Disability support services are the everyday supports that help a person with disability live more independently and work towards their goals. They are usually funded through the NDIS, and many are delivered by a disability support worker.
How Disability Support Workers Can Assist an NDIS Participant
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program designed to support people with disabilities to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Disability support workers play a vital role in assisting NDIS participants to access the supports and services they need to achieve their goals. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that disability support workers can assist NDIS participants.
Understanding the Participant’s Needs
The first step in assisting an NDIS participant is to understand their needs. Disability support workers should work with participants to identify their goals and needs, and then develop a plan to help them achieve those goals. This may involve developing a support plan, setting goals, and identifying the supports and services required to achieve those goals.
Assistance with Daily Living Activities
Disability support workers can assist NDIS participants with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks. They can also provide assistance with mobility and transport, enabling participants to access community activities and services.
Assistance with Communication
Some NDIS participants may require assistance with communication, such as using alternative communication devices or accessing communication support services. Disability support workers can assist with these activities, enabling participants to communicate effectively with others.
Assistance with Health and Wellbeing
Disability support workers can assist NDIS participants with their health and wellbeing, such as supporting them to access medical appointments and medication management. They can also assist with exercise and physical activity, promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
Assistance with Social and Community Participation
Disability support workers can assist NDIS participants to access social and community activities, enabling them to participate fully in their communities. This may involve supporting participants to access clubs and groups, attending events and activities, or accessing community services.
Advocacy and Support
Disability support workers can also provide advocacy and support for NDIS participants. They can advocate on behalf of the participant, ensuring that their needs are heard and that they are able to access the supports and services they require. They can also provide emotional support and guidance, assisting participants to navigate the NDIS system and access the supports they need.
How Disability Support Services Are Funded
Under the NDIS, funding is grouped into budgets. Core Supports cover everyday assistance, such as assistance with daily living and community participation. Capacity-Building supports help a person build skills and independence. Capital Supports cover higher-cost items such as equipment and home modifications. Which budget a service falls under depends on the participant’s plan and goals. A single service of this kind, sometimes searched as what is disability support service, still sits within these same NDIS-funded budgets. A support coordinator can help if you are unsure what your plan covers, and you can read more about what support coordination is in our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is disability support services?
Disability support services are the range of supports that help a person with disability live more independently, from daily living assistance to communication, health and community participation. They are usually funded through the NDIS.
Are disability support services funded by the NDIS?
In most cases, yes. They generally sit under Core Supports or Capacity Building, depending on the participant’s plan.
Who provides disability support services?
They are often delivered by a disability support worker, who supports the participant with everyday activities in line with their goals and NDIS plan.
Conclusion
Understanding what disability support services are makes it easier to see the help that is available and how it fits into an NDIS plan. From daily living to communication, health, and community participation, a disability support worker can assist in many areas of everyday life. That, in plain terms, is the heart of what is disability support services. To learn more about the disability support services available at Unify and how to get started, visit our disability support services page or contact the team. As a trusted NDIS provider in Australia, we make getting support simple, so start your referral whenever you are ready.
