Supporting community and social participation
How to deliver NDIS community access as an independent support worker: goal-focused outings, transport, building independence, safety and the right funding categories.
What community access support means
Start with the participant's goals
Planning an outing well
Encouraging independence, not doing it for them
Transport and getting there
Safety in the community
Funding categories and charging
Building genuine social connection
Recording and reviewing
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between community access and community participation?
They're essentially the same thing — support that helps a participant take part in social, recreational and community life. NDIS plans use terms like **social and community participation**. The focus is getting out, joining in, building skills and connections, usually funded under Core or Capacity Building supports.
Does the NDIS pay for the participant's activity costs?
No. NDIS funding pays for **your support**, not the participant's personal expenses. Entry fees, meals, coffee, movie tickets and similar costs are paid by the participant themselves. Be clear about this upfront and never charge personal or your own costs to a participant's plan.
Can I claim travel time for community access support?
Often yes, within limits. NDIS pricing allows for **provider travel** time and sometimes kilometres, plus separate rules for activity-based transport. The rules change, so check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and agree the approach in your service agreement before you bill.
How do I encourage independence without leaving someone unsafe?
Step back where it's safe, prompt rather than take over, and fade your support as confidence grows — while keeping a plan for real risks. This is **dignity of risk**: support the person's choices and skill-building, but stay close enough to keep them safe if something goes wrong.
Do I need special insurance to support community access?
You need appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance as an independent support worker. If you drive participants in your own car, you also need business-use motor cover. Check your policy actually covers community and transport support before you start.
Can I support NDIA-managed participants for community access?
Generally no. As an unregistered independent you support **plan-managed** and **self-managed** participants. **NDIA-managed** participants must use registered providers, so they can't usually book you directly unless you become a registered provider.