Support Coordination Disability Service
Support Coordination is a valuable service within the framework of disability services, particularly under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. This service helps NDIS participants to understand and implement their NDIS plan, ensuring they can access the supports they need to achieve their goals. Here’s an in-depth look at what Support Coordination entails, its benefits, and how to access it.
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is a capacity-building service designed to help NDIS participants:
1. Understand Their NDIS Plan:
Support coordinators help participants understand the details of their NDIS plan, including the types of support and services available to them.
2 . Connect with Service Providers:
They assist in finding and connecting with appropriate service providers that meet the participant’s needs and preferences.
3. Coordinate Services:
Support coordinators help manage the different services and supports, ensuring they work together effectively.
4. Develop Skills:
They empower participants by building their ability to navigate and manage their own supports independently over time.
Types of Support Coordination
1. Support Connection:
- This is the most basic level, focusing on helping participants understand their NDIS plan and connecting them with providers.
2. Support Coordination:
A more comprehensive service that not only connects participants with providers but also helps coordinate their services and ensure effective implementation of their NDIS plan.
3. Specialist Support Coordination:
This is for participants with more complex needs. Specialist support coordinators have expertise in managing high-level and complex cases, including crisis situations and intensive support requirements.
Benefits of Support Coordination
Choosing support coordination offers numerous benefits:
1. Tailored Support:
Participants receive personalized assistance tailored to their unique needs and goals.
2. Maximized Plan Utilization:
Support coordinators help ensure that participants make the most of their NDIS funding by accessing appropriate and necessary services.
3. Reduced Complexity:
They simplify the process of managing multiple services and providers, reducing the administrative burden on participants and their families.
4. Increased Independence:
Over time, support coordinators help participants develop the skills and confidence needed to manage their own supports.
5. Crisis Management:
For those with higher needs, specialist support coordinators provide crucial help in managing crises and navigating complex systems.
How to Access Support Coordination
To access support coordination services, follow these steps:
- Request in Your NDIS Plan: During your NDIS planning meeting, discuss your need for support coordination and request it to be included in your plan.
- Approval: If approved, funding for support coordination will be allocated in your NDIS plan under the capacity-building supports category.
- Choose a Support Coordinator: Once your plan is approved, you can select a support coordination provider. It’s important to choose a registered provider who understands your needs and goals.
- Service Agreement: Sign a service agreement with your chosen support coordinator, outlining the services they will provide and the terms of the arrangement.
- Ongoing Coordination: Your support coordinator will work with you to implement your plan, connect with providers, and coordinate your services.
Finding a Support Coordinator
Support coordinators can be found through various channels:
- NDIS Website: The NDIS website lists registered support coordination providers.
- Local Area Coordinators (LACs): LACs can recommend support coordinators and assist in the selection process.
- Community Networks: Recommendations from other NDIS participants, support groups, and community organizations can be valuable.
- Online Directories: Websites like MyCareSpace and Clickability offer directories of support coordination providers with reviews and ratings.
Our Commitment
Support Coordination is a crucial service for NDIS participants, helping them to effectively implement their NDIS plans and access the supports they need. By providing personalized assistance, reducing complexity, and building participant capacity, support coordinators play an essential role in enabling individuals to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. For further assistance, consider contacting an NDIS planner, a local area coordinator, or a disability advocacy service.