Understanding Supported Social and Community Participation under the NDIS

Living with a disability does not mean you have to miss out on connecting with community, friends, hobbies or meaningful activities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to help eligible Australians access supports so that they can participate in life in meaningful ways.

1. Understanding Supported Social and
Community Participation under the NDIS



Living with a disability does not mean you have to miss out on connecting with community,
friends, hobbies or meaningful activities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
exists to help eligible Australians access supports so that they can participate in life in
meaningful ways.
In this article we’ll explore what supported social and community participation means under the
NDIS, why it matters for mental health and wellbeing, how to make the most of it, and practical
steps you can take.
What is “supported social and community participation”?

2. Under the NDIS a key category of supports are those that allow a person to engage in everyday
community life: joining social groups, pursuing hobbies, attending events, making friends,
volunteering, learning new skills, or simply being connected in the community.
These supports might include transport to community activities, a support worker to help you
attend classes or events, or funding for membership or equipment that helps you participate.
It is about more than medical or therapy services. It’s about living a life beyond just meeting
health needs.
Why it matters for mental health and wellbeing
Social participation is vital for mental health. Being isolated can increase stress, anxiety and
depression. Taking part in activities, having a role, feeling that you belong – these all boost self-
esteem and resilience.
For people receiving NDIS supports, this aspect often gets less attention than therapy or
equipment, yet it is just as important. Research on NDIS experiences found participants
described improvements in their lives as a result of supports, but also frustration at difficulties
navigating the scheme.
When you can engage in your community, you’re practising skills, building friendships,
discovering what you can do rather than what you can’t. That shift is empowering.
What does the NDIS fund for this category?
The NDIS website explains: supports must relate to your disability and help you pursue goals in
your plan.
Some examples include:
• A support worker to help you attend a community class (art, sport, dance)
• Transport where public transport is not accessible or safe
• Assistive equipment that enables social participation (eg communication devices)
• Memberships or fees for community groups (when they relate to your disability goals)
• Training or coaching in social or life skills
It’s important to check with your plan what is included and how the funds are allocated.
Common challenges and how to address them
Challenge: Unclear eligibility and confusing processes
Some participants feel frustrated by the process of getting supports approved or by conflicting
messages. Research shows participants often mention “losing trust” when the system feels
opaque or difficult.

3. Tip: Keep good records. Ask questions. If you are unsure whether a support fits in your plan,
speak to your plan manager or the NDIS contact centre.
Challenge: Finding the right activity or group
It can be hard to know where to start or what will suit you.
Tip: Think about what you enjoy or would like to try. Maybe it’s a local art group, a walking
club, or a volunteering role in a library. Contact community organisations and ask about access,
support needs, transport.
Challenge: Funding running out or being used up on other priorities
Your social participation goal might be overshadowed by more immediate needs (therapy,
equipment).
Tip: In your plan review, highlight the importance of social participation for your wellbeing.
Break your goal into small steps so you can track progress and feed this back into reviews.
Practical steps for making the most of the support
1. Define your goal clearly. For example – “I want to attend a community photography
class twice a month to make friends and improve my confidence.”
2. Map what you need. Support worker? Transport? Equipment? Membership fee?
3. Check your plan budget. See which support category this falls under—core, capacity
building, or capital.
4. Find a suitable provider or service. Ask about accessibility, costs, support worker
availability, transport options.
5. Start small and track progress. Begin with one activity. Note how you felt, what
improved. Share this in your next plan review.
6. Review and adjust. If something isn’t working (eg transport too expensive, support
worker unavailable), ask to review that support or shift funds.
7. Build community connections. Over time aim to reduce reliance on funded support and
build natural connections (friendships, community groups, volunteering) for sustained
participation.
Final thoughts
Supported social and community participation is more than a nice add-on—it is a key part of
living a full life with connection, purpose and belonging. When you align your supports with
your goals and interests, the NDIS can help you move from simply managing your disability to
flourishing in your community.

4. If you or someone you support is entering the NDIS for the first time or planning ahead, take
time to think deeply about the “life beyond” the disability. What matters to you? Where do you
want to be? Then build the supports to get you there.
If you would like to learn more about how to integrate mental health and wellbeing into your
NDIS plan or explore supports in your local area, I invite you to check out the MLA Psychology
website or schedule an appointment with our team.