How NDIS funding can support social activities

At Maple, we recognise that community participation and social activities are essential to our human experience. As social beings, we flourish when we connect with others, share meaningful moments, and enjoy life together. Finding a community where we can bond and have fun is vital to our well-being. 

NDIS funding supports social activities by covering costs such as transport, adaptive equipment and any support needed for participants to fully engage in community events, classes, or social groups. It also funds support workers to assist during activities, helping participants to build social connections, develop new skills, and enhance their well-being.

People living with disabilities can enjoy their favourite activities independently, or with the support of family, friends and the community. However, there may be times when additional support is needed to fully participate in the activities you love in everyday life. If this need arises due to a disability, then you may be eligible for funding from the NDIS to make it possible.

Can NDIS fund activities?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia can fund certain activities, provided they meet specific criteria and are related to the participant’s NDIS goals and needs as outlined in their NDIS plan. NDIS funded social activities typically fall under the core supports categories such as social, recreational, and community participation, all designed to help participants build skills, maintain health and well-being and stay connected with their community. 

The NDIS can support a range of activities that can encourage social skill development, confidence, or physical health including recreational and social programs. It can also cover therapeutic activities such as equine therapy, hydrotherapy or other physical activities that are recommended by a therapist and offer meaningful benefits.

Whether that’s a craft class, a music festival, art classes, a book club, or a social club, if the activity you are interested in is considered reasonable and necessary under the NDIS guidelines, and it’s essential for supporting your disability, the NDIS may be able to provide funding. It’s always worth discussing your options with your NDIS planner or support coordinator to see what’s possible.

How can NDIS funding support social activities?

Participating in social and physical activities can sometimes prove difficult for people living with disabilities. They may be hindered by mobility, social interactions or other necessary skills. The NDIS can help by providing resources that enable participants with disabilities to participate fully in their community activities, stay connected, build relationships, and enjoy activities they love. 

Here’s how NDIS funding can assist:

• Support workers – If NDIS participants need assistance to engage in social and community activities, NDIS can fund a disability support worker to accompany them. This support might include help with transportation, personal care, or navigating the activity itself, ensuring that you can participate comfortably and safely. 
• Transportation – For those who need assistance getting to and from social activities, NDIS may cover transport costs. This can be crucial for accessing community events, social gatherings, or regular group activities that are important to your social life.
• Adaptive equipment – If specific equipment is needed to participate in an activity—such as specialised sports gear or communication devices—NDIS can fund these as well. This ensures that you can engage fully in the activity, regardless of any physical or sensory limitations.
• Skills development programs – The NDIS can fund programs aimed at developing social skills and confidence, such as workshops or social groups designed for people with disabilities. These programs often focus on building communication skills, teamwork, and achieving independence, helping participants engage more meaningfully in social activities.
• Community participation funding – The NDIS may support structured programs that encourage broader community participation, such as volunteering, group outings, or cultural events. These activities are designed to help participants connect with others, make friends, establish peer support and feel more integrated into their community.

By providing these types of support, the NDIS helps people living with disabilities to overcome barriers to social participation, allowing them to enjoy a richer, more connected life.

What is an example of NDIS assistance with social and community participation?

An example of NDIS assistance with social and community participation could be funding for a person with a disability to join a local art class or community group. Although this would not include covering the cost of the class itself as this is not directly related to the disability, it can fund any necessary supports such as a support worker to assist during the activity, transport to and from the location, or adaptive equipment needed to fully participate. 

The goal of this support is to help participants to build social connections and improve their skills. For instance, someone who loves painting but needs extra help might receive NDIS funding to attend weekly art classes with the assistance they need to fully enjoy and benefit from the experience.

[Explore Social and Community Participation With Maple]

Can NDIS funding support Sports events?

NDIS funding for sports is designed to ensure that you have the necessary support to fully participate in the physical activity of your choice, regardless of any challenges you may face due to a disability. This funding can cover a wide range of needs to help you engage in sports, from the basics to more specialised assistance.

For instance, NDIS can fund adaptive sports equipment tailored to your specific requirements, such as a customised wheelchair for football, specialised prosthetics for running, or other gear that makes it possible for you to play the sport effectively and safely. The goal is to remove any physical barriers that might prevent you from participating due to a disability.

Additionally, if you need personal support to engage in sports, NDIS can fund a support worker to assist you. This might include help with getting ready for the sport, navigating the facility, or providing on-the-ground assistance during practices or competitions. 

How can Maple help with social activities?

At Maple, we recognise the tremendous benefits that social activities and sports offer to people living with disabilities, and we are dedicated to making sure you have easy access to the activities you love. Our goal is to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you can lead a fulfilling and good quality life.

Our partnership with the AFL creates opportunities for participants to engage in social activities while building essential new skills. Through this collaboration, participants can immerse themselves in the vibrant community of Australian football, gaining confidence, teamwork abilities, and social connections that enrich their lives.

This partnership truly exemplifies how sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion and personal development. Find out more about AFL with Maple here or get in touch with our team today to find out how to get involved.