Cultural, religious and civic participation

NDIS Core support

Support to take part in cultural, religious or civic life, for example attending a place of worship, a community event or a local group.

The short answer

This support helps you take part in cultural, religious or civic life, for example attending a place of worship, a community event or a local meeting, in ways that respect your beliefs and choices.

About Cultural, religious and civic participation

Belonging to a culture, faith or community is important to many people, and taking part in civic life gives a voice in decisions that affect you. For people with disability, practical barriers such as transport, physical access, communication or the need for personal support can get in the way of taking part.

A support worker can help with the practicalities. That might mean going with you to a service at your place of worship, helping you attend a cultural festival, supporting you to enrol to vote or go to a council meeting, or helping you connect with a community group that matches your interests.

The support should reflect what matters to you, not what a provider assumes. Good providers ask about your beliefs and preferences, respect them, and where possible match you with workers who understand your culture, language or faith.

Who is this service for?

People who want support to take part in cultural, religious or civic life, such as attending a place of worship, a community event or a local meeting.

What a typical session looks like

This support helps you take part in the parts of community life that matter to you, such as attending a place of worship, joining a cultural celebration, going to a council meeting or voting. A support worker or guide helps with the practical side, which might include transport, communication, reading materials or being with you for the event.

The support is led by your own values and choices. Some people want a worker who understands their language, faith or cultural practices, while others simply want reliable help getting there and feeling included. A good worker respects the setting, follows the customs of the community and steps back when you want to take part on your own.

Who delivers this support

Support is provided by workers who are chosen for their skills and, where it matters, their understanding of your culture, faith or language. Some people prefer a worker from their own community, and community organisations, cultural groups and faith communities can also be important sources of support. It is fine to ask a provider whether they can match you with someone who understands your background.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Think about what you would like to take part in and how often.
  2. Tell providers about your beliefs, preferences and any needs they should know about.
  3. Agree how support will work in practice, including transport and timing.
  4. Review regularly and change things if your interests change.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Participation in cultural, religious and civic life is a natural companion to community access, social activities and transport support. It also connects to advocacy and self-determination, since many people want a say in the decisions that affect their community. Because it is so personal, it helps to talk about what you want to do in your own words and let the plan follow.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Cultural, religious and civic participation if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Core supports help with everyday activities and are usually the most flexible part of an NDIS plan. If Cultural, religious and civic participation is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Core budget. Your plan shows how much you have and how it can be used. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Cultural, religious and civic participation that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Community access providers on the NDIS register

15,301 NDIS providers list community access supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing community access

See all 15,301 community access providers

Listings by state and territory

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Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What does this support look like?

A support worker helps you get to and take part in activities that matter to you, for example a religious service, cultural gathering or community meeting, in ways that respect your beliefs.

Can I choose a worker who shares my culture or language?

You can ask providers about this. Some providers have workers from a range of backgrounds and languages, though availability varies.

How do I get started?

Think about what you would like to take part in and how often, then talk to providers about availability and a service agreement that describes the support in your own words.

Can a support worker attend religious services with me?

Often yes, if you want them to. Discuss expectations with the worker and the place of worship so everyone is comfortable.

Can I request a worker of a particular gender or background?

You can ask, and providers will do what they can. Availability varies, so raise it early.

Does this include voting?

Support to take part in civic life can include getting to a polling place and understanding your options. Ask the provider what they can help with.

Can support workers attend religious services with me?

Yes, if that is what you want and the community is comfortable with it. Talk to the provider about the worker's role and about any customs they should know.

Can this support help me take part in civic activities like voting?

Yes. A worker can help with getting to a polling place, understanding information and making sure you are able to take part as you choose.

What if I need a worker who speaks my language?

Tell the provider at the start. Some providers have workers from a range of backgrounds, and interpreters can also help with communication where needed.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Cultural, religious and civic participation?

If Cultural, religious and civic participation is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Cultural, religious and civic participation provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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