What is Innovative Community Participation under the NDIS?

Innovative Community Participation NDIS is a Capacity Building support that helps individuals with disability develop new skills and engage with their communities. It involves creative, non-traditional activities tailored to a participant’s goals, such as volunteering, art, technology, and fitness programs.

Who is eligible for NDIS Innovative Community Participation?

Eligibility requires being an approved NDIS participant with a significant disability, under 65 years of age, and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen with a Protected Special Category Visa.

What types of activities can I do under Innovative Community Participation?

Examples include art workshops, adaptive sports, volunteering, digital skills training, social events, small business mentoring, and cultural participation. These activities are flexible and tailored to each participant.

How do I access this support through my NDIS plan?

You need to include Registration Group 0116 – Increased Social and Community Participation in your plan. Then, choose a provider and work with them to design and implement activities aligned with your goals.

Can I create a customised program based on my interests?

Yes. Programs under NDIS innovative community participation are highly flexible and co-designed with the participant to ensure relevance and impact.

Is this support available for self-managed and plan-managed participants?

Yes. It is available to self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed participants, with some conditions depending on the provider’s registration status.

Does the NDIS cover the cost of participation in these activities?

Yes. If the activities are reasonable, necessary, and align with your plan goals, they can be funded under Capacity Building or sometimes Core Supports.

Can I use my Core Supports funding for these activities?

Some activities may be funded under Core Supports if they are directly related to daily living or participation, but they are most commonly funded under Capacity Building Supports.

Do I have to do group activities, or can I participate individually?

You can choose either individual or group activities depending on your comfort level and goals. The support is fully customisable.

What’s the difference between this and regular community access support?

Community access support often focuses on attending appointments or basic outings, whereas innovative community participation is skill-building, goal-focused, and creatively engaging.

Who delivers Innovative Community Participation supports?

Supports are delivered by registered NDIS providers, support workers, or community engagement practitioners with experience in inclusion, creativity, and personal development.

Can I change providers if I'm not satisfied?

Yes. NDIS participants can change service providers at any time if they are unsatisfied with the service being delivered.

Will I receive a report or feedback on my progress?

Yes. Many providers offer progress reports or updates, which can help with tracking goals and preparing for plan reviews.

How long can I use this support for?

You can access the support as long as it aligns with your plan goals, remains reasonable and necessary, and fits within your funding limits.

What are the long-term outcomes of this support?

Participants often achieve improved well-being, stronger community connections, better social skills, and increased independence. It also supports transition into employment or education.

NDIS Innovative Community Participation

25 Jul in NDIS Services by Caitlin Parker

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports Australians with disability in achieving their goals and participating actively in community life. One of the most transformative offerings within the NDIS is Innovative Community Participation, officially part of Registration Group 0116. This support category empowers individuals through creative, skill-based, and personally meaningful activities that extend beyond traditional models of care.

This article provides a complete and detailed overview of innovative community participation NDIS, including eligibility, activities, benefits, funding, and implementation—along with innovative community participation NDIS examples to inspire personalised planning.

What is Innovative Community Participation NDIS Support?

Innovative Community Participation NDIS is a Capacity Building support designed to help people with disability develop the confidence, skills, and independence to actively participate in everyday community life. Unlike standard supports that may focus solely on day-to-day assistance, this offering is goal-oriented, creative, and non-traditional in its approach.

The support item:

Falls under NDIS Registration Group 0116: Increased Social and Community Participation
Is recorded as Support Item Number: 09_008_0116_6_3
Can be delivered flexibly in line with the participant’s individual plan, goals, and preferences

Through this support, participants are encouraged to pursue activities that foster social inclusion, skill development, creativity, employment pathways, and emotional well-being.

Purpose and Philosophy Behind Innovative Community Participation

The philosophy behind NDIS innovative community participation is that every person, regardless of ability, has the right to be an active and valued member of their community. True inclusion isn’t just about being physically present in a space—it’s about having a voice, a role, and meaningful engagement.

This support category aims to:

Build confidence, resilience, and self-worth
Develop social competencies and emotional awareness
Link participants to mainstream services and opportunities
Encourage pathways into employment, volunteering, or further education
Foster creative exploration and community contribution

It’s a strengths-based approach that meets the person where they are, and walks alongside them as they grow.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for innovative community participation NDIS, you must:

Be a participant of the NDIS
Have a permanent and significant disability that impacts your daily functioning and ability to engage with your community
Be under 65 years old when you first enter the scheme
Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen holding a Protected Special Category Visa
Reside in a region where the NDIS is available

This support is accessible for self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed participants.

What Does Innovative Community Participation Look Like?

The program focuses on non-traditional, creative, and flexible activities that help participants explore their interests and increase independence. Here are some detailed innovative community participation NDIS examples that reflect the diversity of supports available:

Creative and Artistic Engagement

✔ Painting, music, photography, sculpture, digital design ✔ Art therapy sessions or community murals ✔ Storytelling, poetry, or spoken-word performances

Technology and Digital Inclusion

✔ Learning to use computers, tablets, or smartphones ✔ Online safety workshops ✔ Joining digital clubs or virtual events

Fitness and Well-being

✔ Adaptive sports programs ✔ Community dance, yoga, or swimming classes ✔ Group hiking or walking groups

Volunteering and Community Service

✔ Helping at food banks or animal shelters ✔ Participating in environmental clean-ups or tree planting ✔ Mentoring or peer support programs

Entrepreneurship and Small Business

✔ Starting a handmade product business ✔ Selling art or crafts online ✔ Learning basic business planning and financial literacy

Social Skills and Peer Interaction

✔ Attending community events or social groups ✔ Practising communication skills in group settings ✔ Role-playing social scenarios and community access

Who Is Eligible?

To access services under NDIS Registration Group 0101, participants must meet the following criteria:

Be an active NDIS participant with a plan that includes goals related to independent living or accommodation.
Have a significant and permanent disability that affects their ability to access or sustain suitable housing.
Be under 65 years of age at the time of application.
Reside in Australia and meet residency requirements (citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder).

Participants must also work with their NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to ensure their housing goals are reflected in their plan.

How Support is Delivered

Goal Setting and Planning - Participants work with their NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Support Coordinator to identify goals related to community involvement, independence, or skill-building. These goals are documented in the NDIS plan.

Provider or Practitioner Engagement - Participants select a service provider or practitioner who specialises in delivering Registration Group 0116 supports. The provider works alongside the participant to co-design activities that align with their interests.

Activity Participation - Activities take place in real community settings—whether physical or virtual. Participants receive side-by-side support, encouragement, and mentoring during these engagements.

Capacity Building and Reflection - Over time, the participant builds new skills, develops independence, and transitions from supported to more independent engagement where appropriate.

Role of Community Engagement Practitioners

One of the most impactful components of innovative community participation NDIS is the use of Community Engagement Practitioners. These professionals:

Help participants discover and define their interests
Connect them with appropriate community resources and opportunities
Offer practical coaching and emotional support
Build confidence through exposure, routine, and repetition
Assist with transitioning to informal or independent community involvement

Their support is not about “doing for”—it’s about “doing with,” empowering participants every step of the way.

Benefits of NDIS Innovative Community Participation

The benefits of participating in this program go far beyond the activity itself. It creates a ripple effect across every area of life:

Improved Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Regular social interaction, creative expression, and achievement of goals all contribute to reduced stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.

Stronger Community Ties

Participants feel connected, valued, and included, creating a greater sense of purpose and belonging.

Real-World Skill Development

Practical skills learned during participation are transferable to employment, education, and daily living.

Enhanced Independence

As participants become more confident and competent, they rely less on formal supports and more on their own strengths and community networks.

Personal Empowerment

Participants begin to see themselves not just as recipients of care but as contributors, creators, leaders, and decision-makers.

Customised Housing Solutions

Services like specialist disability accommodation NDIS ensure even participants with high support needs can enjoy tailored housing that supports independence.

Funding and Pricing Considerations

The support item for innov community participation NDIS typically falls under Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation. Some activities may also be covered under Core Supports, depending on the nature of the activity and the participant’s goals.

Key points:

There is no fixed price limit for this support, meaning pricing is flexible and agreed upon between the provider and participant.
The support must be reasonable and necessary, aligned with plan goals, and delivered by qualified professionals.
Claims must usually be made after the support is delivered, and must follow NDIS general claiming rules.

Take the Next Step Today

Together, we can turn your goals into reality—one community connection at a time.

Are you or someone you support ready to build confidence, connect with others, and explore new opportunities through NDIS innovative community participation?

(03) 9302 3015 Get in touch