Life can be daunting and overwhelming at times, particularly for people with disabilities. That’s where the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) steps in, with not just support but opportunity to grow and thrive independently. One of effective tools to help NDIS and its impact on people lives, is via the support for development life skills NDIS.
In this blog, we will discuss the life skills that can increase the mental health, confidence, and purpose of NDIS participants. You will also find out what does this support include, who can have access to it and also how lives can be transformed for a better future.
How Life Skills Affect Mental Health
Feeling More in Control
When someone learns how to cook for themselves, learn how to manage their money, learn how to get around on the bus, they begin to feel more control over their own lives. This control is soothing, helps create a sense of capacity and efficacy and leads to a reduction in anxiety, an increase in feelings of self-worth and a willingness to attempt new things.
Building Confidence Through Daily Wins
Small wins matter. From learning to make toast to memorizing the route for a bus, every successful action counted. These daily victories make people proud of themselves, which increases self-esteem while curbing helplessness.
Social Skills and Connections
Many such life skills programs also emphasize communication, relationships, and socialization. This is a way NDIS participants can meet others, make friends and feel less alone, all of which is important for mental health.
What Are NDIS Development Life Skills?
NDIS development life skills are part of the Capacity Building budget. This funding is designed to help people become more independent and improve their day-to-day living.
Here’s what’s usually covered:
- Learning to cook meals or follow a recipe
- Shopping and making a budget
- Cleaning and looking after personal hygiene
- Using public transport or getting to appointments
- Communicating effectively and building relationships
- Making decisions and problem-solving
- Setting goals and planning ahead
These activities are flexible and tailored to each person’s needs, age, and goals.
Who Can Access Development Life Skills NDIS Support?
Anyone who has funding under the NDIS development of daily living and life skills category can access this support. You’ll usually see it listed under “Capacity Building, Daily Living” in your plan.
To get this support approved, it needs to be considered “reasonable and necessary” for helping you achieve your NDIS goals. These goals might include:
- Becoming more independent at home
- Improving personal relationships
- Finding and keeping a job
- Building confidence in social situations
- Learning to manage money or health
Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator can help you figure out if you’re eligible and how to request it in your next planning meeting.
Real-Life Impact: Tom’s Story
Tom is 26 and lives with an intellectual disability. Before accessing an NDIS life skills program, his position in life was one of dependence on his mum for almost everything, meals prepared for him, clothes washed and ironed, the vacuuming done, appointments made.
With support from a key worker, Tom began learning to cook simple meals, write a shopping list and take the bus by himself. He flubbed things, forgot things and got frustrated.
Yet gradually something remarkable occurred.
Tom began to feel proud of himself. He could make lunch, help with the grocery run, and even visited a friend across town without help. His confidence soared, and his anxiety dropped. He told his mum, “I feel like a grown-up now.”
Now, Tom is thinking about moving into supported independent living in the future — something he never imagined possible.
Benefits of NDIS Life Skills for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
If you have the ability to do daily tasks, life seems to be within your reach. Ensuring that they are safe in an air ambulance cuts stress for both patients and their families.
Greater Independence
When people don’t need to rely on others for every little thing, it gives them freedom. And with freedom comes dignity and self-respect.
Improved Relationships
Practicing how to communicate and control emotions improves people’s social interactions. This way, people have fewer conflicts, builds team spirit, and stronger connections in the community.
Motivation and Purpose
Pursuing any kind of goals gives individuals a purpose to face the new day. Such a sense of purpose greatly contributes to mental health care.
Looking for NDIS Life Skills Support? Here's Who Can Help
There are many NDIS-registered providers across Australia who offer training and support in daily living skills. These may be delivered:
- One-on-one in your home
- In a group setting (like a cooking or budgeting class)
- In the community (e.g. learning to shop or use public transport)
When choosing a provider, consider:
- Do they understand your needs and communication style?
- Are the staff friendly, patient, and supportive?
- Do they offer personalised support based on your goals?
- Are programs run at your pace not rushed?
You can ask for trial sessions or read reviews to find the right fit.
Tips for Getting the Most from Life Skills Training
- Set clear goals. Think about what you want to learn or improve. Be honest about your strengths and what you struggle with.
- Take small steps. You should not try to complete everything in just one try. Pick a routine task, for instance learning how to wash clothes, and then move on to others.
- Celebrate wins. Whether it’s boiling pasta or booking a doctor’s appointment, every step counts.
- Include your support team. Family, carers, and support coordinators can all help you practise and encourage you along the way.
- Speak up. If a program isn’t working for you, say something. You have the right to change providers or ask for a different approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is life skills training only for young people?
No. Life skills support is available for NDIS participants of all ages. Whether you’re 17 or 70, you can learn and grow at your own pace.
Is this support only for people who want to live independently?
Not at all. These skills can help anyone, even those who plan to live with family long-term. The goal is to make life easier, not harder.
Do I need special funding in my plan?
Yes, this support comes under Capacity Building Daily Living. If it’s not already in your plan, you can ask for it at your next plan review.
Final Thoughts
The development life skills NDIS support is about much more than learning how to cook or clean. It’s to make people feel confident, increase their mental health, take hold of their lives.
With the proper support, patience and motivation NDIS participants can achieve amazing things. A little more freedom, and a little less stress, and a little more joy with every step forward.
If you feel that you or your loved one could benefit from life skills training, get in touch with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. The process may be slow initially, but the payoff could be life altering.
