Community participation is one of the most meaningful parts of living a fulfilled life — feeling included, staying active, meeting new people, and building confidence in everyday settings. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), community participation supports are designed to help people with disability take part in social, recreational, educational, and community activities in a way that feels safe, enjoyable, and empowering.
At Inclusion Supports Australia, we believe everyone deserves a life full of choice, independence, and connection. Whether you want to join a local class, attend social groups, explore new hobbies, or build daily confidence outside the home, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What is Community Participation Under the NDIS?
NDIS community participation refers to funded supports that help participants take part in activities within their community. This can include:
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Social outings and community events
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Sport and recreation activities
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Learning new skills in real-world environments
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Improving confidence and independence
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Building friendships and meaningful relationships
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Developing communication and social skills
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Supported group activities
Community participation can be supported through NDIS funding categories such as:
Core Supports (Assistance with Social and Community Participation)
Capacity Building Supports (Improved Daily Living / Increased Social and Community Participation)
Group and Centre-Based Activities (where applicable)
Your plan and goals determine what supports you can access — and we can help you understand what fits best.
Why Community Participation Matters for NDIS Participants
Community participation is not just “getting out of the house.” It can play a powerful role in improving wellbeing and long-term independence. Many NDIS participants experience increased confidence and emotional wellbeing when they regularly take part in activities that match their interests and strengths.
Key benefits of community participation include:
1. Better Mental Health & Confidence
Being active in the community helps reduce isolation, anxiety, and low mood. It builds confidence through positive experiences and achievements.
2. Improved Social Skills & Communication
Social activities can support conversation skills, emotional regulation, confidence in public spaces, and learning healthy friendships.
3. Increased Independence
Over time, participants may become more comfortable navigating public spaces, managing routines, and trying activities without fear.
4. Stronger Life Skills
Community participation supports can help build practical life skills like budgeting, shopping, travelling safely, asking for help, and making choices.
5. Sense of Belonging and Purpose
Everyone deserves to feel included. Joining groups or activities helps participants feel valued, welcomed, and supported.
Examples of Community Participation Activities Under the NDIS
Community participation should always be person-centred — meaning the activities should match the participant’s goals, comfort level, abilities, and interests.
Here are some popular NDIS community participation activities that many participants enjoy:
Social & Group Activities
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Social groups and meet-ups
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Community BBQs and public events
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Café outings and friendship building
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Movie trips and fun day outings
Skill-Building Activities
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Cooking and meal planning support
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Shopping for groceries and essentials
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Learning to use public transport
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Improving time management and routines
Health, Fitness & Wellbeing
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Gentle exercise or walking programs
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Gym support or swimming sessions
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Yoga, mindfulness, and wellbeing outings
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Outdoor activities and parks
Learning and Personal Development
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Libraries and workshops
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Art classes or craft groups
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Music activities and community programs
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Volunteering opportunities
Recreational & Community Fun
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Beach outings
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Local markets and festivals
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Museums, wildlife parks, and family events
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Sport clubs and hobby meetups
At Inclusion Supports Australia, we help you choose activities that feel exciting and comfortable — and we support you in a respectful, friendly way.
Who is Community Participation For?
NDIS community participation supports may be suitable for:
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People who feel isolated or want to make friends
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Participants who want to build confidence in public spaces
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Individuals working on communication and social skills
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People who need assistance to attend activities safely
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Participants who want more independence and routine
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Individuals who want to explore hobbies, sport, or education
Whether you want to try one activity per week or build a regular routine, we tailor the support to you.
How Inclusion Supports Australia Helps With Community Participation
At Inclusion Supports Australia, we focus on respect, independence, confidence, and real inclusion. We don’t just “take you out” — we work alongside you to build skills, comfort, and enjoyment in real life.
Our community participation support may include:
Planning activities around your goals and preferences
Supporting you during outings and social events
Encouraging independence while ensuring safety
Helping you build confidence with everyday tasks
Supporting communication and positive interactions
Transport support (where funded and appropriate)
Supporting emotional wellbeing during new experiences
We also support participants who feel nervous about new places or social situations. Our approach is gentle and paced — because real progress happens with patience and trust.
Community Participation Goals You Can Add to Your NDIS Plan
Your NDIS plan goals are important because they connect to the supports you can access. If community participation is something you want more support with, here are some goal examples you may include:
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“I want to build confidence to attend community activities independently.”
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“I want to improve my social skills and make friends in my local area.”
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“I want to participate in weekly group activities to reduce isolation.”
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“I want to learn travel training and feel confident using transport.”
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“I want to improve my daily living skills in the community.”
Not sure what to write? We can help you prepare for planning meetings and match the right supports to your goals.
How to Access Community Participation Funding Through the NDIS
To access funded community participation supports, you may need:
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A clear goal related to independence, social participation, or skills development
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Evidence that the support will improve wellbeing, capacity, or inclusion
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A provider who can deliver supports aligned to the plan
If you already have funding but don’t know how to use it effectively — don’t worry. Many participants feel the same at first.
We can guide you through the best options and help you get started quickly and comfortably.
Why Families Choose Inclusion Supports Australia
We understand that community participation isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Some participants love group outings. Others prefer one-on-one support. Some may need confidence-building slowly over time.
Families and participants choose us because we provide:
A supportive and respectful team
Person-centred, goal-driven services
Clear communication and consistency
Reliable support workers who genuinely care
Help building confidence and independence in real life
Our goal is always the same: to help you feel included, empowered, and supported to live your best life.
Ready to Get Started With Community Participation?
If you or your loved one wants support with community participation under the NDIS, Inclusion Supports Australia is here to help.
We’ll listen to your goals
Help you plan the right activities
Support you to build confidence and independence
Make your community feel like it truly belongs to you
Useful Links (Get Support Today)
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Contact Us: Contact Us – Inclusion Supports Australia
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Referral Form: Referral Form – Inclusion Supports Australia
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Our Services: Support Coordination – Inclusion Supports Australia
Reach out today and let’s build your community journey together.