDIS support coordinators play a critical role in helping participants navigate the various aspects of their NDIS plan. Some of the key responsibilities of support coordinators include:
Developing a Comprehensive Plan:
Support coordinators work closely with participants to develop a comprehensive plan that outlines their goals and the services and supports they need to achieve them. The participant’s plan undergoes regular review to ensure that it continues to meet their needs and preferences.
Coordinating Services and Supports:
Support coordinators help participants navigate the various services and supports available to them, and coordinate the delivery of these services. This can include connecting participants with service providers, managing funding, and arranging appointments.
Monitoring Progress:
Support coordinators monitor the progress of participants towards their goals, and make adjustments to their plan as necessary. This review can include identifying areas where additional support may be needed and making appropriate referrals to other service providers.
Providing Ongoing Support:
Support coordinators provide ongoing support to participants to ensure that they are able to effectively manage their NDIS plan. This can include information, skill-building, and emotional support.
How to Engage a Support Coordinator
To access NDIS support coordination, participants need to include it as part of their NDIS plan. Participants can request support coordination by discussing their needs with their NDIS planner or contacting the NDIS directly. Once included in their plan, a support coordinator will be assigned to work closely with them to develop and implement their plan.
Tips for Working with NDIS Support Coordinators
Working with an NDIS support coordinator can be a valuable experience, but it can also be challenging at times. Here are some tips to help participants:
- Be Clear About Your Goals:
It’s important to be clear about your goals and priorities when working with a support coordinator. A tailored plan developed through support coordination will help participants meet their individual needs and preferences.
- Communicate Openly:
Communication is key when working with a support coordinator. Be open and honest about your needs and preferences, and provide feedback regularly to ensure that your plan is meeting your needs.
- Be Prepared:
Before meeting with your support coordinator, take some time to prepare any questions or concerns that you have. This will help to ensure that you get the most out of your meetings and that your support coordinator is able to provide you with the information and support that you need.
- Build a Good Relationship:
Building a good relationship with your support coordinator is important. This will help to ensure that you feel comfortable discussing your needs and preferences, and that your support coordinator is able to provide you with the support and advice that you need.
- Stay Involved:
While your support coordinator will take the lead in coordinating your services and supports, it’s important to stay involved in the process. Attend appointments, provide feedback, and take an active role in managing your plan to ensure that it continues to meet your needs.
How can I engage with a Support Coordinator?
Overall, NDIS support coordination plays a critical role in helping participants navigate the various aspects of their NDIS plan. By understanding the different types of support available, the role of support coordinators, and how to work effectively with them, participants can ensure that they receive the guidance and services they need to achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life.
At CoAbility we are experts at helping you understand your plan, activate it and find the right service providers to help you achieve your goals. We do the groundwork for you, happily researching new and existing providers that will meet your specific needs.
We specialise in Support Coordination and Specialist Coordination, so get in touch with us today to make the most of your NDIS plan! Give us a call on 1800 262 245.
