There are too many details about coordination and support to read and comprehend, whether you are an NDIS worker or participant. Even though the NDIS offers information on the subject, it might not be sufficient to cover all the intricate particulars.For instance, it can be difficult to distinguish between local area coordinators and support coordinators despite the functions of both being obvious. As a result, we have carefully assembled all of this data in order to discern between their functions and comprehend where they fit into an NDIS plan. Discover the characteristics that set local area coordinators apart from support coordinators..
Who is a Local Area Coordinator?
Together with other planners hired by the NDIA, an NDIS local area coordinator (LAC) manages planning sessions in a particular geographic area. Their primary responsibility is to connect NDIS participants to local mainstream and community resources as well as the NDIS. The NDIA also pays LACs directly; neither your plan nor your own funds will be used for this purpose.
Who is a local area coordinator and what are their responsibilities?
- Facilitating group seminars or one-on-one interactions to assist NDIS users in accessing the NDIS.
- Making NDIS management plans - Your current situation, the support you require, and your desired outcomes will all be discussed with the appropriate LAC in your area, which will serve as the basis for the creation of a detailed plan. It is important to note that local area coordinators cannot approve any NDIS plans because an NDIA representative must do so.
- Implementation of the NDIS plan: According to the NDIS website, local area coordinators should assist participants in beginning to use the NDIS plan's services. If you have any questions, they ought to be able to assist you throughout the strategy.
- Reviewing your plan: When your plan's terms are up, The LAC collaborates to update it through plan reviews. After a year or when you take into account an unforeseen review.
- Educating people on the local resources for support that are accessible.
- Describing the collaboration between the NDIS and other government services to promote transportation, education, and health.
- The LAC will provide an email or telephone number to reach them if you have any questions.
Who is a Support Coordinator (SC)?
For applicants whose requests for "support coordination" in their NDIS plan are approved, an NDIS support coordinator offers funded assistance. Due to complex needs that may necessitate more assistance than is available, these supports are included. The services you receive from different suppliers and providers will be coordinated by the support coordinator.
Given that they are independent contractors who get money from your plan, participants in the NDIS are free to work with any support coordinator of their choosing. Various degrees of support coordination should be taken into account at the planning meeting with the LACs.
What are the Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator?
- Assisting NDIS participants in developing the abilities required to comprehend and utilise the NDIS plan. Additionally, they provide information about the plan and guidance on how to use funding to accomplish long-term objectives.
- Ensures that individuals with disabilities receive a range of supports that will improve their ability to uphold relationships, lead independent lives, and actively engage in society.
- Participants' meanings for the components in their plan are explained to them, empowering them and enhancing their sense of connection and support. By doing this, you may be confident that your money is being used properly.
- Putting NDIS participants in touch with the providers they want to use in their plans.
- Assisting approved NDIS participants in contract negotiations with providers regarding their offers and the amount they will be required to pay out of pocket.
- The support coordinator makes sure the service bookings and agreements are finished.
- Ensuring that the participant's use of services is pertinent to their objectives. In order to put the emphasis on the most important activities, any services that are deemed useless by the participant will not be included in the plan.
- Aids participants in getting ready as soon as plan reviews are due.
Difference Between a Local Area Coordinator and a Support Coordinator
- In order to gather data the NDIA will use to develop new plans, an NDIS local area coordinator holds meetings with eligible participants. After an NDIS plan has been approved, a support coordinator will receive funding from the NDIA. They must help members devise plans for achieving their objectives and leading independent lives.
- LACs can assist all participants, including those who do not receive funding for support coordination, in implementing and understanding their NDIS plans. However, Support coordinators are only available to NDIS participants with support coordination in their plans.
- Participants in LACs within a particular geographic area are expected to learn about the resources available to them in their local communities. Contrary to local area coordinators, NDIS support coordinators help participants connect with service providers in their communities and assist them in negotiating pricing for the support they get.
- Compared to support coordinators, local area coordinators rarely help participants locate and manage support. Support coordinators, on the other hand, provide varying degrees of assistance, including specialised support coordination to help people with more complicated life circumstances manage the difficulties in the support environment.
Getting Support Coordination Included in Your Plan
In addition to the support of family, friends, and other communities or services, the NDIS bases its funding on what is "reasonable and necessary" to pursue your goals. When it is reasonable and required, support coordination is included in the overall capacity-building budget. This budget included a set sum for a coordinator who would help you carry out your plan. You may only purchase the level of support that your plan calls for in terms of coordination for funding. You can independently select the level of support coordination that best suits your needs if the plan does not specify the level of support coordination paid. Any possible assistance can be disclosed to you by your neighbourhood organiser.
You can decide your level of interaction with a support coordinator or a local area coordinator using the information provided above. To provide effective care for people with disabilities, both organisations collaborate closely with the NDIA in various roles. A clear road map to accomplishing your objectives will be easier to create if you are aware of the distinctions between their duties. Additionally, you will be better prepared to seek assistance if there are any problems with your plan because you will know just where to look.
If you have any questions about NDIS plan management, please contact us at 0478 574 837 or email us at info@supportedlivingservices.com.au
