Before we decide what reasonable and necessary supports to fund in your NDIS plan, we’ll first discuss what other supports may be available outside the NDIS. This is an important information-gathering step. For example, there may be mainstream, community and informal supports that suit you.
Mainstream supports are other government services such as employment, education, health and family support services. They are often really helpful, and are available to everyone including people without disability. There are many ways they can help you learn new skills or live as independently as possible.
Community services offer a wide range of supports that may help with your disability support needs. Community supports are things open to everyone in the community, like sporting clubs, community colleges, activity groups, libraries or community gardens.
They are often a great way to get involved in your local community, meet new people and learn new skills.
Informal supports, like your family, friends and other people you know in your community, can sometimes be your best supports. They know you and can often help in ways other supports can’t.
Your my NDIS contact or support coordinator will talk with you about what services are available for you outside the NDIS. We can also help link you with these supports, so you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Accessing these supports is a good way to work toward your goals. You get to do it with other people and be involved in your community. Using these supports is part of life for most of us. It’s important you get to access them the same as everyone else.
When it comes time to talk about what reasonable and necessary supports we can fund, you’ll know how mainstream, community and informal supports can help you.
It’s important we gather this information and help you access these services before we consider what reasonable and necessary supports we can fund. That way, we can help make sure you’re able to access mainstream, community and informal supports wherever possible. This can help you become as independent as possible.