What Is Community Access Under the NDIS?

Community access is one of the most popular and impactful NDIS support categories. It helps participants engage with their local community, build social connections, and develop new skills — all while being supported by trained disability support workers. But what exactly does it include, and how can you access it?

What Does Community Access Include?

Under the NDIS, community access (sometimes called “community participation”) covers a broad range of activities designed to help participants connect with the world around them. These can include:

• Social outings to cafes, parks, movies, and local events
• Recreational activities like bowling, swimming, or art classes
• Attending community groups, clubs, or volunteer organisations
• Shopping trips and learning to navigate public spaces
• Cultural activities and attending festivals or exhibitions
• Sports and fitness programs adapted to individual needs
• Educational workshops and skill-building courses

The key principle is that activities should align with the participant’s goals and interests. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — your community access program should be as unique as you are.

How Is Community Access Funded?

Community access is typically funded under the Core Supports category of your NDIS plan, specifically under “Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.” The funding covers the cost of support workers who accompany and assist you during community activities.

Some participants may also have community access funded under Capacity Building if the goal is to build specific skills that increase independence over time, such as learning to use public transport or developing social skills.

Who Is Eligible?

Any NDIS participant with community access funding in their plan can access these services. If you’re not sure whether your plan includes it, check with your support coordinator or local area coordinator (LAC). If it’s not currently in your plan but you believe it would help you achieve your goals, you can request it at your next plan review.

Community Access in Armidale & the New England Region

At Asina Disability Support, community access is our most popular service. Our Armidale and the New England Region teams organise a mix of group and individual activities tailored to each participant’s interests. From exploring the New England countryside to attending local markets and sporting events, we help participants stay connected to what they love.

We focus on making every outing meaningful — it’s not just about going places, but about building confidence, friendships, and life skills along the way.

Getting Started

If you’re interested in community access services in Armidale and the New England Region, we’d love to chat. You can submit a referral online or call us on 1300 851 190 for a no-obligation conversation about how we can support your goals.