Understanding NDIS support categories
Published at 06-11-2023 14:45:00
Understanding NDIS support categories
There are three primary support types provided by the NDIS, these include: Core Supports, Capital Supports and Capacity Building Supports. Each of these support types relate to different parts of your life and will help with different goals you would like to achieve. Understanding the different support categories will help you effectively navigate your NDIS plan and learn more about which supports you can access. In this article, we will take a look at these three support categories and what they each encompass.
Core Supports
Category 1: Assistance with Daily Life
Assistance with Daily Life supports to help participants with their personal tasks and activities of daily living. Examples of supports provided under this category include:
- Assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming
- Support with household chores such as cleaning, cooking and laundry
- Supervision and assistance with daily tasks in various environments, including your own home
Category 2: Transport Allowance
Transport supports cover the cost of transportation services required by participants to access activities or supports, they are available if you cannot use public transport due to your disability. Transport Allowance includes:
- Funding for transport so participants can access supports outside of home
- Transportation to supports delivered by other providers
Category 3: Consumables
Consumables funding is allocated for the purchase of everyday use items participants may require due to their disability. These may include:
- Continence products, colostomy bags, dressing aids and nutrition products
- Low-cost assistive technology
- Other consumable items necessary for participants’ daily living needs
Category 4: Assistance with Social, Economic & Community Participation
Assistance with Social, Economic & Community Participation focuses on supporting participants to engage in community, social, recreational or economic activities. Supports provided under this category may include:
- Assistance with accessing community events, social outings and recreational activities
- Support for skill development, training and education to enhance economic participation
- Assistance with community engagement and participation in social or recreational activities
Capital Supports
Category 5: Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology refers to equipment or devices that assist individuals with disabilities in performing everyday tasks and activities. This requires a quote from a provider as well as an assessment from a therapist. Assistive Technology supports can include may assistive tools such as:
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Communication devices and speech-generating devices
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Adaptive equipment for daily living tasks
Category 6: Home Modifications and Specialised Disability Accomodation
Home modifications and Specialised Disability Accomodation (SDA) are aimed at creating accessible living environments for participants with disabilities. These supports involve making structural changes or adjustments to participants’ homes to improve accessibility, safety and comfort. Key features of these supports include:
- Home modifications such as rails, ramps, and bathroom modifications to help accessibility and mobility within the home
- The cost of living may be funded for living in a SDA registered place of accommodation
Capacity Building Supports
Category 7: Support Coordination
Support Coordination helps connect you with NDIS providers and helps you to understand your NDIS plan. These supports aim to build participants’ confidence and enhance their ability to coordinate their supports effectively.
Category 8: Improved Living Arrangements
Improved Living Arrangement supports are designed to assist participants in finding and maintaining suitable accomodation options. Whether participants require assistance with understanding their rental obligations or finding appropriate housing, this support category aims to ensure participants have access to safe and secure living arrangements that meet their needs.
Category 9: Increased Social & Community Participation
Increased Social and Community Participation supports aim to help participants develop skills and independence in accessing their communities. These supports may include skills-based learning opportunities, social activities and programs aimed at promoting community engagement and inclusion.
In a nutshell
Whether it is Core Supports, Capital Supports or Capacity Building Supports, each category plays a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, access necessary resources and actively participate in communities. By understanding the availability and benefits of these supports, participants and their families can make informed decisions to maximise their NDIS plans and work towards achieving their goals and aspirations.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or want to know more about the different roles in the NDIS or how Plan Managers can help, we’d love to help you out! Call us on 1300 217 037 or email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au and our friendly team will get back to you in no time.