Duties Of An NDIS Local Area Coordinator
People with a disability make up a huge part of society. As a result, the same society must ensure there are schemes in place that focus on their well-being and autonomy. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government agency mandated with the care and all costs associated with people with disability. The Local Area Coordinators (LACs) play a huge role in connecting these individuals to the organization to get their needed help. But what do the LACs do? Here is more about who they are and how they can help you get help from the NDIS.
What Is A Local Area Coordinator(LAC)?
LACs are local workers or partners in the community that help the community-based organizations in partnership with NDIA to help oversee the delivery of services to people with disability or psychological disabilities in the communities. The local area coordinators can’t approve the NDIS plans or provide a case management plan. They also differ from the NDIS planners who work directly with NDIS and have the necessary delegations to approve their plans.
What Do Local Area Coordinators Do?
The LACs have several duties and roles they play when it comes to helping and coordinating disabled individuals and NDIS services. Some of their duties include the following;
They Offer A Link
Working with the disabled at an individual level can be hectic, and this is where the NDIS local area coordinator comes in. They provide a link of information and support between the community and the NDIS mainstream services. Some of these services include education and health. Whether you are a participant or not, you can always connect with a LAC and let them provide you with support information and support available in your community.
Develops The Participants’ Plans
You must meet certain requirements to get services from NDIS and become a participant. Afterwards, the local area coordinator will work closely with you to develop a plan, implement it and monitor how your plan is working.
Furthermore, through the NDIS local area coordination, the NDIS will get your plan reviews, with your LAC being the main point of contact.
Helps Sustain Informal Support
Disabled individuals in the community need constant support and all the help they can get, especially from their family members. The local area coordinator comes in to help manage and sustain the support systems surrounding these participants. These can include; the local community members, friends, and family members.
Manages the NDIS Workshops And Conversations Within The Community
Once you become an NDIS participant, you must understand how the NDIS support system works. The LAC will help make this possible through community workshops and other conversations you may hold concerning the same services.
Ensures The Community Is Welcoming
Sometimes, society can be unaccommodating for people with disabilities. And sometimes, they may be left without the help and support they need. Therefore, the local NDIS coordinator must ensure that the local community becomes inclusive and welcoming to these participants or all people with disabilities.
LACs are the key contact when answering any questions about your NDIS plan and discussing any concerns you may have. Furthermore, they also help people find the culturally approved support services they may need and connect the rural communities to the NDIS support system.
