The decision to hire a support coordinator is one of the biggest ones an NDIS participant will make. It is a big commitment and can impact not only how you use your NDIS funding but also how you are supported in the future. It is important that you carefully consider your options and talk to people who can help guide you in making this decision.
A good place to start is looking closely at your goals and understanding what support you need to achieve them. You can then find out how to best implement those supports and get the most out of your plan. A support coordinator is a person who can help you do this by coordinating your carers, specialists and supports, troubleshooting any issues that arise and communicating with NDIA on your behalf. They may also provide some guidance in navigating the system and how to use it.
Some participants are eligible for a support coordination service because of the nature of their needs. The NDIA assesses this on a case-by-case basis, examining factors such as the duration of their disability and whether they are new to the NDIS or experiencing significant life changes.
The support coordination funding is rolled into the NDIS Plan and is designed to help participants to better understand their Plan and how to implement it. This may include explaining the NDIS funding budget and how it works, coordinating appointments with service providers and providing guidance in navigating the NDIS system. A key part of this is making sure that services and supports are being delivered as planned, payments to service providers are made in a timely manner and financial reporting to the NDIS is completed correctly.
Getting the most out of your NDIS plan can be difficult and it is important to have someone who can help you. A good NDIS Support Coordination service will focus on the outcomes in your Plan and what is important to you. They will be able to assist you with finding the right support for your needs, connecting you with informal and community supports, and syncing different services to meet your holistic needs.
A good NDIS Support Coordinator will be a strong advocate for you. They will work with you to set clear goals and work towards them. They will also help you to develop the skills and confidence to manage your own supports in the long term. They will build your capacity to connect with informal and mainstream community supports, and develop your ability to make informed decisions. They will also help you develop and maintain relationships with your family and informal support network. They will also be a link to other services such as the NDIS Helpdesk and other mainstream and disability services. They will be a valuable resource for you and should work with you to ensure that all of your needs are being met. If you need to access this Service, please refer to our article on locking Documents by Service.
