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Life Skills Development and the NDIS: What’s Included and How to Get Support
- Curate Care
- May 12
- 4 min read
Empowering Independence Through the NDIS
Life skills are the everyday abilities that enable individuals to live independently, manage their households, and participate actively in their communities. For people living with disabilities, developing these skills is crucial for enhancing autonomy and quality of life. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognizes this need and offers support through specific funding categories aimed at life skills development.
In this blog, we'll explore what life skills development entails under the NDIS, how Curate Care can assist you in accessing these supports, and the steps to include them in your NDIS plan.
Understanding Life Skills Development Under the NDIS
What Are Life Skills?
Life skills encompass a broad range of daily activities and competencies, including:
Personal care: Hygiene, grooming, and dressing
Household management: Cooking, cleaning, and budgeting
Communication: Effective interaction and social engagement
Transportation: Navigating public transport and travel planning
Time management: Scheduling and adhering to routines
Decision-making: Making informed choices and problem-solving
These skills are essential for individuals to lead self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.
NDIS Support for Life Skills Development
The NDIS provides funding for life skills development under the Capacity Building category, specifically through the support item:
Item Number: 09_007_0128_1_3
Description: Covers assistance with developing daily life skills, including learning how to live independently, manage a household, etc.
This support is designed to help participants acquire or enhance skills necessary for daily living, fostering greater independence and community participation.
How Curate Care Supports Your Life Skills Journey
At Curate Care, we understand that each individual's path to independence is unique. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised support to help you navigate the NDIS and access the services that align with your goals.
Our Approach Includes:
Personalised Planning: Collaborating with you to identify your specific life skills goals and the supports needed to achieve them.
Connecting with Providers: Leveraging our network to link you with qualified service providers who specialise in life skills training.
Plan Management: Handling the financial aspects of your NDIS plan, ensuring timely payments to providers and efficient budget management.
Support Coordination: Assisting you in understanding your plan, coordinating services, and making informed decisions about your supports.
Steps to Include Life Skills Development in Your NDIS Plan
1. Assess Your Needs
Reflect on the areas where you seek greater independence. Consider aspects such as:
Managing personal care routines
Handling household tasks
Improving communication skills
Navigating transportation options
2. Set Clear Goals
Define specific, measurable objectives related to life skills development. For example:
"Learn to prepare and cook three healthy meals independently."
"Develop a weekly budget and manage personal finances."
3. Discuss with Your Planner
During your NDIS planning meeting, communicate your goals and the supports required to achieve them. Provide evidence or assessments if available.
4. Engage Curate Care
Partner with Curate Care for plan management and support coordination services. We'll assist you in implementing your plan, connecting with providers, and monitoring progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I choose my own service providers for life skills development?
Yes, the NDIS allows participants to select providers that best meet their needs. Curate Care can help you explore options and make informed choices.
Q: What if my needs change over time?
NDIS plans are flexible. If your circumstances or goals evolve, you can request a plan review to adjust your supports accordingly.
Q: How do I know if a specific life skill is covered under the NDIS?
If the skill is related to your disability and contributes to your independence, it's likely to be considered reasonable and necessary. Curate Care can help assess and advocate for the inclusion of such supports in your plan.
Real-Life Impact: A Case Study
Meet Sarah
Sarah, a 28-year-old living with a cognitive disability, aspired to live independently. With Curate Care's support coordination, she identified goals such as managing her own apartment, cooking meals, and using public transport.
Through her NDIS plan, Sarah accessed life skills training programs focusing on:
Meal preparation and nutrition
Budgeting and financial management
Navigating the local bus system
Over time, Sarah gained confidence and now lives independently, actively participating in her community.
Why Choose Curate Care?
Tailored Support: We adapt our services to align with your unique goals and pace.
Genuine Connection: Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of our approach.
Experienced Team: Our professionals are trained in disability services and person-centered practices.
NDIS Expertise: We navigate the complexities of the NDIS, advocating for your needs and maximising your funding.
Take the Next Step Towards Independence
Developing life skills is a transformative journey that opens doors to greater autonomy and fulfillment. With Curate Care by your side, you have a dedicated partner committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
Ready to enhance your independence through life skills development? Reach out to Curate Care for personalised support and guidance.
Empower yourself with the skills to live life on your terms. Let's embark on this journey together.
Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional advice. For personalised guidance, please consult with Curate Care or your NDIS planner.
