Innovative Community Participation
SSS Support provides Innovative Community Participation — a creative, flexible and genuinely participant-led approach to community engagement for people with disability. This support is available through NDIS funding (Registration Group 0116) and on a private basis for individuals and families who prefer to self-fund their care.
Innovative Community Participation is designed for people who find conventional group settings or standard community activities difficult to access — not because community engagement isn’t important to them, but because the usual approaches don’t work for them. We design something different.
What Is Innovative Community Participation?
Innovative Community Participation goes beyond standard community access. Where conventional support might mean joining a local group or attending a community centre, innovative participation is about designing engagement approaches that work for the individual — taking into account their sensory needs, communication style, anxiety levels, trauma history and personal interests.
Under the NDIS, this support is funded through Registration Group 0116 — Innovative Community Participation — under Capacity Building. It acknowledges that building genuine community connection sometimes requires a more creative, structured and patient approach than standard community participation funding (0125) provides.
For individuals not yet on the NDIS — or those who choose to privately fund their support — SSS Support offers the same tailored community engagement approach on a fee-for-service basis. The support is identical; only the funding source differs.
Who Is This Support For?
This support suits people with disability who:
• Find large or unfamiliar group settings overwhelming, overstimulating or anxiety-inducing
• Have autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety, complex communication needs or sensory processing differences
• Have had negative experiences with conventional group programs
• Are working toward community participation goals but need a structured, step-by-step pathway
• Would benefit from peer mentoring, interest-specific connections or technology-assisted participation
• Are transitioning from isolated or home-based routines toward greater community involvement
This support is equally relevant whether it’s funded through an NDIS plan or arranged privately. If standard group activities haven’t worked in the past, a more innovative approach may be exactly what’s needed.
What Does This Support Look Like in Practice?
There is no single template — that’s the point. Depending on the person’s goals, interests and comfort level, support might include:
Interest-based community connections — finding and accessing groups or communities built around a specific passion (gaming, music, art, animals, sport) where connection happens naturally through shared interest.
Peer mentoring — connecting with peers or mentors who have similar experiences, building confidence through genuine relationship rather than structured group settings.
Creative and arts-based engagement — community participation through art, music, photography, crafts or performance — environments that allow self-expression and connection without requiring conventional social interaction.
Technology-enabled participation — for people who are more comfortable engaging online initially, we support participation in online communities and digital creative spaces as a stepping stone toward in-person engagement.
Graduated community exposure — a carefully planned, step-by-step approach starting small and low-pressure, gradually building toward greater engagement as confidence grows.
Every plan is developed collaboratively with the individual, their family and — for NDIS participants — their support coordinator.
What’s the Difference Between 0116 and Standard Community Participation (0125)?
0125 — Participate Community (Core Supports)
Funded under Core Supports for day-to-day community access — social outings, events and activities. Flexible and can be used regularly for ongoing community engagement.
0116 — Innovative Community Participation (Capacity Building)
Funded under Capacity Building for people who need a more structured, creative or non-traditional pathway into community engagement. Focused on building long-term capability and genuine independence — not just facilitating access.
Some participants have both in their NDIS plan. SSS Support is registered under both groups. For privately funded clients, we tailor the support approach based on individual goals — the same distinction applies in terms of what the support is designed to achieve.
Why Choose SSS Support?
— Registered under NDIS Registration Group 0116
— Available to both NDIS-funded participants and private clients
— Genuinely participant-led — we listen before we plan
— Patient, flexible support workers matched to the individual’s communication style
— Collaborative planning with families, support coordinators and allied health
— Progress documented and reported regularly
— Family-run provider — genuine care, not a franchise
Funding Options — NDIS and Private
NDIS-funded participants
Innovative community participation is funded under Capacity Building — Social & Community Participation (Registration Group 0116) in your NDIS plan. If your plan includes community participation goals and Capacity Building funding, speak to your support coordinator or plan manager about accessing 0116 supports.
Privately funded individuals
If you’re not yet on the NDIS, are waiting for a plan, have been declined or simply prefer to self-fund, SSS Support provides the same support on a private-pay basis. Contact us to discuss rates and arrangements — there’s no NDIS plan required to get started.
Not sure what funding you have?
Contact us. We’re happy to help you read your NDIS plan and understand what supports are available — or to discuss private options if NDIS funding isn’t in place yet.
Get Started with Innovative Community Participation Support
Whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family self-funding support or a support coordinator looking for a provider — SSS Support is here to help. Call us on (+61) 493 332 944 or send an enquiry and we’ll have a genuine conversation about what would work best for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NDIS Registration Group 0116 — Innovative Community Participation?
Registration Group 0116 funds support that helps people with disability engage with the community through creative, tailored or non-traditional approaches — particularly for those who find conventional group settings difficult. It is funded under Capacity Building — Social & Community Participation in an NDIS plan.
How is innovative community participation different from standard community participation?
Standard community participation (0125) is Core Supports funding for everyday social activities and outings. Innovative community participation (0116) is Capacity Building — designed for people who need a more tailored, creative or structured approach to community engagement, with a focus on building long-term independence rather than just facilitating access.
Can I access this support without NDIS funding?
Yes. SSS Support provides innovative community participation on a private-pay basis for individuals and families who are not yet on the NDIS, are waiting for a plan, or prefer to self-fund their support. The support approach is identical — contact us to discuss private rates and arrangements.
Can this support include online or technology-based activities?
Yes. For people who are more comfortable engaging online initially — through gaming communities, digital creative spaces or online interest groups — technology-enabled participation can be a valuable stepping stone toward in-person community engagement. SSS Support can incorporate this into a support plan where appropriate.
How do I know if my NDIS plan includes 0116 funding?
Look for Capacity Building — Social & Community Participation in your NDIS plan. If this budget is included and your plan lists community participation goals, 0116 funding may be available. Your support coordinator or plan manager can confirm — or contact SSS Support and we’ll help you read your plan.
What types of activities can innovative community participation support include?
Activities are tailored to the individual and can include interest-based community connections, peer mentoring, arts and creative engagement, technology-enabled participation, and graduated community exposure. The approach is designed around the person’s strengths, interests and comfort level — not a standard program.