Technology has changed us, so much so that we find ourselves increasingly glued to virtual experiences, scrolling through Instagram or watching YouTube shorts. While engaging and sometimes educational this often leads to a decline in real-life social connections. This is also true and even more significant for people living with disabilities.
The NDIS has identified this need through the “Increased Social and Community Participation” category. But what does it truly involve, and how can we help participants maximise this funding?
For many, it seems simple: provide a support worker to assist participants in community outings. However, true participation goes beyond merely going out. Consider this: you might have seen a person in a wheelchair at a coffee shop with their support worker. The worker is on their phone, and the customer is left sitting in silence. While they are physically present in the community, this scenario misses the mark of meaningful participation.
What Should Increased Social and Community Participation Look Like?
When we help customers engage in the community, the focus should be on interaction, connection, and making them feel part of society. A coffee outing can be a great social experience if it includes conversation, humour, and engagement—elements that transform an ordinary activity into an enjoyable one.
Benefits of Increased Social and Community Participation
1. Emotional Wellbeing
We are social beings by nature. Interactions meet our basic emotional needs, fostering a sense of belonging. For many people living with disabilities, informal social supports are limited, making support workers essential for helping them feel included. Building relationships and sharing experiences contribute significantly to mental and physical well-being.
2. Inclusion
Being part of a group or community activity is vital for mental health. Observing others without participating can increase feelings of isolation. Being part of a group provides a sense of belonging.
For instance, there is a group of older gentlemen that frequent a shopping centre area that has seating, they gather every day and sit there and talk. The men speak in a different language, but it is important for them to come together and socialise, its part of their culture. Whilst it might seem just a group to the casual observer, it provides an enormous effect as they are contributing to each other’s sense of community, inclusion and well-being. It’s a lovely moment to witness as you pass by, knowing these men are not secluded and alone. Sometimes, you hear raucous laughter and wonder what they are talking about!
3. Economic Advantages
Increased social participation can also have economic benefits. Think about volunteering opportunities as an example, it can enhance skills and employability. For participants living with disabilities, volunteering can increase their community engagement, improve self-esteem, and give them skills to find a job.
It also makes sense that volunteering can bring about change in the wider community and see an increase in funding from local, state and federal governments. The knock-on effect is monumental and shows that from the proverbial acorn a tree does grow.
3 Ways to Increase Social and Community Participation
1. Identify Interests: Understand what aligns with your customer’s goals and passions. This could be social groups, community centres, or creative outlets like art classes.
2. Find Opportunities: Leverage online resources such as social media groups. Platforms like Facebook have communities specifically geared towards people with disabilities, offering a wealth of activities and engagement opportunities. Social media does have its place, it just shouldn't replace being out and about.
3. Talk to Others: Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Friends, family, and others living with disabilities often have valuable recommendations for groups or activities that promote community involvement.
By focusing on meaningful engagement and fostering connections, we can ensure that social participation does more than just tick a box—it transforms lives.
So, get your staff talking, encourage, mentor and train them to understand their role in working with participants, so they can reap the benefits of the their increased social and community engagement funding.
We wish you well, as always
The Lama Care Team
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