Starting your journey with the NDIS can feel overwhelming, and navigating all the services and support options can be a lot. That’s where a support coordinator comes in! At Create Change Counselling, we’re here to help you make sense of the system and work alongside you to reach your goals. In this article, we’ll break down what support coordination is and how it can make a big difference in your life.
What Is Support Coordination?
Support coordination is a service under the NDIS that helps you understand and manage your plan, making it easier to find and use the supports you need. Whether you’re just getting started with the NDIS or have been using it for a while, support coordinators can help you get the most out of your plan. There are different levels of support coordination, each designed to meet varying needs:
- Support Connection helps you find and start using the services in your plan.
- Support Coordination gives ongoing support to develop your skills, access services, and manage your plan over time.
- Specialist Support Coordination is for participants with more complex needs, providing intensive support to navigate specific challenges.
No matter the level, a good support coordinator will work with you to simplify your experience with the NDIS and guide you through every step of the way.
Key Parts of the Support Coordinator’s Role
Support coordinators wear many hats, each one focused on helping you feel confident and empowered to reach your goals. Here’s a look at what they do:
- Simplifying Your NDIS Plan
The NDIS is complex, and it’s common for people to feel unsure about where to start or how to use their funding. Support coordinators act as translators, breaking down the details of your plan and explaining what each part means in simple terms. They’ll help you identify which supports are available and how to access them, giving you the confidence to make the best choices for your situation. - Connecting You with the Right Supports
One of the primary tasks of a support coordinator is connecting you with services that align with your needs and goals. This could include therapy, community programs, skill-building activities, or specialist care. A good support coordinator has strong local knowledge and can recommend quality providers who will be a good fit for you. They’ll handle the process of vetting and coordinating with these services, saving you time and reducing the stress of navigating everything on your own. - Encouraging Independence and Building Confidence
Support coordinators aim to empower you, not just provide services. They focus on building your skills for managing everyday challenges and becoming more self-sufficient over time. Whether it’s learning to advocate for yourself, managing appointments, or making decisions about your care, support coordinators guide you in developing these skills. With their support, you’ll find yourself becoming more independent and confident, able to take control of your life and make informed choices.
Overcoming Challenges: Working Through Obstacles Together
Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Whether it’s issues with funding, difficulty finding suitable services, or facing accessibility barriers, challenges are common. A support coordinator is there to help you navigate these bumps in the road, acting as a problem-solver and advocate on your behalf.
For example, if a service provider isn’t meeting your needs or there’s an issue with funding, your support coordinator will step in to address the problem and seek solutions. They know the ins and outs of the NDIS, and they’re skilled in helping participants overcome obstacles, no matter how complex. Having a support coordinator in your corner means you won’t face these challenges alone; they’ll work alongside you to find practical solutions and keep you on track toward your goals.
Taking the First Step: What to Expect and How to Get Started
Getting started with a support coordinator is simple and starts with an initial conversation about your needs, goals, and current challenges. At Create Change Counselling, we understand that this can be a big decision, so we offer a free 15-minute consult to answer any questions you may have and get some background before we arrange a meet and greet with you. This consult is a chance to get a feel for how support coordination works and how we can help you and the coordinator commit to a longer meeting and starting the onboarding process.
In your first official meeting, we’ll go through our policies and sign a service agreement. We will work together to review your plan, identify your goals, and map out the best path forward. Our team will take the time to understand what matters to you and build a plan that focuses on your personal goals, whether they’re related to gaining independence, improving social connections, or managing specific support needs.
Final Thoughts
Support coordinators play a vital role in helping you feel supported and empowered as you navigate the NDIS. They simplify the system, connect you with the right services, and encourage your growth and independence, all while being there to help overcome any obstacles along the way. At Create Change Counselling, we’re committed to helping you thrive, and we’re here to make your journey with the NDIS as smooth and successful as possible.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out for your free 15-minute consult, and let’s start making your NDIS plan work for you.
Meet our support coordinator on the about us page. Kim is a level two support coordinator with 13+ years of experience. She is well known in the Acquired brain injury community here in Perth but also has a lot of experience with psychosocial disability.
