Being part of a community is essential for everyone, especially for people living with disability. It fosters connections, builds confidence, and provides opportunities to learn new skills.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia recognises this importance and offers various supports to facilitate community participation to enhance the social inclusion and independence of NDIS participants.
This blog post explores how community activities can make a difference as well as how the NDIS can support participants get involved in community activities.
Why Community Participation Matters for Independence
Community participation under the NDIS goes beyond socialising—it’s a pathway to personal growth and autonomy. The benefits are multifaceted, including improved mental health, increased independence, and enhanced self-esteem.
Building social skills
Social and community participation allows participants to enhance their communication and teamwork abilities. Whether through centre-based programs, group workshops, or local events, these activities help individuals learn how to engage respectfully, make friends, and experience a sense of belonging. This supportive environment reduces loneliness and strengthens a participant’s confidence.
Boosting confidence
Participating in social and recreational activities, like joining a sports team or attending art classes, empowers people living with disability to try new things.
Overcoming challenges and meeting goals in these settings helps build self-esteem and a positive self-image. These experiences are essential steps in capacity-building supports that promote independence.
Encouraging responsibility
Engaging in community activities often involves managing schedules, commitments, and expectations. For NDIS participants, these responsibilities foster time management and accountability.
Additionally, attending a centre-based cooking class or volunteering at local events reinforces essential life skills that contribute to living independently.
Types of Community Activities That Foster Independence
NDIS funding provides support for a wide variety of activities that enhance independence and wellbeing. We’ve actually put together our 10 favourite community activities for people living with disability in NSW to help you get started in choosing an activity.

Educational workshops and classes
Workshops focused on learning new skills, like cooking, budgeting, or job readiness, are invaluable. These core support activities help participants build practical abilities for everyday life.

Recreational and social activities
From fitness groups to art sessions, social and recreation programs encourage participants to explore their interests while forming meaningful connections.
These activities contribute to emotional and mental health by creating a supportive environment where everyone feels included.

Volunteering opportunities
Volunteering allows participants to give back to their communities while gaining valuable experience. It’s an excellent way to develop work-related skills and build networks that may lead to employment opportunities.

Employment support programs
NDIS-funded employment readiness programs guide participants through resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette. These initiatives provide the tools and confidence needed to seek fulfilling jobs, further enhancing independence.

Innovative community participation
Innovative community participation focuses on unique and creative ways to engage individuals in the community. This can include technology-based programs, entrepreneurial skill development, creative arts initiatives, or inclusive workshops.
Innovative community participation unlocks new opportunities, fosters creativity, and builds confidence. That’s why we partner with Joyrig to offer gaming nights that help build technical computer skills while participating in a fun activity.
Our Community Programs
At The SIL Company, we partner with local organisations, such as Joyrig, to offer a range of community programs designed to support individuals living with disabilities. Explore our community programs for people with disability.

Additionally, we offer services to assist NDIS participants in accessing and participating in community or group activities tailored to their individual interests and goals. If you’d like to find out more about how The SIL Company can support with attending and engaging in community activities, get in touch today.
How Community Participation Fits into an NDIS Plan
Community participation is a cornerstone of many NDIS plans, empowering participants to engage with the world around them.
The NDIS is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by funding supports that facilitate social and community engagement. This includes assistance with accessing community programs, transportation, and personal support workers to aid participation in various activities.
Core supports
NDIS funding for assistance with social activities ensures participants have the resources they need to access community events, such as transport and personal care during outings.
Capacity building supports
Programs aimed at skill development, like communication training or volunteering, help participants engage more confidently and independently in their communities.
Flexible options
NDIS plans often include funding for both structured activities and informal opportunities to connect with others, ensuring participants can pursue their unique goals and interests.

Why Supports are Important for Community Participation
While community participation is possible without support through the NDIS and NDIS providers, being able to reach independence goals may be challenging.
Here are some of the ways that supports for community participation are important:
- Supports allow family members to step back and not have such a large role in providing direct care.
- For family members that do provide direct care, supports allow them to take a break. Being an informal support can be really taxing, especially if it’s all you’ve done most of your life, breaks can help avoid carer burnout.
- Having supports helps to builds independence in key skills and areas such as being able to travel on your own and getting ready in the morning.
- Supports can help create a safe space. Participants enjoy attending community activities when they know that this place is safe for them, they feel valued and can be themself.
Over time, our staff have noticed that transport and activity supports have given our clients the opportunity to build friendships where they may not have had that in the past.
If you’d like to find out more about how The SIL Company can support with community participation and reaching independence goals, get in touch with our team today.
How to make the most of community participation NDIS supports
While there are NDIS supports available, making the most of what’s available can take some planning. Here are some tips in maximising your NDIS supports for community participation:
- Define goals – identify the goals community participation will help achieve (whether it’s making friends, learning new skills, or gaining work experience).
- Collaborate with supports – work closely with the available team, such as service providers, NDIS planners & support coordinators, to explore opportunities and resources.
- Stay flexible – if an activity isn’t the right fit, don’t hesitate to explore other options to achieve goals.
Community participation under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is more than just engaging in activities; it’s a journey toward greater independence and fulfilment.
With the support of the NDIS and dedicated service providers like The SIL Company, individuals with disabilities can access a variety of opportunities to engage, grow, and thrive.