Making friends and taking part in community activities can positively impact your everyday life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for people with disabilities to take part in social activities.
There are many challenges people may face for a variety of reasons, including inaccessibility, limited opportunities, lack of confidence and difficulty with communication. Depending on your individual goals and NDIS plan, NDIS social participation supports may assist you in gaining access to activities you are interested in and help develop your confidence.
At Cervino Disability Support Services, we provide Disability Support Services in Melbourne that can assist participants in gaining access to community activities that reflect their interests, preferences and individual support needs.
Feeling Connected Starts With Finding the Right Activities
There is no universal description of a good social life. Some people are happiest with many social activities, whereas others prefer enjoying company with a handful of people.
Meaningful NDIS social participation is more than simply attending more activities. It is about finding activities that give you the opportunity to participate comfortably and enjoyably.
A good place to begin is to think about what you enjoy.
You might enjoy:
- Art, music or other creative activities
- Sports and recreation
- Cooking or gardening
- Watching movies, playing games or using technology
- Visiting local attractions
- Going to community events
- Learning to do new things
- Being in groups with only a few people
Meeting new people can be difficult, but sometimes it is easier when you already have an interest or activity in common.
Why Social Connections Can Sometimes Be Difficult to Build
Meeting people can be hard for anyone, but people with disability may experience additional barriers that can make social participation more difficult.
For example, a person may need support with:
- Getting to an activity
- Feeling comfortable in an unfamiliar environment
- Communicating with others
- Understanding a new routine
- Accessing suitable community spaces
- Building confidence to try something different
Having the right support may help reduce some of these difficulties and make it easier to participate in activities.
Finding Activities That Match Your Interests
Sometimes the best activity is not necessarily the most popular one. As long as an activity or event offers something you enjoy or is connected with your interests, it can provide a worthwhile opportunity to participate.
Someone who prefers calm environments might enjoy a small art class. Another person might enjoy joining a community group where they can regularly get out and meet people.
You may need to try a few different activities before finding something that suits you. Sometimes an activity may not work out, but that experience can still help you understand what you enjoy and what you would prefer to try next.
What Does NDIS Social Participation Actually Mean?
NDIS social participation, including the supports available, can enable participants to engage with social, community and recreational activities. This is based on the participant’s goals, circumstances and the funding available within their NDIS plan.
Everyone may define participation differently.
It may involve:
- Joining a community group
- Participating in recreational activities
- Attending local events
- Exploring hobbies and interests
- Building social confidence
- Developing communication skills
- Becoming more familiar with the local community
- Taking part in activities outside the home
The activities a participant can engage in will depend on the funding in their NDIS plan as well as the specific activities and goals documented in their plan.
For one person, something as simple as going into the community may support the goal of meeting new people. For another, it may help them become more confident in the community, try new activities and work towards greater independence.
From Staying Home to Getting Involved: Where Can You Start?
Small changes can help. Sometimes starting with social participation can involve a brief visit to a familiar community space to do something connected with an existing interest.
This can be the beginning of developing participation, particularly when the focus is placed on the activity rather than the pressure of making friends.
Some ideas include:
- Painting and craft activities
- Music activities
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Sports and recreation
- Games and group activities
- Photography
- Local workshops
The best choice will vary according to what you enjoy doing and where you feel most comfortable.
Trying a New Hobby or Interest
A hobby can provide a natural opportunity to interact with other people.
Instead of placing pressure on yourself to make friends immediately, you can focus on doing something you enjoy. Conversations and connections may develop naturally as you become more familiar with the activity.
You could consider activities such as:
- Painting or craft activities
- Music programs
- Cooking activities
- Gardening
- Recreational sports
- Games and group activities
- Photography
- Local workshops
The best choice will depend on your interests and the type of environment where you feel comfortable.
Joining Group and Community Activities
Doing an activity on a regular basis can help you become familiar with meeting new people and may build confidence over time.
Spending time in a place where people meet regularly can be beneficial. It is okay if you do not interact with many people or immediately become part of a large group. With time, you may become more comfortable with the environment and the people around you.
Sometimes a small group with an activity that is easy to follow may be more suitable. At other times, participating in a larger community activity may feel right. There is no right or wrong approach.
Exploring Local Events and Outings
Community activities can be a good way to experience something new.
Depending on what you want to do, this could involve visiting:
- Local markets
- Community events
- Parks and recreational spaces
- Libraries
- Museums or galleries
- Entertainment venues
- Local attractions
Having the right support can help participants take part in activities that they may not usually access and experience new opportunities in the community.
Through Community Access and Out-of-Home Care, Cervino Disability Support Services offers support for participants to participate in the community and engage in a variety of available activities.
Building Confidence One Step at a Time
It is better to take confidence-building one step at a time.
For some people, the first step may be as simple as selecting an activity. The next step may involve visiting the location or spending a short period there.
Over time, a participant may develop greater comfort with:
- Trying unfamiliar activities
- Visiting new places
- Expressing preferences
- Engaging with other people
- Making decisions about future activities
Small steps can make a big difference.
How Community Participation Can Support Your Personal NDIS Goals
Social and community participation can help you work towards some of your personal NDIS goals.
There are goals such as:
- Improving independence
- Improving self-confidence
- Developing communication skills
- Participating more actively within the community
- Developing interests
- Working towards personal goals
- Developing relationships
Activities of your choice can provide opportunities to work towards some of these goals.
An individual who wants to become more independent may learn to plan activities outside the home, make choices and follow a routine.
Goals related to self-confidence may be supported through activities that provide frequent opportunities to interact with the same group of people.
Depending on the participant’s plan, some of these experiences may relate to NDIS capacity building supports that focus on developing skills and working towards specific individual goals.
What Skills Can You Develop Along the Way?
Community participation can provide opportunities to practise activities and skills that may help individuals work towards specific goals.
Communication and Social Skills
Different activities can provide opportunities to practise communication in everyday situations.
This could involve:
- Expressing preferences
- Initiating a conversation
- Listening and responding
- Participating in group activities
- Asking for help
- Communicating wants and needs
The communication approach should be tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences.
Confidence in New Environments
The first steps can feel a little awkward.
Some participants may become more accustomed to new environments and routines when they receive appropriate support and preparation.
It can take more than one experience to become comfortable with something new, and confidence may develop gradually through repeated participation.
Decision-Making and Personal Choice
Community participation can provide opportunities to make choices on a regular basis.
For example:
- Which activity do you wish to attend?
- Whose company do you prefer?
- How often would you like to attend?
- What type of support would you like?
Having opportunities to make choices and decisions can support greater control over everyday life.
Everyday Independence
Some activities may include goal-directed steps such as planning, preparation and following a sequence or routine.
Depending on individual goals, participants can engage in a variety of activities that may support greater independence in different areas of life.
Choosing Activities That Feel Right for You
Before choosing an activity, it may be helpful to consider more than simply whether it is available.
Ask yourself:
Do I enjoy this type of activity?
If an activity is interesting to you, you may be more likely to enjoy participating again.
Do I feel comfortable in this environment?
Some people prefer quiet and familiar spaces, while others enjoy busy social settings.
Does the activity connect with my goals?
An activity may support goals related to confidence, independence, communication or participation within the community.
What support might I need?
Consider whether you need support with transport, communication, getting to the location or participating in the activity.
Would I like to do this regularly?
Regular participation may help you become more comfortable with the activity and the people involved.
Your interests can change over time, so it is important to consider whether the activities you participate in are still enjoyable and meaningful to you.
How Cervino Disability Support Services Can Support Community Participation
Cervino Disability Support Services provides support to participants to engage with activities and opportunities available in the community based on their goals and support needs.
Available services include:
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Community Access and Out-of-Home Care
- Respite Care
- School Holiday Activities
For participants interested in developing greater independence, Supported Independent Living may provide support with everyday living based on individual support arrangements.
Cervino also supports respite care for participants and support for carers, depending on individual circumstances and service availability.
For younger participants, School Holiday Activities may provide opportunities to participate in supported activities during school breaks.
These services can be discussed as part of a broader conversation around the participant’s goals, interests and individual support needs.
A Social Life Should Reflect What Matters to You
There is no requirement to attend a specific number of activities. There is also no requirement for your social life to follow a particular format.
What is meaningful for one person’s NDIS goals may be different for another person. For example, meaningful NDIS social participation may involve joining a particular group regularly and meeting new people. For someone else, it may mean spending time in the community, enjoying a favourite hobby and gradually building confidence to spend more time outside the home.
What matters is that the activities are relevant to you.
Your interests, preferences and goals should remain central when considering opportunities in the community. Support should help make participation more accessible while respecting your choices and individual needs.
Ready to Explore New Social and Community Opportunities?
We can assist you to learn more about community and support activities available that may fit your desired outcomes.
Cervino Disability Support Service offers Disability Support Services from Point Cook offering community access and Supported Independent Living, Respite Care and School Holiday Programs across the Melbourne Metropolitan Region.
Call Cervino Disability Support Services on 0439 785 283 to discuss your individual support needs and available service options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NDIS social participation?
NDIS social participation is about helping eligible NDIS participants get involved in activities, connect with their community and enjoy experiences that are meaningful to them. Depending on your individual goals and approved funding, this could include getting out into the community, trying new activities, enjoying hobbies or simply spending time doing things you enjoy with others.
Can NDIS social participation help me meet new people?
Absolutely. NDIS social participation can give you opportunities to get involved in activities and community settings where you can meet and connect with people who have similar interests. Whether you enjoy group activities, local outings or trying something completely new, social participation can help you build connections and feel more involved in your community.
What community activities can I participate in?
There are plenty of possibilities, depending on your interests, goals and support needs. Community activities may include recreational groups, hobbies, local events, outings, workshops and other community-based activities. The important thing is finding activities that you genuinely enjoy and that make you feel comfortable, included and connected.
Do I need to join a large group to participate socially?
Not at all. Social participation doesn’t have to mean joining a large group or being surrounded by lots of people. You might feel more comfortable starting with an individual activity, spending time in a small group or gradually getting involved in different community settings. What matters is finding an approach that feels right for you and allows you to participate at your own pace.
How can Cervino Disability Support Services support community participation?
Cervino can support you to get out, stay connected and take part in activities that are important to you. Our services include Community Access and Out-of-Home Care, as well as Supported Independent Living, Respite Care and School Holiday Activities. The team can take the time to understand your interests, goals and support needs, then talk with you about the available options that may be a good fit.