All Posts

Everyone deserves the opportunity to take part in community life, no matter their abilities or support needs. On the Gold Coast, there are a growing number of accessible recreation programs designed to support people with disability to participate, connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and stay active in ways that work for them. These programs sit outside the NDIS, but they can play a powerful role in building confidence, routine, and social connection. Many participants u

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

Keeping your yard safe, tidy, and manageable can be difficult if you live with a disability. Tasks like mowing, weeding, or trimming can quickly become overwhelming, unsafe, or simply unachievable. The good news is that NDIS yard maintenance can be funded in some situations. The key is understanding when it is considered reasonable and necessary, what is covered, and what is not. This guide explains how NDIS yard maintenance works and how to use your funding correctly. When t

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

For the first time in history, Australia has launched a National Autism Strategy — a seven-year plan designed to improve the lives of autistic people in practical, long-lasting ways. Whether you’re autistic yourself, a family member, a support worker, or an NDIS provider, this strategy is worth knowing about. It’s not just another government document. It’s a sign that things are shifting — towards more inclusion, more understanding, and hopefully, more meaningful support. 🧠

Assistive Technology (AT) is one of those NDIS terms that gets thrown around a lot — but what does it really mean? In short, AT refers to items and devices that help you live more independently, safely, and confidently. Think: a shower stool, a screen reader, a powered wheelchair — or even modified kitchen equipment that helps you prep dinner on your own terms. Here’s everything you need to know about how AT works under the NDIS, what’s included (and what’s not), and how to m

From 1 January 2025 , the NDIA is rolling out impairment notices for all NDIS participants — and there are a few important things to know. 🧾 What’s an Impairment Notice? An impairment notice is a new document that confirms you have a permanent disability or significant impairment . It outlines the specific types of impairments you experience, which helps the NDIA match your plan and funding to your actual support needs. This is part of a broader move away from diagnosis-ba

If you've recently received a new NDIS plan—or you're due for a reassessment soon—you might notice something different. From 19 May 2025, all new and reassessed NDIS Plans now include something called funding periods . But what are they? How do they work? And what does it mean for participants, families, and providers? Here’s what you need to know. What Are NDIS Funding Periods? Funding periods are a new way of releasing your NDIS plan funds. Instead of giving you the entire

Good post, helpful topic. Clean up formatting, add links including to the SLES page, and sharpen the ending. Supporting teens to transition beyond school Leaving school is a big deal. Exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. For young people with disability, that transition often comes with extra challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating adult life, accessing the right supports, and building a picture of what comes next. That is where futures planning comes in

For many people living with disability, the idea of independence is deeply personal. It doesn’t always mean living alone or doing everything without help — sometimes, it simply means having choice, control, and the right support to do more of the things that matter to you. The NDIS can be a powerful tool in helping participants move toward independent living — but knowing where to start or what’s even possible can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down in everyday languag

For many NDIS participants — especially those with autism, ADHD, psychosocial disability, or anxiety — one of the most powerful tools...

Clear communication is the heart of good support. But when it comes to working with participants with disability — especially those with...

Good post, high conversion value. Clean up formatting, add links, strengthen the Loving Life section so it actually answers the questions rather than just saying "we welcome them." 5 questions to ask an NDIS provider before you commit Whether you are a participant, a parent, or a support coordinator, choosing the right NDIS provider is a significant decision. The right fit leads to growth, confidence, and genuine connection. The wrong one leaves people feeling unheard, unsupp

Group programs are a great way for NDIS participants to build friendships, confidence, and real-world skills . But when those groups...

When it comes to NDIS supports, one size definitely does not fit all. A support worker might be friendly, experienced, and well-trained, but if they are not the right fit for the participant, it simply will not work. The relationship between a participant and their support worker is one of the most important factors in whether support actually achieves anything. At Loving Life, matching the right support worker to the right participant is one of the most important things we d

Therapy can be a powerful tool for growth — but it can also be expensive. For many NDIS participants, limited therapy budgets don’t...

Getting out into the community should not cost more just because you need support to do it. That is exactly why the Queensland Companion Card exists. It helps reduce the financial barriers to community participation for people who require ongoing attendant care support. Here is a simple breakdown of how it works, who it is for, and how to apply. What Is the QLD Companion Card? The Queensland Companion Card is designed for people with disability who need a support person to at

Making friends. Joining a conversation. Handling conflict. Asking for help. For many people these social moments come naturally, but for others they can feel genuinely overwhelming or confusing. If you or someone you support needs help developing social skills, the NDIS can fund this through both 1:1 support and group-based programs. Here is what is available, how it works, and how the right support can build lasting confidence and connection. Why social skills matter Strong

If you’ve ever opened your NDIS plan and thought, “I have no idea what this means” — you’re not alone. The NDIS is a brilliant system...

Food isn’t just fuel — it’s connection, comfort, and a key part of everyday wellbeing. But for many NDIS participants, eating well isn’t...