Social And Community Participation

What is Increased Social and Community Participation?

Increased Social and Community Participation is a category of service often found within disability support programs, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. The goal of this service is to help individuals with disabilities become more actively involved in their community and engage in social activities that they enjoy and find meaningful.

Increased Social and Community Participation services aim to help individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling, inclusive lives. They contribute towards the development of a diverse, supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute. At Perfect Care, we work closely with each individual to understand their interests and aspirations, and provide personalized support to help them become active, valued members of their community.

What type of support is covered by Increased Social and Community Participation?

The focus of Increased Social and Community Participation services can be diverse and wide-ranging, depending on the individual’s interests, capabilities, and goals. Here are some examples of what this service might include:

Skill Building: This could involve developing social skills, learning to use public transportation, or building other skills that can help the individual participate more fully in community life.
Community Activities:Assistance may be provided to help the individual get involved in local community activities, such as joining clubs, participating in community events, or volunteering.
Social Interactions: Support might be offered to facilitate social interactions, such as setting up play dates for children, arranging social outings for adults, or helping the individual make new friends.
Leisure and Recreational Activities: This could include support for getting involved in leisure or recreational activities, such as sports teams, art classes, or hobby clubs.
Education and Employment: Services might also include support for furthering education or finding and maintaining employment, both of which can be key avenues for social and community participation.

How to get Increased Social and Community Participation in your NDIS plan

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia recognizes the importance of social and community participation for individuals with disabilities. To get this service included in your NDIS plan, follow these steps:

Pre-planning: Before your planning meeting with the NDIS, think about your current social and community activities, as well as what you'd like to do more of. Consider any barriers you face in participating in these activities, such as a lack of appropriate skills, difficulty with transportation, or the need for support to attend events or activities.
Set Goals:The NDIS focuses on goals, so it's important to set clear and achievable goals related to your social and community participation. These could be short-term goals, such as joining a local club, or long-term goals, like gaining employment or volunteering regularly in the community.
Planning Meeting: During your planning meeting with the NDIS, discuss your goals and the support you need to achieve them. Explain how increased social and community participation can improve your life, helping you to build relationships, learn new skills, and contribute to your community.
Request Specific Supports: Be clear about what specific supports you need to increase your social and community participation. This could be assistance to attend social events, support to learn new skills, or help with using public transportation. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the planner to understand and include these in your plan.
Review and Adjust: Once your plan is in place, take the time to review it regularly. If your needs or goals change, or if you find that the supports in your plan are not enough to help you participate in your community as you'd like, you can request a plan review to make necessary adjustments.