Participate Community

Participate Community is a dedicated support service designed to help individuals with disabilities engage more actively in their communities, build relationships, and explore new skills in a supportive environment. This program is centered around fostering meaningful connections, social engagement, and personal development to enhance participants’ quality of life and independence.

NDIS Coverage and Flexible Use

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Participate Community funding is available to support activities that align with each individual’s personal goals, aspirations, and unique support needs. This funding offers flexibility, allowing participants to structure activities around their preferences—whether through daily, weekly, or monthly engagements. The goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy enriching, socially engaging experiences that suit their pace and interests.

Core Support for Community Access

Participate Community falls under the Core Supports category of “Increased Social and Community Participation” (Category 4) in the NDIS plan. This category emphasizes activities that foster skills development, promote independence, and improve overall wellbeing through social interaction and community engagement.

Whether you’re looking to join a community group, attend workshops, or participate in group outings, Participate Community funding enables you to tailor your support to align with your individual interests and goals. Supports are typically provided in group settings, which encourages bonding and shared experiences, but they can also be personalized to meet specific needs.

More Than Just a Social Outing

It’s essential to distinguish Participate Community from leisure or recreational outings. NDIS funding for this service is allocated based on its direct alignment with a participant’s support requirements. Participate Community focuses on skill-building, enhancing self-confidence, facilitating new friendships, and increasing community access in a way that promotes value for the participant and their network over time.

Additional NDIS Programs for Sustained Support

The NDIS offers a variety of other support categories tailored to specific needs. For individuals requiring temporary or medium-term accommodation or support for daily living, Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) are available under respective categories, each designed to meet varying levels of support, stability, and engagement.

When Participate Community Funding May Not Apply

Participate Community funding is intended exclusively for activities that address the participant’s disability-related goals and social needs. This funding is not applicable for:

• Personal recreational trips that do not align with support goals.
• Situations where the required support falls outside community engagement and social participation.
• Non-disability related activities that don’t enhance social participation or independence.

If you’re uncertain about your eligibility or the best funding allocation for Participate Community, consulting your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator can clarify how this service fits within your overall support plan.

How to Access Participate Community in Your NDIS Plan

While Participate Community may not be automatically included in your plan, it can be funded through your Core Supports budget if it aligns with your NDIS goals. If you feel that additional social participation funding would better meet your needs, a plan review may be requested to incorporate Participate Community as a central support.

Approach Care: Your Partner in Community Participation

As a registered NDIS provider, Approach Care in Western Australia is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through supportive, meaningful NDIS services. Our team provides comprehensive support in community participation, helping you foster lasting connections, develop new skills, and experience a more fulfilling, independent life. Reach out to Approach Care to learn more about how we can support your journey in Participate Community and beyond.