NDIS

Community Connection and Engagement Program
1. Social Integration through Structured Group Activities

• Scientific Basis: Research shows that structured group activities improve social skills, reduce social isolation, and enhance community integration for individuals with disabilities. By facilitating safe, consistent group settings, we enable participants to practice social interactions, teamwork, and conflict resolution, aligning with studies on social skills development in group-based programs. 

• How It’s Applied: Our program design intentionally includes small group settings, promoting interpersonal engagement and providing ongoing opportunities to build and strengthen social skills.
  
  2. Physical Activity and Mental Health Benefits 

• Scientific Basis: Numerous studies have demonstrated the mental and physical health benefits of activities like yoga, mindfulness, and self-defence. These practices help improve mood, reduce anxiety, increase focus, and build resilience – all crucial for successful community participation. Physical activity is linked to neurobiological changes that enhance mental well-being and support emotional regulation. 

• How It’s Applied: Each session is tailored to incorporate movement and mindfulness techniques, backed by research, to promote both physical and emotional well-being.
  
  3. Mindfulness for Emotional Regulation and Social Engagement 

• Scientific Basis: Mindfulness-based interventions are widely recognised for enhancing emotional regulation, reducing stress, and improving social connectedness, especially in individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges. The NDIS’s focus on emotional well-being aligns with the use of mindfulness practices, as supported by a range of studies in clinical psychology and psychiatry. 

• How It’s Applied: Our program includes regular mindfulness practices that support participants in managing anxiety and focusing on positive social interactions, which can help them engage more effectively in community activities.
  
  4. Confidence Building and Self-Efficacy through Self-Defence 

• Scientific Basis: Self-defence training has been shown to boost confidence, self-efficacy, and assertiveness, particularly in vulnerable populations. Research suggests that learning self-defence not only improves physical capability but also reduces anxiety and enhances a person’s perceived control over their environment. 

• How It’s Applied: Self-defence is included as part of our program to empower participants, helping them feel more secure and capable in social and community settings, reducing barriers to participation.
  
  5. Goal-Oriented Mentoring for Long-Term Outcomes 

• Scientific Basis: Studies in applied psychology indicate that goal-oriented mentoring enhances motivation, self-confidence, and resilience, especially when focused on clear, achievable goals. Structured mentoring helps participants build a sense of purpose, autonomy, and mastery, all of which are correlated with successful community integration.

• How It’s Applied: Our mentoring sessions are structured around individual goals, with measurable milestones to track progress, reinforcing positive behaviours and promoting long-term engagement with community activities.

6. Classroom Scenario Rehearsals in One-on-One Settings

• Scientific Basis: Social skills training, particularly when introduced in a controlled one-on- one environment, has been shown to help individuals manage social anxiety and improve comfort in group scenarios. Research indicates that gradual exposure to social situations through rehearsal and role-play can significantly reduce anxiety and increase participants’ readiness for group interactions. 

• How It’s Applied: To prepare clients for participation in group classes, we conduct individualised, one-on-one sessions where we simulate common class scenarios. These include going over what happens during a typical class, what to expect from other participants, and common social interactions that may occur. By breaking down the class experience and familiarising clients with each step, we help reduce the uncertainty that often triggers anxiety. 

• Outcomes: This preparatory approach empowers clients to feel more comfortable and confident when joining group settings, as they already understand the structure and dynamics of the class. It fosters gradual integration, enabling clients to participate meaningfully in community activities and engage with others in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
  Objective: Enabling Confident Community Engagement
  This targeted preparation process is designed to build the skills and confidence needed for clients to engage with others in community and social activities. By proactively addressing anxieties and setting clear expectations, we help clients overcome initial barriers to participation, ultimately reducing social isolation and enhancing their quality of life.
  Measuring Outcomes with Data-Driven Techniques
  To further support a scientific approach, we use evidence-based metrics and techniques to assess progress: 

• Baseline Assessments and Regular Progress Checks: We assess each participant’s starting point, then track improvements in areas like social interaction, emotional regulation, and confidence. 

• Feedback Loops with Participants and Caregivers: Regular feedback ensures that the program continues to meet participants' needs and allows for adjustments based on real-time data. 

How the Package Meets NDIS Requirements:

1. Directly Supports Social and Community Participation:
   Each component of this package is designed to help participants overcome social barriers and achieve the confidence needed to independently engage in recreational and community activities. The blend of activities supports both social interaction and skill development, making it a comprehensive approach to enhancing social engagement. 

2. Addresses Risk of Social Isolation:
   The structured nature of the program reduces participants' risk of isolation by encouraging regular, consistent attendance in group activities. Each session provides opportunities for clients to build friendships, improve social skills, and foster a sense of belonging. 

3. Supports Independence in Community Settings:
   The skills taught in the program – from self-defence to mindfulness – contribute directly to participants' ability to navigate social and recreational environments independently. Each activity builds transferable skills that clients can apply to other social settings, supporting long-term community involvement. 

Justification for Cost:

• Rate: $130/hour 

• Frequency: Weekly sessions, with a minimum commitment to ensure consistent progress. The $130/hour rate reflects the costs associated with delivering these specialised services in a safe, supportive environment. Given that this code is not subject to price limits, we are charging a rate that covers the expertise and resources required to meet the specific needs of participants while delivering a high standard of care and social engagement support.
  
  Why This Package Fits Under Code 04_210_0125_6_1
  
  By meeting the objectives outlined in the NDIS requirements, this package offers more than just a series of classes; it provides a pathway for clients to reduce social isolation, gain independence, and become active, engaged members of the community. Each component supports participants in building the skills, confidence, and relationships necessary for community participation, fully justifying the use of this support item.
  The duration of the package can be customised based on participants’ needs and NDIS funding cycles.
  
  Here are a few options to consider:
  1. 12-Week Program (One School Term) 

• Description: This aligns with school terms, offering a natural start and end point, and it’s manageable for participants to commit to. 

• Frequency: Weekly sessions at 1–2 hours per session, depending on participants’ needs and preferences. 

• Benefits: Participants can evaluate their progress over a relatively short period, and it provides enough time to build foundational skills in each area.
  
  2. 6-Month Program (24 Weeks) 

• Description: A more extended commitment for participants who need extra time to develop social and recreational skills.
  Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly sessions.

3. Ongoing Monthly Membership (Flexible)

• Description: Participants can continue as long as needed, paying on a monthly or term-by-term basis.
  

• Frequency: Weekly sessions, with options to add one-on-one support or additional group sessions if needed.
  

• Benefits: This is ideal for participants who benefit from long-term, consistent support and want a flexible schedule. It also allows for a rolling intake of new participants.