What is Community Access (CAS)?
NDIS community access aims to help participants engage in everyday activities and social interactions. This includes social and recreational activities, transport, and support to connect with others and participate in the community.
Why is Community Access important?
Community access isn’t just about getting participants out into the community; it’s about empowering participants to reach their NDIS goals and to live richer and more connected lives.
What makes a good Community Access provider?
When selecting a Brisbane community access provider, look for a service that prioritises your individual preferences and goals. Quality CAS providers don’t just offer physical assistance and take you to activities, they want to work with you collaboratively to genuinely support you socially and emotionally, and to help you reach your goals.
More specifically, a good community access provider offers:
Supportive and experienced support workers
Look for support workers who have experience supporting your needs, who communicate respectfully, want to create a genuine connection, and a space where you feel safe and valued.
A tailored approach
Community access activities should offer meaningful experiences and opportunities to connect with others, explore Brisbane, and build on your goals. Choose a program that will help you to build independence and confidence and support you to take an active role in shaping and enjoying experiences.
Inclusion
A quality community access program encourages your participation and breaks down participation barriers. It should help you to build confidence in navigating activities independently (or with minimal support), whether it be catching public transport to an event, ordering food at a café, or visiting a museum or gallery.
Transparent Communication
A good CAS provider will keep participants, carers and families informed of CAS activity schedules, including details such as the cost of activities, how you will travel to them, what to expect, etc. You should also receive prompt communication about changes, and carers and families should be informed of any issues.
Questions to ask potential CAS providers
To help identify the right CAS provider for you, ask questions like:
- What sort of experience do your support workers have, and are they experienced in the types of activities I would like to participate in?
- Do you offer a variety of activities and events across Brisbane?
- What time of day and day/s of the week are CAS activities offered?
- How much do CAS events cost, and what will be funded through my NDIS plan?
- How is your CAS schedule communicated, and how regularly is it updated?
Quality Brisbane Community Access Provider
swara is a registered Brisbane NDIS provider, offering a range of services that help participants build skills, confidence and independence. swara is a welcoming place where every person’s light is seen and valued. We work alongside individuals, families, carers and coordinators to tailor supports that align with each person’s goals and lifestyle. Our programs and services are designed to help you grow in practical and meaningful ways, within a warm, welcoming community.
We offer Brisbane participants a rich and varied community access program that reflects their interests and helps them achieve their potential. Learn more about our Brisbane community access program or contact the swara team today to join our programs and services.