One-to-one community access

NDIS Core support

A support worker accompanies a person one-to-one to take part in the community, for example shopping, appointments, hobbies or social outings.

The short answer

One-to-one community access means a support worker goes with you to take part in the community, for example shopping, appointments, hobbies or outings.

About One-to-one community access

Many people prefer to spend time in the community with someone who knows them well and can support them individually. A support worker might accompany you to a café, a class, a park, the library or a medical appointment, providing the help you need, from personal care to communication to getting around.

The activities are your choice. Good providers plan with you and change what you do as your interests change. The aim is to help you do what you want to do, meet people and feel part of your community, rather than to fill time.

Matching matters. A worker who shares your interests and whose style you like will make the support more enjoyable. Ask providers how they match workers and what happens if the match is not right, and let them know if you would like a worker of a certain gender, language or background.

Who is this service for?

People who want a support worker with them, one-to-one, to take part in the community, such as shopping, appointments, hobbies or outings.

What a typical session looks like

A support worker meets you at the agreed time and goes with you to an activity or place in the community, such as a library, a class, a sports club, a cafe or a park. They help in the ways you need, from getting there and communicating to joining in and managing money. Where you can, you do things yourself, and the worker steps in only as much as needed.

The activity is chosen by you. Some people work on a particular goal, such as making friends or trying a new hobby, and others simply want to get out and about. A good worker is friendly, respectful and flexible, and helps you build connections that can last beyond the paid support.

Who delivers this support

Community access is provided by support workers employed by providers or working independently. The most important thing is a good match, so it is worth meeting the worker first and asking about shared interests, experience and approach. Workers should be screened, trained and insured, and comfortable supporting you in public settings.

How to choose a provider

Ask how workers are matched to participants.
Find out whether you can meet the worker first.
Check how the provider arranges transport and costs on outings.
Ask how they plan activities with you.
Find out what happens if your worker is away or you want a change.

Questions to ask a provider

Can I meet the worker before we start?
How will you help me choose activities that match my interests?
How will you support me to meet people and make connections?
How do you manage transport and costs for activities?
What happens if the worker is unavailable?
How will we review whether the support is helping me reach my goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

Letting the worker choose the activities instead of you.
Not clarifying who pays for activity costs.
Doing the same thing every week without thinking about your goals.
Not building connections with others in the community.
Not agreeing on what happens if a session is cancelled.

Getting started

Write down what you want to do and where you want to go.
Contact providers and ask about availability.
Meet the worker if you can, and agree a first plan.
Review after a few outings and change activities as you like.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

One-to-one access works with transport, group programs, skill building and social activities. It is often a stepping stone, helping people build confidence in the community. You may want to review the arrangement from time to time to see whether the activities still suit you and whether you are meeting people.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for One-to-one community access 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 One-to-one community access 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 One-to-one community access 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

00 Towards your Horizon - SA; includes Glenelg South, SA
1 Abbira Care Services - VIC; includes Fraser Rise, VIC
1 All Care - SA; includes Findon, SA
1 Care Connect - NSW; includes Manly, NSW; Rooty Hill, NSW; Rosehill, NSW
1 Circle Of Care - VIC; includes Pakenham, VIC
1 Disability Support Services - SA; includes Prospect, SA
1 Heart Care Services - NSW; includes Orange, NSW
1 In Town Services - SA; includes Mansfield Park, SA
1 The Helpers - NSW; includes Parramatta, NSW
1-Care - NSW; includes Lalor Park, NSW
10 Plus Care - VIC; includes Camberwell, VIC
10 Winchester Farm - NSW; includes Piggabeen, NSW

See all 15,301 community access providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Permalink Support Services - 503 areas
Nurse Next Door Batemans Bay - 413 areas
Hunter Valley Care & Assistance - 249 areas
Nurse Next Door Ballarat - 233 areas
Nurse Next Door Armidale - 230 areas
Nurse Next Door Wagga Wagga - 207 areas
Nurse Next Door Canberra - 189 areas
Huge Care - 188 areas

Checking credentials

Check registration Search the NDIS Commission's register of registered providers to see whether a provider is registered and for which types of support. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.
Ask about worker screening Ask whether workers hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check where their role requires one, and how the provider checks its workers' identity and qualifications.
Get it in writing Ask for a written quote and a service agreement that describes the support, the prices, how to change or end it and how to make a complaint.

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.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Regulates NDIS providers and handles complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS supports. Phone: 1800 035 544.
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Runs the NDIS. Contact them about your plan, your funding and eligibility. Phone: 1800 800 110.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What does one-to-one community access involve?

A support worker accompanies you and helps you do what you want in the community, for example going to a cafu00e9, a class, a park or a medical appointment.

Can I choose the activities?

You should be able to. Good providers plan with you and change activities as your interests change.

What if I want a particular worker?

You can ask. Providers try to match workers to people, though availability differs. Ask how they handle worker changes.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for One-to-one community access?

If One-to-one community access 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 One-to-one community access 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

Browse the NDIS and aged care provider directory

Helpful reading

How to choose an NDIS provider: 12 questions to ask before you commit: A practical checklist for comparing providers, from how a service fits your plan to what happens when something goes wrong.
Registered or unregistered? What it means when you choose an NDIS provider: Registered and unregistered providers can both be legitimate, but the rules, checks and options for your plan are not the same. Here is how to think about the difference.
How to change NDIS provider without losing support: You are allowed to change providers. A little planning means the new service is ready before the old one ends, and nothing falls through the gap.

All NDIS and aged care articles