Community participation NDIS supports help you take part in social, recreational and community life, with the support you need to do it. This guide explains what counts as community participation, how the NDIS funds it, what the funding does not cover, and some activity ideas to talk through with your providers. It also covers the funding change that started in October 2026.
What counts as community participation
Community participation means taking part in the life of your community: joining a club or a class, going to a group activity, volunteering, playing a sport or getting together with people who share your interests. It looks different for everyone. For one person it is a weekly art class, for another it is a volunteering shift or a game of basketball.
The NDIS can fund the support you need to take part. It does not usually pay for the activity itself.
How the NDIS funds community participation
NDIS community participation funding can come from three parts of your plan:
- Core supports: the Assistance with social and community participation category pays for a support worker to help you take part in activities. See the NDIS page on core supports.
- Capacity building supports: the Increased social and community participation category funds skills building, so you can join in with more confidence and build your social networks. See the NDIS page on capacity building supports.
- Recurring supports: recurring transport, which can help you get to activities. See the NDIS page on recurring supports.
What the funding does not cover
Under the NDIS Supports Transitional Rules, general fitness, social or recreational activity costs are generally not NDIS supports. Neither are membership and entry to recreational clubs. In practice, the support worker who helps you take part can be funded, while the class fee, ticket or membership is usually yours to pay.
Check with the activity organiser about costs before you start, and ask your provider which parts of their service your plan can cover.
Activity ideas
NDIS activities can be almost anything you enjoy in your community. These are common starting points. Availability depends on where you live, so ask local providers and your council what runs near you.
Sport and adaptive sport
Many sports have adapted versions with modified equipment or rules, such as wheelchair basketball and adaptive swimming. Some people join a club, others prefer casual sessions.
Creative classes
Art, painting, pottery, dance, music and drama classes are popular ways to try something new and meet people. Classes that welcome different abilities are a good place to start.
Social and hobby groups
Hobby groups bring people together around shared interests, from photography to gardening. Support groups give people a space to share experiences and get to know others in a similar situation.
Volunteering
Volunteering lets you contribute to a cause you care about and build experience along the way. Ask organisations about roles that suit your interests and needs.
Outdoor activities
Bushwalking, fishing, camping and canoeing get you outdoors and active. Look for groups that adapt routes and equipment for different needs. Provider24 also lists providers in the holidays and travel category.
Faith communities
Places of worship and faith groups are part of community life for many people, through services, fellowship and shared activities.
Group and centre-based programs
Some providers run their own group programs, either out in the community or from a centre. These NDIS group activities can be a simple way to start, because the provider organises the activity and the support together. Provider24 lists providers for group and centre-based activities, so you can compare what each offers.
The October 2026 change
From 1 October 2026, funding for social, economic and community participation supports is reduced by 50% as plans are created, reassessed or renewed over the following 12 months. Some supports within this group are not affected, and other parts of your plan are not affected. You can keep using your current plan until it is reassessed or renewed. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing explains the change in Funding changes for NDIS supports.
If your plan is due for reassessment, it helps to think about which activities matter most to you before the conversation.
How to get started
- Work out your interests. Think about what you would like to try or get back to, and how often.
- Check your plan. See which community participation supports are funded and in which budget.
- Look at providers. Browse the Community & Social categories on Provider24 and note the providers whose programs fit your interests.
- Ask questions before you commit. Contact providers about their programs, schedules, requirements and costs, and ask whether they offer a trial session. Talk to your support coordinator or my NDIS contact about the support you need to take part.
If anxiety, depression or another psychosocial disability makes getting out harder, read about psychosocial supports and community participation.
Find community participation providers on Provider24
Provider24 lists community participation and group activity providers in every state, so you can find one that matches your interests. Start with Community & Social and narrow your search by state.
Last updated October 2026. This article is general information, not advice. NDIS rules are changing in stages, so check ndis.gov.au or ask your my NDIS contact about your own plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered community participation?
Community participation is taking part in the social, recreational and community life around you, such as clubs, classes, group activities, sport, volunteering or faith communities. Under the NDIS, community participation supports help you do this with the support you need.
What are some examples of community participation?
Joining an adaptive sports session, taking an art or music class, going to a hobby group, volunteering with a local organisation, or joining a group outing with a support worker are all examples.
What are some ideas for NDIS community participation activities?
Common ideas include adaptive sport, creative classes, hobby and social groups, volunteering, outdoor activities such as bushwalking or fishing, and group programs run by providers. Choose what fits your own interests and goals.
Does NDIS funding pay for gym or club memberships?
Generally, no. General fitness costs and membership or entry to recreational clubs are generally not NDIS supports. Support to help you take part, such as a support worker, can be funded if it is in your plan.