Independent living and social inclusion are fundamental rights for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. For people with disabilities, independence may take on a unique meaning, often requiring additional support and resources. Building strong supportive networks that promote social inclusion and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities is an important aspect of achieving independence. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for services such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) as well as Social and Community Participation that enable people with disabilities to build support networks, engage actively with their communities and live independently.

Independent living for individuals with disabilities means having the freedom and ability to make choices about how they want to live their lives, just like anyone else. It involves managing everyday activities, such as personal care, cooking, shopping, and transportation, to the best of their abilities. It also includes participating in community life, pursuing education and employment, and engaging in recreational activities. Through NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL), participants with higher support needs can also pursue independent living with assistance from trained support workers. Supported Independent Living also opens up ample opportunities for NDIS participants to build a supportive network that includes family members, friends, support workers, and community organizations, all working together to provide emotional, practical, and social support to participants. Person- centred planning, connecting with local service providers, seeking out support groups and organizations, volunteering and being proactive in their community can also help people with disabilities build strong supportive networks.

Aastha Community Services is a registered NDIS SIL service provider. We can help participants build strong supportive networks by offering individualised support, assisting with daily living tasks, fostering community engagement and facilitating effective communication. Our goal is to empower participants to lead more independent and socially inclusive lives by connecting them with the resources and people who can provide the support they need. Contact us today to know more.