National Disability Services has shared some useful clarifications from their helpdesk this month, and two of them are worth passing on — particularly for support coordinators and providers working with participants in supported independent living arrangements.
On SIL shadow shifts, the NDIA’s position is that the cost of onboarding new staff through shadow shifts is already factored into the SIL hourly rate. According to NDS, providers cannot claim additional charges for shadow shifts, though NDS has noted it is seeking further confirmation from the NDIA on this point. If you are an NDIS participant or family member in a SIL arrangement, it may be worth raising any billing questions directly with your provider or support coordinator.
On emergency planning, the clarification is a helpful one for support coordinators specifically. Because support coordination is typically delivered remotely, coordinators are not expected to develop personal emergency plans themselves. However, they do have a role in raising emergency planning with participants and helping ensure that relevant providers have plans in place. For participants who may need additional support in an emergency, this is a good conversation to have sooner rather than later.
These are sector-level clarifications, and individual circumstances will always vary. If any of this touches on your situation, your support coordinator or provider is the right person to speak with.
General information only. Not personal advice. Contact Care For Welfare or your support coordinator for guidance specific to your situation.
Is emergency planning something that has come up in your conversations with your support team?
