NDIS community participation: planning an outing that suits you

Choose an interest before choosing an activity

Think about what you enjoy, what you would like to try and the setting where you feel comfortable. You might prefer one-to-one support for a first visit, or a small group with a shared interest.

An activity does not need to be new to matter. Returning to a favourite place, seeing familiar people or keeping a weekly routine can be valuable reasons to arrange support.

Plan the details that make a difference

• How you will travel there and get home.
• Access to entrances, seating and toilets.
• Noise, crowds, lighting or other sensory considerations.
• Communication preferences and whether staff need information in advance.
• How you will take a break or leave early if you want to.

Know what you are paying for

The assistance you need because of disability is different from usual activity costs, such as entry tickets, meals or membership fees. Check which support can come from your plan and which expenses you need to cover yourself.

Ask for the full outing cost before booking. Include transport, support time and any personal spending so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Make the first visit a useful trial

Choose a manageable amount of time and decide what would make the visit worthwhile. That could be finding the room, meeting one person or staying for part of the session.

Afterwards, discuss what felt good and what could change. A different time of day, shorter visit or another group might make a better fit. You can change your mind about an activity without abandoning the wider goal of getting out more.