In Brief
- Community participation can support wellbeing, confidence, and social connection.
- There are many ways for people with disability to stay connected, including day programs, social groups, hobbies, sport, and community events.
- Different activities suit different people, depending on their interests, goals, and support needs.
- Some participants may choose to include social and community participation goals in their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.
- Building social connections often happens gradually, and meaningful participation can look different for everyone.
Being connected to your community is important for everyone’s wellbeing. Social connections can improve mental health, build confidence, and help people feel like they belong.
For people living with disability, barriers such as transport, accessibility challenges, and reduced confidence can sometimes make it more difficult to connect with others, which can lead to feelings of social isolation.
The good news is that there are many ways to stay connected and build meaningful relationships. Here are seven ways to get involved in your community.
- Day Programs
Day programs provide a structured and organised environment where people with disability can attend regularly, whether daily or several times each week.
These programs usually follow a set schedule of activities and are designed to support a person’s individual physical, intellectual, and emotional needs. Activities are often tailored to participants’ goals and may focus on areas such as building daily living skills, increasing independence, developing social skills, or participating in community activities.
The goal of a day program is to provide meaningful opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community participation.
- Social Groups
Social groups are often less formal and more flexible than day programs. Activities are generally shaped around the interests and preferences of the people attending, rather than following a strict schedule.
Members typically have input into the activities and social events they would like to participate in. These groups may meet weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, and attendance is usually voluntary.
The focus of social groups is on building friendships, improving social connections, and creating opportunities to engage with others who share similar interests.
- Sports and Fitness Programs
Staying active is beneficial for more than just physical health. Participating in sport and fitness activities can also help people build friendships, gain confidence, and feel more connected to their community.
All-abilities sports teams, walking groups, swimming programs, and inclusive gyms can provide supportive environments where people can meet others while enjoying regular physical activity.
Whether it’s joining a local team or attending a community exercise class, these activities can help create routine, connection, and a sense of belonging.
- Engage in Virtual Classes
Virtual classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills while connecting with others from the comfort of home.
Online classes may include subjects such as art, cooking, music, language learning, photography, or technology. Many programs include opportunities for participants to interact with instructors and other learners, helping to build social connections.
These classes can support lifelong learning while encouraging people to stay engaged and connected with their broader community.
- Pursue Your Hobbies
Hobbies can be a great way to meet people and improve overall wellbeing.
Whether you enjoy gardening, crafting, cooking, photography, gaming, or music, many support services can help you participate in activities that align with your interests. Home care and support providers may also be able to assist you in accessing hobby groups or community-based activities.
Pursuing your interests not only provides enjoyment but can also create natural opportunities for social interaction and connection.
- Include Social Goals in Your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Plan
When developing or reviewing your NDIS plan, consider including goals related to social and community participation.
Having these goals documented can help you identify the supports you may need to build and maintain social connections. This may include assistance to attend community activities, join groups, participate in events, or develop social skills.
Including social goals in your plan helps ensure that community participation remains a focus and supports your overall wellbeing and confidence.
It’s important to remember that including a goal in your NDIS plan does not automatically result in funding for specific supports. Funding decisions are based on individual circumstances and whether supports are considered reasonable and necessary.
- Attend Inclusive Community Events
Many communities offer events and activities designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
These may include disability expos, art exhibitions, adaptive sporting events, community festivals, workshops, and inclusive social gatherings. Support providers often have information about local events and can help you find opportunities that match your interests.
Attending community events is a great way to meet new people, explore new interests, and stay connected to your local community.
Staying Connected Matters
Building and maintaining social connections can have a positive impact on mental health, confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.
While everyone’s journey is different, finding activities, groups, and supports that match your interests can help you create meaningful connections and feel more engaged in your community.
Small steps can make a big difference, and there are many opportunities available to help you stay connected and involved.