You Don’t Have to Navigate the NDIS Alone

Written By Carol Hegan

At The Inclusive Movement, we know that navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel complex and isolating — but you do not have to figure it out alone.

Having the right support around you makes all the difference. With experienced guidance, you can feel informed, confident and genuinely supported to make your plan work for you in everyday life.


What Is Support Coordination?

Support Coordination is a funded service included in some participants’ NDIS plans under Capacity Building. It is designed to help you:

  • Understand your plan — including what your budgets cover and how to use them effectively

  • Find and connect with providers and services that align with your goals and values

  • Build your skills to coordinate your supports and make decisions with confidence

  • Manage any challenges, changes, or unexpected issues that arise

  • Strengthen your capacity to exercise choice and control in all aspects of your life


A Support Coordinator works for you — not the NDIS. They are an independent professional who partners with you to make sure you are at the centre of every decision.


There are different levels of Support Coordination, depending on your individual needs:

  • Level 1 - Support Connection – short-term support to get started and build initial connections

  • Level 2 - Coordination of Supports – ongoing support to design and build a flexible, sustainable network of supports

  • Level 3 - Specialist Support Coordination – for people with more complex needs, including crisis response, multi-disciplinary collaboration and addressing barriers


How Support Coordinators, LACs and Planners Are Different

It is common for people to confuse these roles, so here is a simple way to understand the differences:

NDIS Planner The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)

Approves your plan, funding and goals based on the NDIS Act and guidelines.

Local Area Coordinator (LAC) NDIA partner organisations

Helps you create your plan, explains how to use it, and connects you with community and mainstream supports. They cannot manage your funds or make final decisions on funding.

Support Coordinator Independent, chosen by you

Works for you to implement your plan. They assist you to find the right providers, coordinate services, and build your confidence and skills.

Unlike Planners and LACs, your Support Coordinator is your own choice. You can change your Support Coordinator if you feel they are not the best fit for you.

How Independent Advocates Can Help

An independent disability advocate can play a vital role if you need extra help to have your voice heard and your rights upheld.

Advocates are not service providers and do not coordinate your supports. Instead, they work alongside you to ensure that you:

  • Understand your rights under the NDIS

  • Can communicate your needs and preferences clearly

  • Receive fair treatment and respectful service

  • Get help to lodge complaints or appeal decisions if you feel something is unjust or has gone wrong

For example, if you disagree with an NDIA decision, need to challenge a funding cut, or feel you are experiencing discrimination, an advocate can assist you to prepare evidence, speak up, and navigate the complaints or appeals process.

You can find independent, verified advocacy services through the Disability Advocacy Finder.

When Is It Time to Seek Help?

There is no wrong time to ask for help. However, many people wait until they feel overwhelmed or unsupported. The earlier you reach out, the more confident and in control you will feel.

Consider seeking Support Coordination or advocacy if:

  • You are unsure about what your plan covers or how to use your funding

  • You notice you are underspending and want to avoid losing valuable supports

  • You want to change providers but do not know where to begin

  • Your needs or situation have changed — for example, moving house, a new diagnosis or a family change

  • You are managing complex needs or multiple services and need help coordinating them effectively

  • You want to strengthen your self-advocacy skills and understanding of your rights

  • You feel you are not being heard or you need independent support to resolve a dispute

Why Families Choose The Inclusive Movement

We know that navigating the NDIS can feel like a maze — but you do not have to do it alone.

At The Inclusive Movement, our experienced team of Support Coordinators, developmental educators and inclusion consultants bring deep knowledge, lived experience and a neuroaffirming, person-centred approach to everything we do.

Families trust us because we:

  • Take the time to understand you — not just your plan

  • Provide practical guidance that builds your capacity and confidence

  • Connect you with quality, inclusive providers who respect your values

  • Advocate with you to ensure your rights and goals remain central

  • Share evidence-based, real-world solutions to make the system work better for you

Take the Next Step

If you would like to feel more confident using your plan, understand your options, or simply want a trusted partner to walk alongside you — we are here.

Contact us today to learn more about our Support Coordination, advocacy connections, and inclusive resources.

Together, we can make sure you feel supported, informed and truly in control of your NDIS journey.

Make a referral | Book an Introductory Chat | Explore Our Resource Hub

You do not have to navigate this alone. We are ready when you are.

Carol Hegan
Next

What’s in Your NDIS Plan – and How to Use It