15_045_0128_1_3
Community Engagement Assistance

Line Item Description

This support item is located within the NDIS Capacity Building support category, under Early Childhood Supports (Category 15), although it is commonly used for capacity building support for participants across all age groups where the goal is to improve social and community participation.

This line item funds individualised training and support to increase a participant's ability and confidence to actively engage in their community, access services, and form social connections. This is distinct from core support (like Assistance with Social and Community Participation), as the focus is on building skills for future independence.

Key Outcomes and Activities:

Identifying Interests and Opportunities: Working with the participant to identify their social and community goals, including potential hobbies, clubs, groups, volunteer work, or local services they wish to access.

Skill Development: Providing training and coaching to develop the necessary social and life skills to participate independently, such as:

Initiating and maintaining social interactions (e.g., joining a conversation, introducing oneself).

Navigating community environments (e.g., libraries, gyms, community centres).

Using money and making transactions in community settings.

Communication and self-advocacy skills to express needs and preferences.

Graduated Support: Providing a planned, structured approach where the intensity of support is gradually reduced as the participant's skills and confidence increase, leading to eventual independent participation.

Liaison and Integration: Assisting the participant to connect with and be successfully integrated into mainstream and community activities or groups, often by linking them with inclusive local services.

Professional Requirement: This support is typically delivered by qualified and experienced support workers or specialised mentors who are skilled in community integration and capacity building methodologies.

Claimable Costs: As well as direct service provision, this item can be used to claim for:

Non-Face-to-Face Support Provision

Provider Travel

Short Notice Cancellation (two clear business days)

NDIA Requested Reports

Provider Travel – Non-Labour Costs (using the support item 15_799_0128_1_3)

Note on use: While listed under ECI (Category 15), this support is widely used across the NDIS for participants of all ages where the primary goal is capacity building for social and community participation.