Purpose
Community access is more than taking a participant out for the day. Every outing should support the participant's NDIS goals, encourage independence, build confidence and promote meaningful participation in their community. Support Workers play an important role in helping participants make choices, develop new skills and enjoy opportunities that are important to them.
What to do
Encourage participants to choose activities that reflect their goals, interests and preferences.
Support participants to make decisions and exercise choice and control wherever possible.
Encourage independence by allowing participants to complete tasks for themselves with the least amount of assistance required.
Follow the participant's support plan, behaviour support plan and any relevant risk assessments.
Treat participants with dignity, respect and inclusion at all times.
Be aware of your surroundings and proactively manage potential risks.
Encourage participants to engage with their community, build social connections and develop everyday life skills.
Respect participant privacy and confidentiality when in public.
Carry any required medication, emergency contacts or support equipment outlined in the participant's support plan.
Be flexible and adapt activities if circumstances change or participant wellbeing requires a different approach.
Record meaningful progress towards participant goals in your shift notes.
What Not to Do
Don't choose activities based on your own interests instead of the participant's goals or preferences.
Don't pressure participants to participate in activities they don't wish to do.
Don't leave participants unattended unless it is safe, appropriate and outlined within their support plan.
Don't discuss confidential participant information where members of the public may overhear.
Don't take participants to locations that present unnecessary risks or have not been appropriately considered.
Don't ignore signs that a participant is becoming distressed, overwhelmed, fatigued or unwell.
Don't continue an activity if participant safety, dignity or wellbeing may be compromised.
Don't complete tasks for participants that they are capable of doing independently unless safety requires your assistance.
Remember
The goal of community access isn't simply to fill time—it's to create meaningful opportunities that help participants achieve their goals, build confidence and increase their independence. Every outing should leave the participant feeling included, respected and empowered. Before every activity, ask yourself:
"How is this supporting the participant's goals?"
Related Guides
Transporting Participants
Professional Boundaries
Mobile Phone & Technology Use
Behaviour Support
Incident Reporting
Running Late
Shift Notes