Maximizing NDIS 2024 Updates for Children and Adults: Daily Activities, Skill Development, and Social Participation
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an incredible resource for children with disabilities, and the 2024 updates bring even more flexibility and opportunities to maximize each plan. For parents and carers, understanding how to effectively use your child’s NDIS funding can significantly improve daily life, support personal development, and ease the burden of caregiving.
At AusDirect Care, we are passionate about helping you navigate these updates so your child can achieve their full potential. In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of the NDIS 2024 updates and how to best utilize your child’s plan for daily activities, skill development, and social participation.
1. Utilizing the Core Supports Budget for Daily Activities
One of the most flexible parts of your child’s NDIS plan is the Core Supports Budget. This section of the funding can be used to cover essential daily activities, consumables, social participation, and transportation.
How Can You Use Core Supports?
- Daily Assistance: Support workers can be hired to assist with self-care activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
- Social Participation: Use this budget to help your child engage in community activities, build social skills, or participate in recreational programs.
- Transportation: If your child needs assistance travelling to school, therapy sessions, or community activities, this budget can cover transportation costs.
At AusDirect Care, we ensure that the Core Supports Budget is used efficiently to provide your child with the daily support they need to thrive.
2. Home Modifications and Assistive Technologies
Home Modifications
Home modifications can be funded to improve accessibility and safety for participants. These may include:
Installing ramps for wheelchair access
Adding grab bars in bathrooms
Adjusting kitchen and bathroom setups for easier use
Widening doorways for wheelchair passage
Modifying flooring for safer mobility
It's important to note that home modifications require assessment by an occupational therapist and may need quotes from builders before approval.
Assistive Technology (AT)
NDIS categorizes AT into low, mid, and high-cost items:
Low-cost AT (under $1,500 per item):
Can be purchased directly using Core Supports budget
Includes items like adaptive utensils, simple communication devices, or basic mobility aids
Mid-cost AT ($1,500 - $15,000 per item):
Requires written evidence but not formal quotes
May include more advanced communication devices or specialized mobility equipment
High-cost AT (over $15,000 per item):
Requires detailed assessment and quotes
Includes complex systems like power wheelchairs or sophisticated communication technology
Key Points for AT Funding:
Participants can spend up to $1,500 on low-cost AT items from existing budgets
For electronic devices needed for support continuity, spending should not exceed $750
AT must meet NDIS funding criteria and be reasonable and necessary
Funding can cover purchase, rental, or loan of AT items
AT should help achieve NDIS plan goals and increase independence
Important Considerations:
AT must be disability-related and not covered by other government services
Advice from an AT assessor is recommended, especially for higher-risk items
Some items like smartphones or internet connections are generally excluded as they're considered ordinary living costs
Participants can use their own money for additional features beyond what NDIS considers reasonable and necessary
Remember, all AT and home modifications must align with the participant's goals and be deemed reasonable and necessary by NDIS. It's advisable to consult with your NDIS planner or support coordinator to ensure the requested modifications or technologies meet the required criteria.
At AusDirect Care, we help you find the right assistive technologies and guide you through securing funding for home modifications.
3. Therapy Supports for Skill Development
Engaging therapists such as occupational therapists and speech therapists is essential for improving your child’s daily living skills. These professionals provide customized strategies to support your child’s development, both at home and in the community.
How Can Therapy Supports Help?
- Occupational Therapy: Develop strategies for self-care, fine motor skills, and independence in daily activities.
- Speech Therapy: Help your child communicate more effectively through speech or augmentative communication methods.
- Parental Involvement: Get involved in therapy sessions to learn strategies and techniques you can implement at home for continuous support.
At AusDirect Care, we collaborate with leading therapists to ensure your child gets the best possible support, while also involving you in their growth and progress.
4. Hiring Support Workers and Mentors
Hiring support workers to assist with daily tasks, skill-building, and community engagement is one of the most impactful ways to use your child’s NDIS plan. These professionals not only help with day-to-day activities but also foster independence and confidence in your child or Loved one.
What Can Support Workers Do?
- Assist with Self-Care: Support workers can help your child with personal care tasks like toileting, grooming, and getting dressed.
- Household Chores: They can assist with household chores, meal preparation, and maintaining a safe environment.
- Community Participation: Support workers can accompany your child to community activities, helping them develop social skills and interact with peers.
At AusDirect Care, we match your child or Loved one with compassionate and skilled support workers who are committed to helping them achieve their goals.
5. Skill Development and Age-Appropriate Supports
A core part of the NDIS plan is fostering age-appropriate skills for your child, such as toileting, self-feeding, using public transport, and building social skills. These skill-building supports are essential for developing independence and preparing your child for future challenges.
Key Focus Areas for Skill Development:
Daily Living Skills:
Toileting: Teaching children to manage their toileting needs independently.
Self-Feeding: Encouraging skills for eating independently, which may include using utensils and managing different food textures.
Personal Hygiene: Developing routines for bathing, brushing teeth, and dressing.
Social Skills:
Building confidence in making new friends and maintaining relationships.
Engaging in community activities to enhance social interaction and participation.
Communication Skills:
Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.
Using communication aids or devices if necessary.
Travel Training:
Teaching children how to safely use public transport.
Developing navigation skills for independent travel within the community.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Encouraging critical thinking and independent problem-solving.
Helping children make informed choices in everyday situations.
Education and Employment Preparation:
Supporting educational pursuits and skill development for future employment.
Offering vocational training and exploring employment opportunities.
AusDirect Care can provide tailored skill development programs that empower children to build essential life skills, such as self-feeding, toileting, and social interaction, ensuring they gain independence and confidence. Additionally, our experienced support workers can assist families in navigating public transport and community participation, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and personal growth.
6. Parental Training and Respite Care
Being a parent or carer can be challenging, which is why the NDIS plan includes parental training and respite care options to support you in your caregiving role.
Parental Training:
Access training programs to better understand your child’s needs and learn new strategies to support their development. These programs are designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to handle daily challenges effectively.
NDIS Parenting Support Courses:
Organizations like Kameleon Group offer online, low-cost NDIS parenting support courses.
These courses are designed by behavior specialists and cover various parenting concerns.
They provide practical guidance based on evidence-based approaches.
Topics may include managing tantrums, sibling rivalry, and discipline issues.
Parents as Case Coordinators Training:
Learning Links offers a free online learning program called "Parents as Case Coordinators."
This program empowers parents to manage their child's journey and navigate the NDIS service network.
It includes modules on NDIS understanding, goal planning, building support networks, and self-care.
NDIS Funding for Parenting Support:
Parents who are NDIS participants can include "support for parenting" as a goal in their NDIS plan.
Funding can cover services like:
Dietitian support for child nutrition
Occupational therapy for home safety
Psychological support for parenting concerns
Speech therapy for parent-child communication
Support workers for appointment management
Counselling for family relationships
Early Childhood Approach:
The NDIS early childhood approach supports children under 6 with developmental delays or under 9 with disabilities.
It aims to provide family-centered supports and help children have the best possible start.
Parent/Carer Training Sessions:
Some providers, like Nurture & Grow Counselling Service, offer NDIS parent/carer training.
These sessions aim to build capacity, strengthen family relationships, and teach practical skills.
They focus on understanding communication behind behavior and problem-solving.
Capacity Building:
Training often focuses on building parents' capacity to support their child effectively.
This includes developing knowledge about the child's disability and understanding challenges.
Personalized Approach:
Many providers emphasize a personalized approach to parent training, tailoring support to the specific needs of each family.
Respite Care:
Purpose:
Provides a break for both the participant and their regular caregivers
Allows caregivers to rest, attend to personal matters, or engage in self-care
Offers participants a chance to experience new environments and social interactions
Duration:
Can be accessed for up to 28 days per year
Can be used flexibly - from a few hours to several days at a time
Longer stays may require different funding arrangements
Types of Respite Care:
In-home respite: A support worker comes to the participant's home
Center-based respite: The participant attends a specialized facility
Community access respite: Support to participate in community activities
Host family respite: The participant stays with another family
Overnight or residential respite: Short stays in a supported accommodation setting
Funding:
Included under Core Supports in NDIS plans
Specifically listed as "Short Term Accommodation and Assistance (including Respite)"
Pricing varies based on the level of support needed and the day of the week
Benefits:
Reduces caregiver stress and burnout
Promotes independence for the participant
Provides opportunities for new experiences and skill development
Helps maintain the long-term sustainability of care arrangements
Accessing Respite Care:
Discuss the need for respite during NDIS planning meetings
Provide evidence of the need for respite, such as carer statements or professional recommendations
Once approved, participants can choose their preferred respite providers
Considerations:
Respite care should align with the participant's goals and needs
It's important to plan ahead and book respite care in advance, especially for popular times like school holidays
Some providers offer specialized respite care for specific disabilities or age groups
Additional Supports:
Respite care often includes assistance with daily living activities, meals, and recreational activities
Some providers offer skill-building programs during respite stays
7. Plan Management for Efficient Fund Use
Navigating the NDIS system can be overwhelming, but with the help of a Plan Manager, you can ensure your child’s funds are being used efficiently. A Plan Manager can help you keep track of spending, manage invoices, and ensure that all supports are aligned with your child’s NDIS goals.
Take Control of Your Child’s NDIS Plan with AusDirect Care
The 2024 NDIS updates provide exciting opportunities for parents and carers to enhance their child’s development and daily living. With AusDirect Care, you can confidently navigate these changes, knowing that you have a trusted partner by your side. From hiring support workers to accessing assistive technology and therapy supports, we are here to help your child thrive.
Contact AusDirect Care today at 1300 969 339 to learn how we can assist in making the most of your child’s NDIS plan and ensure a brighter future.
