NDIS innovative community participation is a flexible support that helps you take part in mainstream community life while building real skills along the way. It’s for NDIS participants who want more than an outing: maybe you’d like to join a local club, learn something new or start volunteering, and you need the right support to get there. At Serene Disability Support, we’re a registered NDIS provider across New South Wales, and we plan this support around your goals, your interests and your pace.
What is innovative community participation?
Innovative community participation sits under NDIS registration group 0116. It covers support that helps people with disabilities take part in community activities in mainstream settings, the same places everyone else goes. The focus is on skill development and independence, not only supervision.
The word “innovative” can sound a bit vague. In practice, it means the support is designed around you and your goal, rather than slotting you into a fixed program. It might be learning to take part in an art class, building the confidence to join a walking group, or getting ready for volunteer work.
NDIS innovative community participation vs standard community participation
Both supports help you get out and connect, but they work a little differently:
- Community participation mainly funds a support worker to help you get to and take part in activities and outings
- Innovative community participation puts more weight on building skills, so you can take part in mainstream activities with less paid support over time
- Group and centre activities are structured sessions run with other participants
Many people use a mix. You might go to group activities each week, have one-on-one support for outings, and use innovative community participation to work towards a bigger goal.
How innovative community participation is funded
Innovative community participation is often funded through the capacity building budget in your NDIS plan, usually under increased social and community participation. Capacity building support is about growing your skills and independence, so it’s linked to the goals written in your plan.
Some things worth knowing:
- Your NDIS plan needs funding that matches your social and community goals
- How you use it can depend on whether your plan is agency managed, self managed or managed by a plan manager
- A support coordinator can help you find suitable activities and providers
- If your goals have changed, raise it at your plan review
Your support worker’s time is what’s funded. Activity costs like course fees, memberships or materials are usually paid by you.
Innovative community participation activities
Activities depend on what you enjoy and what you want to achieve. Some examples:
- Arts and creative projects, like painting, pottery, music or photography classes
- Volunteer opportunities, at a community garden, animal shelter, op shop or local event
- Learning and short courses, through TAFE, community colleges or the local library
- Sport and recreational activities, from a walking group to a local sports club
- Cooking and food, such as community kitchens or cooking classes
- Digital skills, like using a phone, email or social media to stay in touch with people
We’ll help you find activities that align with your interests and that are close enough to get to easily.
How we provide innovative community participation support
Our approach is simple and personal. We start by getting to know you, then build support around your goals.
1. Understand your goals
We talk about what you’d like to do, what’s worked before and what’s held you back. We also look at the goals in your NDIS plan.
2. Plan the support
Together, we choose suitable activities and work out what help you’ll need at first, such as travel, communication support or someone to settle in with.
3. Build skills over time
Your support worker helps you practise the skills you need, like catching the bus, introducing yourself or managing money at the counter. As your confidence grows, we step back.
4. Check in and adjust
We check in regularly and change things as you go. Some activities stick, some don’t, and that’s fine.
Why it matters: belonging and purpose
Social isolation is common for people with disabilities, and it can affect wellbeing and mental health. Taking part in regular community activities helps you build social networks, make meaningful connections and feel a sense of belonging and purpose. It can also open doors to further study, volunteering or work.
Why choose Serene for innovative community participation?
- Registered NDIS provider. We work to the NDIS Practice Standards and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s rules
- Nurse-led. A registered nurse oversees the clinical side of our supports, so health needs are looked after while you’re out
- Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD). With multilingual staff and interpreters, we can support you and your family in any language
- A welcoming environment. We match you with a support worker who suits your interests and personality
- Joined-up support. If getting there is the hard part, we can add travel and transport support
Getting started
If innovative community participation sounds right for you, give us a call. We’ll talk about your goals, look at your NDIS plan and work out a first step together. We’ll call you back within one business day. You can also see all of our NDIS services.