Education & Information

Assistive technology is one of the most useful supports available under the NDIS, but also one of the most misunderstood. People often assume it only refers to expensive equipment like wheelchairs or communication devices. In reality, assistive technology can include simple, everyday items that make life easier, safer, and more independent. If you are unsure what the NDIS will fund, how approvals work, or what you can actually purchase, this guide breaks it down in plain lang

“Reasonable and necessary” is the criteria the NDIS uses to decide whether something should be funded. For a support to be approved, it generally needs to: Be related to your disability Help you pursue your goals Support your independence and participation Represent value for money Be effective and beneficial Not be more appropriately funded by another system (like health or education) Sounds simple… but this is where things get subjective. Why This Confuses So Many People Tw

NDIS Core funding is the most flexible part of an NDIS plan, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Most participants are told they can use it for “daily supports” or “community access”… but that doesn’t actually tell you what that looks like in real life. So, let’s break it down properly. What Is NDIS Core Funding? Core funding is designed to support participants with everyday activities and day-to-day life. It’s typically used for: Getting out into the community Suppo

April is Autism Month. Across Queensland, communities are coming together to celebrate, raise awareness and take part in initiatives like Autism QLD ’s #TrueColours  campaign. Campaigns like this play an important role in bringing people together and encouraging meaningful action. Autism Month in QLD isn’t just about recognising autism. It’s about understanding what inclusion actually looks like in everyday life. Awareness vs Understanding Awareness is simple. It’s knowing a

When people talk about NDIS supports, they usually mean paid services like support workers, therapists, or group programs. But for many participants, the most consistent support comes from the people already in their lives. These are called informal supports. Understanding informal supports in the NDIS is important because they directly impact: How much funding you receive What supports are approved How sustainable your support system is long term What Are Informal Supports i

Independence does not mean doing everything alone. It means having the skills, confidence, and support to make choices and participate in everyday life. That is where 1:1 NDIS support makes a real difference. At Loving Life Support Services, our 1:1 NDIS support across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast focuses on building practical life skills in real environments. We do not just assist. We teach, guide, and build capability. What Is 1:1 NDIS Support? 1:1 NDIS support means a

When families are choosing NDIS supports, one of the most confusing (and important) things to understand is support ratios. In the NDIS, a support ratio refers to how many participants each support worker is responsible for at a given time. You will often see ratios written as 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3. The right ratio can make the difference between a participant feeling safe, supported, and confident, or overwhelmed and disengaged. This guide explains what the common NDIS support rat

Supporting a person with an intellectual disability is not about filling time. It is about building skills, confidence, and meaningful independence in everyday life. At Loving Life Support Services, we focus on practical, structured support that helps participants develop real-world capability at home, in the community, and in small, supported group environments. There is no one size fits all approach, and there should not be. What Is Intellectual Disability? Intellectual dis

Life changes can be challenging for anyone, but for people with disability, major transitions often require additional planning, structure, and support. Under the NDIS, Assistance in Coordinating or Managing Life Stages, Transitions and Supports helps participants navigate these changes with confidence. This support is funded through Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation and focuses on mentoring, peer support, and practical skill development. In thi

Skills Development and Training provides individual and group-based learning to help participants develop everyday life skills. According to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements, this support includes training in: Public transport use Community access Social participation Recreational skills Daily living activities It focuses on helping participants participate safely and confidently in their community. Supports may be delivered: 1:1, or In small group programs They are funded throu

For many NDIS participants, managing everyday household responsibilities can be challenging due to disability, health conditions, or reduced capacity. That’s where Assistance with Household Tasks funding comes in. This Core Support helps participants maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable home environment, supporting both wellbeing and independence. In this guide, we explain what this support covers, how it can be used, and what families should look out for. What Is Assistan

If you or your loved one receives NDIS funding, you may see “Assistance with Self-Care Activities” listed in your plan under Core Supports. This is one of the most commonly used support items and one of the most important for day-to-day independence. In this guide, we explain what this support covers, how it can be used, and what families should look out for when choosing a provider. What Is Assistance with Self-Care Activities? Assistance with Self-Care Activities provides s

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is one of the more accessible and disability-aware attractions on the Sunshine Coast, making it a popular choice for NDIS participants, families, and support workers. With flat pathways, clear viewing areas, and a calm indoor environment, it can be a great option for participants who enjoy animals and learning, without the intensity of larger theme parks. Below is a practical overview of accessibility, sensory considerations, and things to know before

If you or someone you care for has a disability, accessing the NDIS can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly a bit intimidating. There is a lot of paperwork, new terminology, and mixed information online, which makes it hard to know where to start. The good news is this. You do not need to understand everything upfront. This guide explains how to access the NDIS in Australia, step by step, in plain language. No jargon. No pressure. Just the basics you actually need to k

Navigating the NDIS and other systems can be confusing, exhausting, and sometimes deeply frustrating. When decisions feel unfair, unclear, or just wrong, many people turn to a disability advocate for support. Understanding what a disability advocate does, and when it might be helpful to involve one, can make a real difference when you are feeling stuck or unheard. What Is a Disability Advocate? A disability advocate is someone who supports people with disability to understand

Neurodiversity is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful shift in how we view brain differences. Instead of seeing Autism, ADHD, or learning disorders as deficits to “fix,” the neurodiversity paradigm recognises them as natural variations in human cognition. In this blog, we explore what neurodiversity really means, break down common neurodivergent conditions, and share how we can better support and celebrate different ways of thinking and learning. 🌱 What Is Neurodiversi

School holidays can be one of the most challenging times of year for families of children and teens with disability. Routines disappear, usual supports pause, and parents are often left trying to juggle work, care, and limited options. For years, NDIS-funded school holiday programs helped fill that gap. However, recent updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) have significantly changed how school holiday programs are treated. If you are feeling confuse

In the NDIS space, we talk a lot about “capacity building”, but let’s be honest, not every provider delivers programs that genuinely  build the confidence and real-world skills people need to thrive. So, when we see a provider doing something meaningful, practical, and truly participant-centred, we believe it deserves recognition. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on FS Solutions, a provider making waves with their fresh, human approach to building independence, life skills, e

The NDIS has officially changed the name of Short Term Accommodation (STA)  to Short Term Respite (STR), and while the name is different, the purpose remains the same: to give participants and their informal supports time apart to rest, recharge, and keep care arrangements sustainable. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changed, who can access it, and what it actually covers. What Is Short Term Respite? Short Term Respite is an NDIS-funded support that gives you a safe and c

Mental health can be one of the most confusing areas of the NDIS. If you live with a mental health condition, you may have heard the term psychosocial disability  and wondered whether it applies to you, or what it actually means in practice. This guide explains psychosocial disability in plain language, how it fits within the NDIS, and what supports may be available. What Is Psychosocial Disability? Psychosocial disability refers to the impact a mental health condition has on