Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be overwhelming. With so many services, providers and funding categories, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where Support Coordination comes in – an NDIS-funded service that helps participants make the most of their NDIS plans.
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is a capacity-building support funded by the NDIS. Its goal is simple: to help participants understand and implement their NDIS plans effectively. A Support Coordinator works with you to connect you with the services you need, build your confidence and ensure you’re getting the best outcomes from your funding.
The different levels of Support Coordination
There are three levels of Support Coordination:
- Support Connection: Helps you understand your plan and connect with informal, mainstream and funded supports.
- Support Coordination: Provides more in-depth help to coordinate your supports, develop service agreements and ensure everything is running smoothly.
- Specialist Support Coordination: For participants with more complex needs, this level provides a higher degree of support and expertise.
What Does a Support Coordinator Do?
When you receive funding for a Support Coordinator, you typically receive funding for a certain number of hours of Support Coordination. During the allowed time, a Support Coordinator can complete tasks that help you:
- Understand your NDIS plan and budget
- Connect with NDIS-registered and non-registered providers
- Coordinate appointments and services
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with your service delivery
- Build your skills to manage your supports more independently
- Prepare for plan reviews
Why is Support Coordination Important?
Navigating the NDIS and identifying supports and services can be complex, time consuming and confusing. Support Coordinators are typically well connected to services in your region and well-informed on the latest NDIS nuances and changes. With the right coordinator by your side, you can:
- Reduce stress and confusion
- Make more informed choices
- Feel empowered to direct your own supports
- Maximise the value of your NDIS plan
Choosing the Right Support Coordinator
Not all Support Coordinators are the same. It’s important to ensure your Support Coordinator understands the importance of choice and control and is both experienced and qualified to the level of Support Coordination you are funded. It’s also important to remember that Support Coordination isn’t just about connecting you to services – it’s about building your capacity, confidence and agency.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking to get more out of your current plan, a good Support Coordinator can make all the difference. Look for someone who:
- Listens to your needs and goals
- Respects your choices
- Has a strong understanding of the NDIS
- Can advocate for you when needed
- Supports your independence rather than creating reliance
Support Coordination & Civic
Civic’s Support Coordinators work in consultation with you to optimise the usage of your NDIS funds. They can advise you about the flexibility of your plan and connect you to a wide range of service providers based on your interests, needs and individual goals.
If you’re funded for Support Coordination Civic has experienced support coordinators (Levels 2 and 3) with immediate capacity. Our support coordinators can work with you to connect you with NDIS service providers and set up service agreements and are here to help you navigate any complex or unexpected situations that may arise. At Civic we focus on you – achieving your goals and supporting your decisions – so you can live life the way you choose.
To engage a support coordinator, please contact us today on 1300 692 484 or email enquiries@civic.org.au today.
Counselling and the NDIS
