If disability makes it harder to attend an activity or spend time in your community, your NDIS plan may include assistance to help you take part. The support needs to fit your plan and current funding rules.
Start with the activity you want to do and the help you need for it. You don’t have to choose from a provider’s usual list if another option suits your interests.
Separate the activity from the support
A pottery class has its own fee. The assistance you need to attend it is a separate question. A plan may fund disability-related support without paying the general class fee, lunch or materials everyone buys.
Ask the provider which costs are included, which may be claimed and which you would pay yourself. Check transport too, including whether kilometres and worker time appear separately.
Explain what would make participation easier
You may need help with travel, communication, personal care or staying comfortable in a new setting. You might want one-to-one support or be interested in a group.
For group activities, ask how many people share a worker and how your own needs will be supported. A group rate should be explained clearly rather than compared with one-to-one support as though they are the same service.
Look at your actual plan
NDIS budgets and funding periods affect what is available to spend. A goal in your plan doesn’t automatically fund every activity connected to it. Your my NDIS contact, plan manager or support coordinator can help check the particular arrangement.
The NDIA’s guide to support budgets explains how funding is organised. Use your own plan when deciding what can be purchased.
Give yourself time to choose
Ask whether you can visit or try an activity and what the cost would be. Afterwards, talk about what you liked and whether you want to return.
You can explore Vana Care’s community access support, or see our activity ideas for possible starting points. Availability and costs need to be confirmed for your request.
