In Australia, many are aware of the importance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Famed as one of the biggest social reforms in the history of Australia, this scheme is ideal to support and change the lives of individuals living with disability. However, there are several aspects and moving parts of NDIS, and to derive its benefits the right way might feel puzzling and overwhelming to many. That’s when support coordinators come into the picture.
A support coordinator is an NDIS official who helps people with disabilities access services, connect with the right people, and make sure they’re getting the most out of their NDIS plan. They’re like the middle person between you and all the complicated aspects of the NDIS plan.
If you don’t understand the system or how to get the services you need, a support coordinator helps you make sense of it all. Simple as that.
They take the guesswork out of it and help you get from point A to point B without all the stress. This means you don’t waste time, you don’t miss out on services, and you get exactly what you need.
Also Read: 4 Types Of Physical Disability, Their Impact and How support coordinator Can Help
What Does a Support Coordinator Do For You
Here are the specific roles that the support coordinator plays in helping you navigate your disability services:
NDIS Planning
The first step in getting the help you need is having an NDIS plan. This is a meeting with an NDIS planner who will sit down with you and figure out what services and support you need. It does sound pretty simple, but in truth, it can actually be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect.
Your support coordinator will sit down with you before the planning meeting and help you work out what to say, what services you might need, and what goals you have. They make sure that when you walk into that meeting, you’ve got everything covered.
They’ll also attend the planning meeting with you so you have someone on your side who knows the system inside out. They will help you explain your needs in a way that makes sense to the NDIS planner, and they’ll make sure that your plan is as detailed as it needs to be to get you the support you’re entitled to.
Finding the Right Services
Once you have your NDIS plan sorted, the next step is actually finding the right services to help you. This part can be tricky because there are loads of different service providers out there, and not all of them are right for you.
A support coordinator knows exactly which NDIS registered providers are good at what they do. Whether you need a physio, a support worker, or a speech therapist, they’ll point you in the right direction and help you understand who can best meet your needs.
They don’t put all their resources into merely finding a provider for you. They will also make sure that the services fit your NDIS plan and your goals. Part of their job is helping you find someone who really understands your needs and can provide the right kind of support.
Managing Your Plan
Once your plan is in place and you’ve got your services lined up, you might think the hard part’s over. But here’s the thing: NDIS plans aren’t set in stone. Life changes, even your needs change, and sometimes you might need to adjust your plan or find new services. And of course, your NDIS support coordinator will be happy to step back in.
They’ll help you review your plan regularly to make sure everything’s still on track. If something’s not working out with a provider, they’ll help you switch things around. If your needs change, they’ll help adjust your plan accordingly.
Basically, they make sure that your NDIS plan evolves with you, so you’re always getting the support you need.
Problem-Solving and Advocacy
Sometimes, things in life don’t go according to plan, and that can happen with the NDIS too. Maybe a service provider isn’t delivering what they promised, or maybe you’re having trouble understanding something on your plan.
When stuff like this happens, you’re likely to get frustrated, especially when you don’t know who to turn to. If there’s a support coordinator in your corner, they will also double as your advocate.
If there’s a problem with a service provider or if you feel like you’re not getting the support you deserve, they will surely step in and help resolve the issue. They’ll work with the provider or the NDIS to make sure you’re getting the right support.
And because they know the system so well, they can explain things in a way that makes sense. If you’re unsure about your rights or what you’re entitled to, they’ll help you handle that. You’ll surely benefit the most if you have someone who knows what they’re doing and is there to make sure you get the best possible outcome.
