Your Easy Guide to NDIS-Funded Community Activities

Discover how to access NDIS-funded community activities. Learn what’s covered, how to join programs, and how these supports help build connections.

Being part of your local community is more than just a nice idea — it’s a key part of living a happy, healthy, and connected life. Whether it’s joining a local group, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying outings and events, community participation helps us feel included, valued, and confident.

For people with disabilities, participating in these activities can sometimes require extra support. That’s where the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) comes in. NDIS community services are designed to help you become more active, connected, and independent in your community. Through funded support, you can join in fun, social, and meaningful activities — and build the kind of life you want.

This easy guide explains how NDIS community participation works, what kinds of activities are supported, and how to access the help you need.

What Is Community Participation in the NDIS?

Community participation is all about joining in on everyday life outside your home. It’s the things you enjoy doing — just with the right support to make them easier and more accessible. These activities could include:

• Visiting your local library or attending community events
• Joining a sports team or fitness class
• Taking up a hobby like painting, dancing, or photography
• Volunteering for a local charity or community group
• Meeting up with friends or joining social clubs

These experiences not only help you feel included, but they also build your social skills, boost your confidence, and help you develop greater independence.

What Kind of Activities Can Be Funded?

The NDIS can fund a wide range of community-based activities. To be eligible for funding, the activity must be:

• Linked to your NDIS goals
• Relevant to your disability needs
• Good value for money
• Safe and suitable for your abilities and preferences

Here are a few categories and examples of what might be supported:

1. Learn New Skills

• Join a cooking, budgeting, or computer class
• Take part in travel training (learn to use public transport independently)
• Join a social or life skills development program

2. Enjoy Hobbies and Fun

• Attend music, dance, or art classes
• Go to the gym or join a local sports team
• Explore creative hobbies like photography, sewing, or writing

3. Connect With Others

• Join a book club, a gaming group, or a gardening club
• Get support to go to markets, concerts, or festivals
• Be assisted in visiting family and friends

4. Volunteer in the Community

• Help out at a local animal shelter
• Join a community garden
• Support clean-up days, charity events, or youth groups

Each of these activities is more than just something to pass the time — they support your development, boost your wellbeing, and help you work towards long-term goals like independence, employment, or education.

Who Can Access Community Participation Support?

You may be eligible for community participation support through the NDIS if you meet the following criteria:

• You are an NDIS participant
• You are under 65 years old
• You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
• You have a permanent and significant disability that makes it difficult to take part in community activities without support

If you already have an NDIS plan, talk to your planner or support coordinator about including social and community participation as a key part of your funded supports.

How to Get Community Participation Support in Your NDIS Plan

If you’re not sure how to start accessing community-based support, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Talk About Your Needs

During your planning or review meeting, share what activities interest you. Be honest about any challenges or barriers you face. This helps the planner understand the kind of supports you’ll need.

2. Set Your Goals

Your NDIS goals might include making new friends, improving your confidence, learning new skills, or becoming more independent. These goals guide what types of supports are included in your plan.

3. Get the Right Support

Once your plan is approved, you can begin choosing support workers, service providers, or programs to help you take part in community activities.

4. Use Your Funding

Don’t wait! Use your funding to join in activities that interest you. Whether it’s joining a social club or getting help with transport, your funding is there to help you participate.

5. Review and Update

As you try new things and grow more confident, your interests and goals may change. During your NDIS plan review, you can update your plan to include new supports or different activities.

How Is Community Participation Funded?

There are two key budget categories in your NDIS plan that may include funding for community participation:

1. Core Supports

This budget is flexible and can help with things like:

• Daily activity assistance
• Transport to and from community events
• Support workers to help you participate

2. Capacity Building Supports

This budget helps you build independence and achieve your goals, such as:

• Learning new skills
• Preparing for employment or education
• Improving communication or social relationships

Your support coordinator or planner can help you understand which part of your plan applies to your needs.

What the NDIS Won’t Cover

While the NDIS funds many supports, there are a few things it won’t pay for, including:

• Standard costs like movie tickets, food, or entry fees
• Activities that don’t relate to your disability or goals
• Services already covered by other systems (like school or healthcare)
• High-risk or unsafe activities

It’s important to always check with your provider to ensure an activity is eligible under your plan.

Why NDIS Community Services Matter

Accessing NDIS-funded community services isn’t just about having something to do — it’s about living a better, more connected life. These services can help you:

• Build meaningful friendships
• Boost your self-esteem and confidence
• Feel a sense of belonging in your community
• Discover new interests and talents
• Improve your physical and mental wellbeing
• Reach personal goals around work, learning, or independence

Whether you’re taking a small step like joining a club or a big leap like volunteering or learning a new skill, every experience adds value to your life.

Tips to Make the Most of Your NDIS Community Participation

Here are some tips to help you get started and stay engaged:

• Be curious – Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different programs
• Ask for help – Your support coordinator or provider can guide you
• Keep track – Note how each activity supports your goals
• Be flexible – As your interests change, update your plan
• Stay involved – The more you participate, the more confident you’ll become

Final Thoughts

NDIS community services are here to support you in living a full, vibrant, and active life. Whether it’s making friends, discovering a new hobby, or feeling more confident in your local area, there’s funding and support to help you make it happen.

You don’t need to do it alone — support is available at every step. Talk to your NDIS planner or support coordinator, explore your interests, and take that first step into your community.

Start today — your best life is waiting.