Education & Information

If you are the parent of a child with disability on the Gold Coast, you already know how much work goes into finding the right school. But what about what comes after? At Loving Life Support Services, we work alongside young people and their families every single day. We see first-hand how important the transition out of school is, and how overwhelming it can feel for families who are trying to figure out the next steps. This guide is designed to do two things: give you a cle

Self-managing your NDIS funding is one of the most empowering choices a participant can make. It puts you in control of who you work with, how you spend your funding, and how your supports are organised. It also comes with real responsibilities. And without the right systems in place, it can quickly become stressful and confusing. This guide covers what self-management actually means in practice, what you are responsible for, and how to stay on top of your funding without it

You may have recently seen news about NDIS changes in 2026 and how supports will be funded in the future. If you’re an NDIS participant, parent, or carer, it’s completely normal to have questions about what this means for your current supports and what might change moving forward. The good news is that there are no immediate changes to day-to-day supports, and many of the updates will be introduced gradually over time. This guide breaks down what’s happening, what it means fo

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

Core funding is designed to support participants with everyday activities and day-to-day life. It is typically used for getting out into the community, support at home, help with personal care, and transport to access activities and appointments. Unlike some other funding categories, Core funding is generally flexible across different support types depending on how your plan is structured. That flexibility is one of its biggest strengths, and one of the main reasons it can fe

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 on your own terms. 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 genuine capability over time. What is 1:1 ND

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 here, and there should not be. What is intellectual disability? Intellectua

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, unfamiliar terminology, and conflicting information online, which makes it hard to know where to start. The good news is that you do not need to understand everything upfront. This guide explains how to access the NDIS in plain language, step by step, with no jargon and no pressure. What is the NDIS? The National D

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