What community connections are
Community connections help you find the supports you need in your local community. They're available even if you aren’t eligible for the NDIS.
We’ll connect you with an NDIS partner when you ask us about disability supports. Your NDIS partner will meet with you to talk about all disability supports available, including the NDIS. They’ll help you connect with supports in your community.
Community and mainstream supports
Community supports are available through community-based groups, religious groups and supports from local councils. Mainstream supports are available through other government funded services, like health, mental health and education.
NDIS partners can help everyone learn more about and connect to supports available in their community.
For example, an NDIS partner may be able to connect you to employment services to help you find the right job. These services would make sure the workplace is inclusive and makes reasonable adjustments for you.
Community connections can also include things like help to:
- access information about disability supports
- access mainstream and community supports or peer groups
- apply to the NDIS, if you’re eligible.
Remote connections
NDIS partners aren’t located in remote and very remote areas. You can contact us if you live in an area that doesn’t have an NDIS partner. We can put you in touch with your NDIS remote community connector.
We’ll connect you to the closest NDIS site for help if there are no remote community connectors in your area.
What community connections are for
Community connections are available to people with disability aged 9 to 64 years living in Australia regardless of their citizenship or visa status. You don’t have to apply to the NDIS to get help to make connections in your community.
Community connections are all about helping you find the supports you need in your local community.
Being involved in your community can:
- improve your wellbeing
- keep you connected to people and places in your area
- connect you to supports in your community
- help you to do what is important to you.
The support you get through community connections will be different depending on your needs.
What getting community connections is like
You'll meet with your NDIS partner
Your NDIS partner will ask about your disability and how it affects your life. They can help to connect you with community and mainstream supports and services, if you want them to. They’ll help you understand if you might be eligible for NDIS supports.
Meetings to help you make connections go for about one hour. They can be face-to-face, virtually over Microsoft Teams or on the phone. You can also have a support person, like a family member, with you.
Your NDIS partner will ask you questions
Your NDIS partner will begin by getting to know you. They’ll ask you questions about your life, where you live and your needs. They’ll ask about your disability and your history. They’ll also ask you for documents that prove your identity. If you have a representative, your NDIS partner will also ask for their identity documents.
You'll be able to tell them about your disability and your needs
Think about the parts of your life you find difficult, or you would like extra support with.
Your NDIS partner will help you and give you time to talk about your needs. They may ask more questions based on what you tell them.
If you are a family with a child younger than 9
Your NDIS partner can work with you to help find early connections for your child.
If you are aged 65 or older
If you are aged 65 or older, we can refer you to local aged care services .
If you think you might be eligible to become an NDIS participant
Your NDIS partner will explain the eligibility requirements for the NDIS. Your NDIS partner can help you apply if you think you might be eligible. They’ll also tell you the information you need to gather from your treating health professionals as evidence to go with your application.
Learn more about how to apply.
If you don’t think you’re eligible, or you don’t want to apply to become an NDIS participant
Your NDIS partner can help you find community and mainstream supports and services outside the NDIS.
You can also find other services and supports by yourself, if you prefer.
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Our Guideline
Download the community connections guideline:
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