If you or a loved one is navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), understanding the various support categories is essential to making the most of your plan. Two of the most important categories that participants often come across are NDIS Core Supports and NDIS Capacity Building. These categories can sometimes be confusing, but knowing their differences can help you better plan for the future and access the right services.
At Apex Support Services, we’re here to help clarify these categories and support you in understanding the best options for your needs. Whether you’re just starting with the NDIS or are looking to review your existing plan, we aim to make the process simpler for you.
What Are NDIS Core Supports?
NDIS Core Supports are the services and assistance that help participants with daily living activities. They cover a broad range of essential needs that help individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible. The focus of NDIS core supports is on helping people perform daily tasks, ensuring their safety and wellbeing, and enhancing their quality of life.
Core supports are grouped into four categories:
1. Assistance with Daily Living
This includes personal care tasks like grooming, dressing, and showering, as well as assistance with daily tasks, meal preparation, cleaning, and household tasks.
2. Transport
Support to help participants get from one place to another, whether it’s attending medical appointments, social activities, or other necessary outings.
3. Consumables
This includes support for essential items like continence aids, daily personal care items, and mobility equipment like walkers or wheelchairs.
4. Assistance with Social and Community Participation
This support helps individuals join social or recreational activities, interact with others, and engage in community events.
NDIS Core Supports are typically funded based on the participant’s needs and the amount of support required. These supports are flexible and can be used across different types of services and activities. The primary goal is to support the individual’s ability to live independently and participate in their community.
What Are NDIS Capacity Building Supports?
While core supports help with daily tasks, capacity building focuses on developing skills, increasing independence, and preparing participants for future growth. This support is designed to help individuals build the skills they need to achieve their goals, whether those goals are related to employment, education, or social participation.
Capacity Building is about empowering participants, helping them gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to manage various aspects of their life without needing as much assistance in the future.
Capacity-building supports include:
- Improved Daily Living: Support to help develop skills in personal care, decision-making, and other essential life skills.
- Improved Relationships: Building better communication and social skills, fostering stronger relationships with others.
- Improved Health and Wellbeing: Support for maintaining physical and mental health, including counselling and therapy.
- Improved Learning: Assistance with educational goals, including support for school, training, and further education.
- Improved Life Choices: Support for making informed decisions, including guidance for employment or choosing the right services.
- Improved Functional Capacity: Focuses on enhancing a participant’s physical, sensory, cognitive, or communication abilities.
Key Differences Between Core Supports and Capacity Building
Understanding the key differences between NDIS Core Supports and Capacity Building is crucial for determining which type of support is most relevant for your situation. While both are essential components of the NDIS, they focus on different aspects of a participant’s needs.
Here’s a comparison to help clarify their differences:
| Aspect | NDIS Core Supports | NDIS Capacity Building |
| Purpose | To assist with daily activities | To build skills for future independence |
| Focus | Immediate support for daily living | Long-term skill development and capacity |
| Examples of Supports | Therapy, skill-building programs, and training | Therapy, skill-building programs, training |
| Funding | Flexible, can be used for daily tasks | Designed for specific skill development |
| Long-Term Impact | Ensures independence in daily activities | Prepares participants for future challenges |
Core supports are typically more immediate and hands-on, ensuring that participants can perform day-to-day activities independently or with minimal assistance. On the other hand, capacity building is more about providing long-term value, enabling participants to build skills and capabilities that will help them manage their life better in the future.
Why Are Both Supports Important?
Both core supports and capacity building play a critical role in the NDIS journey. They are complementary, and one cannot function optimally without the other. While core supports provide essential assistance in daily life, capacity building helps participants grow their independence and prepare for future challenges.
For instance, if a person struggles with daily tasks, core supports will provide the necessary help. Over time, as they develop new skills and increase their confidence through capacity building, they may become more independent in performing those same tasks.
These supports are designed to work together to create a balance of immediate assistance and long-term growth, which ultimately improves the participant’s quality of life.
How to Access NDIS Core Supports and Capacity Building
Accessing NDIS Core Supports and Capacity Building typically requires you to have an NDIS plan in place. Once your plan is create, it will outline the amount of funding allocate to both categories. If you’re unsure how to apply or would like assistance reviewing or modifying your plan, it’s always a good idea to contact a registered NDIS provider or support coordinator, like the team at Apex Support Services, who can help guide you through the process.
Once approval of the funding is grant, access to the services available under Core Supports and Capacity Building can be provided through registered providers. Service providers can be select based on individual needs and preferences, ensuring that the support provide is align with goals.
Understanding the Flexibility of NDIS Core Supports
One of the key benefits of NDIS Core Supports is the flexibility they offer. The funding for core supports is generally more flexible than capacity-building funds, allowing participants to adjust and use the funds across different categories. This flexibility ensures that individuals can receive the most appropriate support based on their changing needs and goals.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of funding allocated to each area will depend on your individual circumstances, which is why having the right guidance during your planning meeting can be crucial.
Making the Most of Your NDIS Plan
To make the most of your NDIS plan, it’s essential to stay informed about the available support options, such as core supports and capacity building, and understand how they can work together to improve your life. Whether you need assistance with daily tasks or want to focus on skill-building and independence, these supports can help you achieve your goals.
At Apex Support Services, we are here to assist you in understanding these categories and helping you choose the best services to suit your unique needs. Our team can help you access the right support, plan for the future, and ensure that you make the most of your NDIS funding.
Get Started with Apex Support Services
Ready to start your NDIS journey with the right support? Apex Support Services offers expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities of the NDIS and access both core supports and capacity-building services. Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step towards a more independent and fulfilling life.
By understanding the difference between NDIS Core Supports and Capacity Building, you can make more informed decisions about the supports that will benefit you the most. Both categories play an essential role in helping individuals with disabilities lead independent, fulfilling lives, and with the right guidance, you can make the most of your NDIS plan.
If you’re ready to find out more or book a consultation, visit our website and get in touch with our team at Apex Support Services today!
