The most common FAQ’s of Support Coordination
Why do I need Support Coordination?
Support Coordinators exist for many purposes, from ensuring Service Agreements and Service Bookings are completed, to helping you build your ability to exercise choice and control, to coordinating supports and access your local community.
What does a Support Coordinator do?
The role of a Support Coordinator is to connect participants with an NDIS plan to supports and services in the community.
To do this they will:
find the local Service Providers for you to consider engaging to support you in line with the goals in your NDIS plan
look for local places where you can meet new people and play an active part in your community (like the local soccer club, art class, or exercise group)
write up reports to the NDIS on how things are going for you and to let the NDIS know what you need in the next plan
support you to liaise with the NDIS if your funding isn’t sufficient to meet your needs
work with you to help you learn more about how to make your own decisions about which services you use and about how the NDIS works.
How do I find a Support Coordinator?
You can look up registered support coordination providers using the Provider Finder tool in myplace. The Provider Finder will let you search for support coordination providers that are located near you. Every three months the NDIA publishes a list of registered providers in your state on the NDIS website.
Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Partner may assist you to find and connect with a Support Coordinator. The planner, LAC or ECEI partner will provide plan information to your Support Coordinator so they can understand your plan and assist you in achieving your goals.
How do I choose a Support Coordinator?
Here are some of the qualities to look for when choosing a Support Coordinator:
They put you first
They are outcome-focused
They know your area well
They share information and help you understand your plan
They are great communicators
Can I get Support Coordination if I am self or plan managed?
Yes. The decision for a plan to be self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed has no effect on funding support coordination. Funding support coordination is decided by what is considered reasonable and necessary.
When creating your plan you can discuss with your planner, LAC, or ECEI Coordinator what your plan management options are and the differences between them.
What questions should I ask before choosing a Support Coordinator?
Just like starting with any new provider, you can ask them questions that will help you make a decision on whether you will use them as a provider or not. Below are a few examples of questions you may want to ask the provider:
How will they help you to achieve your goals?
What is their experience delivering supports?
What are their prices? What is included? How will they charge you?
Do they wish to discuss a notice period for ending an agreement?
Remember, you have choice and control in the supports you receive. This means you have the choice over who provides your supports and how they are provided.
