What is Support Coordination?
The NDIS outline four key functions of a support coordinator:
- Help participants connect to NDIS and other supports.
- Build a participant's capacity and capability to understand their plan, navigate the NDIS and make their own decisions
- Broker supports and services in line with participant wishes and their plan budget.
- Monitor plan budgets and support effectiveness
What does this actually mean though?
If you have Support Coordination in your plan it likely means that: you have complex needs and your funding is plan-managed or self-managed.
If this is your first plan it can be very difficult to know where to start and how to put your funding to use, it can feel overwhelming. A support coordinator will be able to provide relevant information about services you can use your funding for, and how to engage in these services. Additionally a support coordinator will be able to link you with community services that are not funded by the NDIS but still meet your goals and needs.
The words “capacity building” are used a lot within the NDIS, so what does it mean here? It means being able to do more for yourself, being able to respond to situations through knowledge, skills and other strengths.
The NDIS can be tricky, a Support Coordinator will help you to understand it, and how it can support your needs and goals. Support Coordinators don’t make choices for you, they support your choices.
In some cases, a support coordinator will take a more active role in connecting you with support providers. This will be done in accordance with your preferences, needs, and goals. It may mean that the support coordinator organises supports for you.
A support coordinator is another set of eyes to make sure that you’re budget will last your plan length, as well as work towards achieving your goals. They are also your go-to person if one of your support providers isn’t working out, or you’re having difficulties with them. This can be making sure everyone is on the same page with your needs and preferences, or it could mean supporting you to change providers.