Capacity Building Supports for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Published at 31-03-2025 11:33:32

Tags: #ForParticipants

Capacity building is a core concept in the NDIS, focusing on helping participants build their independence and skills. For individuals with an intellectual disability, capacity building plays a vital role in achieving personal goals, enhancing daily living skills, and increasing participation in the community.

What is Capacity Building?

Capacity building refers to funded services and supports that aim to help individuals grow their independence and skills, enabling them to pursue their personal goals. These supports are typically provided by allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists or speech pathologists, but may also include support workers and employment services.

Capacity Building and Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability impacts how a person thinks, learns, and processes information, which can affect communication, socializing, and emotional regulation. Through capacity-building services, individuals can develop critical skills that help them navigate home life, school, work, and the community.

Capacity building can be beneficial for all ages, from children to adults, offering targeted support across various aspects of life.

Who Can Provide Capacity Building Services?

Capacity building services for individuals with intellectual disabilities can be provided by the following professionals:

• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Social Workers

Additionally, early childhood support professionals may assist young children with intellectual disabilities, such as:

• Developmental Educators
• Early Childhood Teachers or Educators
• Early Childhood Counsellors
• Keyworkers

Capacity Building for Children

Capacity building for children is often referred to as early intervention. The goal is to address developmental challenges at a young age to reduce the impact of intellectual disabilities later in life. The options include:

• Individualised Therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions focusing on specific goals.
• Group Therapy: Group settings that promote social skills, play, and turn-taking.
• Intensive Therapy Programs: Short-term, focused interventions to accelerate skill development.
• Parent Training: Equipping parents to integrate therapy goals into daily routines.

Capacity Building for Adolescents

For adolescents, capacity-building services can focus on:

• Daily Living Skills: Improving personal care, meal preparation, and home maintenance routines.
• Social Skills: Developing communication skills, forming relationships, and conflict resolution.
• Community Participation: Building skills in shopping, using public transport, and engaging in community events.

Capacity Building for Adults

Adults can benefit from capacity-building services to improve independent living skills and participate in the community. Capacity-building interventions can address areas such as employment, social participation, and managing household responsibilities.

NDIS Capacity Building Budget

The Capacity Building Supports budget under the NDIS is not flexible and can only be used for the specific categories in your plan. These categories include:

• Support Coordination
• Improved Living Arrangements
• Increased Social & Community Participation
• Finding & Keeping a Job
• Improved Relationships
• Improved Health & Wellbeing
• Improved Learning
• Improved Life Choices
• Improved Daily Living (funds therapy from allied health providers)

Finding the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist is essential for effective capacity building. Whether for a child, teenager, or adult, you need a provider who understands the unique needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Let us help you navigate the NDIS and connect you with the right professionals to support you or your loved one’s journey towards greater independence.