Creating opportunities for greater independence

What independence can look like

Independence looks different for everyone. For one person, it might be making a cup of tea without help. For another, it might be living in their own place, managing a budget or travelling to work.

It can also mean choosing how help is given. You might still need support, but you decide what happens, when and who helps. Building independence is about choice and control, not managing without support.

Choose one everyday skill to start with

Pick one thing you would like to do more confidently. A specific task is easier to plan, practise and explain to the people who help you. The NDIA list of NDIS supports includes training to build skills like:

• shopping
• preparing meals
• managing money
• managing your own personal care
• travelling and using public transport
• taking part in social activities
• relationship and social skills.

Break the skill into small steps

Big skills are easier in steps. Then you can decide which steps you already do, which ones you want to learn and where you still want help.

For example, making dinner might include choosing a recipe, writing a shopping list, buying the food, cooking it safely and cleaning up. You might start by writing the list yourself while someone helps with the cooking. Later, you might cook one simple meal with a worker nearby.

Catching a bus might start with planning the route together and travelling side by side. Next, the worker might sit a few seats away. Later, you might travel on your own and send a text when you arrive.

Small tools can help too:

• picture recipes or step-by-step cards
• phone alarms and reminders
• a weekly planner or visual timetable
• a checklist by the door.

Low-cost aids for everyday tasks

If you have Consumables funding in your Core budget, the NDIS says you can use it for low-cost assistive technology that improves your independence. Examples are non-slip bath mats or small devices to help with dressing, eating or cleaning.

Capacity building and NDIS life skills funding

The NDIS says capacity building supports build your skills to do things for yourself and work towards your goals. Whether you have this funding depends on your plan and what the NDIA agrees is reasonable and necessary. Categories linked to life skills include:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living (also called Improved Daily Living Skills). This is for assessments, training or therapy that build your living skills, such as occupational therapy or speech therapy.
• Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation. This is for skills-based learning to be more independent in the community, including public transport training.
• Capacity Building – Improved Life Choices (called Choice and Control in newer plans). This builds the skills to manage your own NDIS plan, like paying providers and keeping records.

How capacity building funding works

Capacity Building funding is stated. You can only use it for the supports described in each category, and you can't move it between categories.

Skill building can also happen during everyday support. The NDIS says support workers can help build your skills to do things yourself, like cooking, cleaning or running errands, depending on your goals. Core – Assistance with Daily Life can pay support workers to help with everyday tasks like these.

From 1 October 2026, under the new NDIS laws, budgets for Improved Daily Living Skills are being reduced as plans are created or reassessed. Plans renewed from 1 February 2027 are also affected. The NDIA says some supports are not affected, including disability-related health supports. If your plan is due to be reassessed, ask your my NDIS contact what this means for you.

Setting independence goals in your NDIS plan

The NDIS says your goals can be specific, like learning to drive, or broad, like becoming more independent. It suggests short-term goals that help you work towards bigger ones. Its own example is: "I want to learn how to make dinner for myself and cook 2 times a week."

These questions can help you find your goal:

• What do you do now that you would like to do with less help?
• What would be different by your next birthday if things went well?
• Which skill would make the biggest difference to your week?

Goals and funding

Your goals help the NDIA work out what supports to include, but they don't link directly to funding. You can talk about how your goals link to your supports in your plan meeting. A family member, friend, my NDIS contact, support coordinator or recovery coach can help you set goals.

Notice what changes

Every few weeks, look at how things are going. What is easier now? What is still hard? Is the help too much, too little or about right? A short note on your phone can help you remember.

Bring these notes to your check-in. The NDIS says check-ins usually happen 2 to 3 months before your plan ends, or when big life changes are coming. You can also ask for one if your plan is no longer working.

Progress isn't always a straight line. Illness or a move can mean you need more help for a while. That is okay.

Talking with Heart for Care

You complete an intake form and sign a written service agreement before support begins. We complete a risk assessment and a support plan with you, and match workers to your needs and preferences. Supports are reviewed regularly and when your needs change. Call 1800 148 857, email admin@heartforcare.com.au or contact us online.