Community access — the NDIS calls it social and community participation — is support from a worker to take part in life outside the home. That might be sport, classes, shopping, volunteering, appointments or seeing friends. It is usually funded from the Core Supports budget, and is built around the participant's own interests rather than a fixed activity program.
Built around your interests
Our support workers assist participants to engage in a wide range of community-based activities tailored to their interests, preferences and support needs — building confidence, strengthening communication and social skills, and encouraging meaningful participation in community life.
We work collaboratively with participants, families and allied health professionals to ensure supports are individualised, goal-oriented and responsive.
Thirteen wheelchair-accessible vehicles
To support safe community participation, Care Alliance operates a fleet of thirteen wheelchair-accessible vehicles, enabling participants with mobility requirements to access the community safely, comfortably and with greater ease.
Auslan-trained workers available
Community access works best when the person beside you can talk with you while you are out. For participants who are Deaf or hard of hearing, we can roster Auslan-trained support workers, including tactile Auslan. Ask our intake team when you call.
The aim is needing us less
Community access is funded to help someone take part in the community, and the measure of whether it is working is usually how much support the same outing needs six months later. Sometimes the answer is the same amount, and that is a legitimate outcome. Often it is less, because the route has become familiar, the staff at the venue know the person, or a skill has been learned along the way.
We plan it that way deliberately. Workers are briefed on what the participant is building toward, not just where they are going, so the support can step back as confidence grows rather than staying at the level it started at out of habit.
Common questions
What is community access under the NDIS?
Community access — sometimes called social and community participation — is support from a worker to get out and take part in life outside your home. That might be sport, shopping, classes, appointments, volunteering, seeing friends, or simply getting to the places you want to go. The point is participation on your terms, not a fixed activity program.
What sort of activities can community access cover?
Whatever genuinely matters to you. Supports are built around your interests, preferences and goals, and commonly include social outings, recreation and sport, community groups and classes, shopping and errands, and getting to appointments — with a focus on building confidence, communication and social connection along the way.
Can you provide transport if I use a wheelchair?
Yes. Care Alliance operates a fleet of thirteen wheelchair-accessible vehicles, so participants with mobility requirements can get out into the community safely and comfortably. Tell our intake team what you need and we will match the right vehicle and worker.
How is community access funded in an NDIS plan?
It generally comes from the Core Supports budget, under 'Assistance with Social and Community Participation'. Transport may be funded separately again depending on your plan. Our intake team will confirm what your plan covers before supports begin.