Did you know that around 40% of all NDIS participants have some form of support coordination in their plan?
Support coordinators are critical in assisting NDIS participants in understanding their NDIS Plan and collaborating with local support providers (and your plan manager, if you have one) to help you get the most out of your NDIS funding.
Today, we’ll discuss when support coordination is likely to be included in your plan, as well as what to expect from a support coordinator.
What is the role of a support coordinator?
A support coordinator is a person who connects NDIS participants with community, mainstream, and government organisations that provide supports and services.
Their job is to assist you in getting the necessary supports and determining the best mix of activities to fulfil the goals set in your NDIS Plan.
Support Coordination and your NDIS plan
Support coordination is a budget category in your NDIS Plan that falls under the Capacity Building budget category. You can include it in your first NDIS Plan or subsequent plans.
If support coordination is deemed “reasonable and necessary” for you, one of three levels of support coordination will be included in your plan.
Support connection: Assists you in improving your ability to connect with supports so that you can get the most out of your NDIS Plan.
Support coordination: the coordination of several types of assistance. Assists you in developing the skills necessary to comprehend and implement your NDIS Plan. This involves putting together the right support package so you can better manage your relationships, get the services you require, and live more independently.
Specialist support coordination: Supports individuals with more complicated requirements in overcoming obstacles and gaining access to allied health experts such as occupational therapists, psychologists, and other services.
Incorporating support coordination in your NDIS plan
Like any other NDIS funding, support coordination is contingent on whether it is “reasonable and necessary” for your needs.
If you have complex needs and are having trouble receiving the services and supports you need to meet the goals in your plan, you’re more likely to receive support coordination.
If you fall into one or more of the following categories, you may require extra assistance:
- Limited support networks
- Socially isolated
- Involved in other services, such as justice and child protection.
- You live in a distant or extremely remote location.
- Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal.
- Diverse in terms of culture and/or linguistics.
- Complex support needs
Who is most likely to get Support Coordination?
People over the age of 35 are more likely to have support coordination included in their NDIS Plan, according to an analysis of NDIS Quarterly Reports. However, the 45-54 age group has the biggest number of participants with support coordination.
If you have one of the following, support coordination is also more likely:
- Psychosocial disability.
- Acquired brain injury
- Other neurological issues.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
Depending on your circumstances, you may only require a support coordinator for a brief amount of time, such as the duration of your NDIS Plan.
What a support coordinator can do for you
A support coordinator’s tasks are determined by your unique needs and the amount of support coordination funds in your NDIS Plan.
Your support coordinator will often become a key member of your team, acting as a supporter and connection who is knowledgeable about the NDIS and can answer your questions.
The following are some of the things a support coordinator can do:
- Assist you in properly understanding your NDIS Plan
- Describe how you’ll use your plan’s support to attain your goals.
- Connect you to NDIS-funded or other organisation-funded services and supports.
- Assist with service contracts and bookings.
- Assist you in becoming more self-sufficient in managing your plan.
- Assemble reports required by the NDIS
Your support coordinator’s budget will be limited, just like any other NDIS-funded support. Make sure you talk to them at the start of your plan about what you want them to do and figure out what’s feasible given the funding you have.
Support from a team who cares
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your NDIS plan? Are you struggling to find the right provider for the disability services you need? Support Coordinators from Personalised Support Services can help clarify everything for you.
Our coordinators can connect you with any disability services and assist you with applying and understanding your NDIS plan. With a personalised schedule, you can be sure that our highly skilled and experienced Support Coordinators will help simplify the process no matter what your goals are.
Contact us, and our team would be happy to assist you!
