Steps to Write NDIS Goals for Social and Community Participation

Creating effective NDIS goals for social and community participation forms the foundation of your National Disability Insurance Scheme plan. This guide provides practical steps to develop goals that enhance your connection to community, build relationships, and increase independence.

What Does Social and Community Participation Mean?

NDIS Definition of Social Participation

Social and community participation under NDIS funding refers to supports that help participants engage with their community, develop relationships, and access recreational activities. This category focuses on building capacity for meaningful social connections and community involvement.

Why Social Goals Matter

Social goals serve as the cornerstone for:

• Building independence in community settings
• Reducing social isolation
• Developing communication skills
• Enhancing quality of life
• Creating pathways to employment and education

What NDIS Funds Under This Category

What NDIS Won’t Fund

NDIS will not fund:

• Regular household activities unrelated to disability support
• Activities available through mainstream services without additional support needs
• Costs other participants pay (general entry fees, membership costs)
• Day-to-day living expenses
• Activities solely for entertainment without capacity building elements

Types of Social and Community Participation Goals

NDIS goals span different timeframes and purposes:

Common Categories of Social Goals

Making Friends and Building Relationships

Focus areas include:

• Joining peer groups with similar interests
• Developing conversation skills
• Building confidence in social settings
• Maintaining friendships over time
• Learning to initiate social contact

Community Engagement and Inclusion

This involves:

• Participating in local events and festivals
• Volunteering opportunities
• Accessing community facilities independently
• Joining neighbourhood groups
• Engaging with local services

Physical and Recreational Activities

Activities that build capacity:

• Joining sports clubs (swimming, basketball, netball)
• Participating in fitness programs
• Learning new physical skills
• Outdoor recreation (bushwalking, bike riding)
• Adaptive sports programs

Learning and Skill Development

Goal areas include:

• Attending educational workshops
• Taking community classes (art, craft, cooking)
• Developing vocational skills
• Technology training for social connection
• Life skills programs

Cultural and Civic Participation

This encompasses:

• Attending cultural events and performances
• Participating in advocacy groups
• Engaging in leadership opportunities
• Accessing arts programs
• Community decision-making involvement

Using SMART Goals for Social Participation

Specific – Define Exactly What You Want

Your goal must clearly state:

• The activity or skill
• The setting or location
• Who will be involved
• The desired outcome

Measurable – Track Your Progress

Include concrete measures:

• Frequency (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)
• Duration (30 minutes, 2 hours)
• Number of times (attend 3 sessions, join 2 groups)
• Progress indicators (complete 5 conversations, travel independently 4 times)

Achievable – Set Realistic Expectations

Consider:

• Current skill levels
• Available supports
• Physical and emotional capacity
• Support worker availability
• Funding allocation

Relevant – Align With Your Life Aspirations

Goals should connect to:

• Personal interests and desires
• Long-term life objectives
• Employment or education plans
• Family and cultural values
• Overall plan outcomes

Time-bound – Set Clear Timeframes

Establish:

• Start date
• Review milestones (quarterly, 6 months)
• End date or achievement deadline
• Progress check-in points

Complete SMART Goal Example

Goal: “Within 6 months, I will attend a local art class weekly with support worker assistance to develop painting skills and connect with 3 peers, with quarterly progress reviews.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Goals

Step 1 – Identify Your Interests and Aspirations

Begin by:

• Listing activities you enjoy or want to try
• Considering hobbies that interest you
• Thinking about community connections you desire
• Identifying skills you want to develop
• Discussing ideas with family members or support coordinators

Step 2 – Assess Your Current Barriers

Evaluate what prevents participation:

• Physical accessibility challenges
• Communication difficulties
• Transport limitations
• Anxiety or confidence barriers
• Support requirements

Step 3 – Choose Activities That Match Your Goals

Select based on:

• Availability in your local area
• Compatibility with current capacity
• Alignment with long-term aspirations
• Opportunities for skill development
• Potential for social connection

Step 4 – Frame Your Goal Using SMART Criteria

Structure your goal statement:

1. State the specific activity
2. Include measurable indicators
3. Confirm it’s achievable with available supports
4. Connect to broader life goals
5. Set clear timeframes

Step 5 – Identify Required Supports

Determine necessary assistance:

• Support worker hours needed
• Transport requirements
• Assistive technology or equipment
• Communication supports
• Therapy or training sessions

Step 6 – Break Down Into Action Steps

Create numbered steps:

1. Research available programs or groups
2. Contact activity organisers
3. Arrange transport solutions
4. Schedule support worker assistance
5. Attend initial session
6. Establish regular attendance pattern

Step 7 – Set Review Dates

Plan evaluation points:

• Initial review: 6-8 weeks
• Progress assessment: 3 months
• Mid-plan review: 6 months
• Annual plan review: 12 months

10 Practical Examples of Social and Community Participation Goals

Example 1: Joining a Community Group

“Attend a weekly craft class at the community centre for 12 months with support worker assistance, completing 6 projects and forming connections with 2-3 group members.”

Example 2: Building Friendships

“Develop communication skills to initiate and maintain 2 friendships over 6 months through regular social activities, with monthly social skills coaching sessions.”

Example 3: Participating in Sports

“Join a local swimming club and attend training sessions twice weekly for 12 months to improve fitness and social connections with peers.”

Example 4: Developing Communication Skills for Social Settings

“Complete 10 occupational therapy sessions over 4 months to improve conversation skills, then apply these skills in 3 community settings monthly.”

Example 5: Volunteering in the Community

“Volunteer at a local charity 2 hours fortnightly for 6 months with support worker assistance to build work skills and community connections.”

Example 6: Attending Cultural/Arts Events

“Attend 1 cultural event or festival monthly for 12 months (museums, concerts, exhibitions) to expand social experiences and interests.”

Example 7: Using Public Transport Independently for Social Activities

“Complete travel training over 3 months to independently use public transport for accessing 2 regular community activities weekly.”

Example 8: Managing Anxiety in Social Situations

“Work with a therapist for 6 months to develop coping strategies for social anxiety, then attend 2 new group activities with reduced support.”

Example 9: Learning New Skills Through Community Classes

“Enrol in a hospitality course at the community education centre for 6 months to gain vocational skills and connect with peers.”

Example 10: Transitioning to Age-Appropriate Social Activities (for youth)

“Transition from child-focused activities to 3 age-appropriate teen groups over 12 months, attending each activity weekly.”

Special Considerations

Tailoring Goals to Different Needs

Social Goals for Children and Young People

Focus on:

• Age-appropriate peer interactions
• School-based social opportunities
• Play skills development
• Fine and gross motor activities
• Preparing for transition to adult services

Social Goals for Adults Transitioning to Independence

Consider:

• Employment-related social skills
• Independent community access
• Dating and relationship skills
• Managing finances for social activities
• Building networks beyond family

Social Goals for People with Complex Support Needs

Address:

• Sensory-friendly environments
• High support ratios for activities
• Communication device integration
• Specialised programs
• Individualised participation strategies

Cultural Considerations in Social Goals

Incorporate:

• Cultural events and festivals
• Language-specific groups
• Culturally appropriate activities
• Family involvement preferences
• Community values and traditions

How to Present Your Social Goals to Your NDIS Planner

Prepare for your planning meeting by:

• Writing goals in SMART format
• Bringing evidence of current participation
• Documenting barriers you face
• Listing required supports with estimated costs
• Showing how goals connect to capacity building

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Goals

Monitoring Progress and Making Changes

How Often Should You Review Goals?

Signs Your Goals Need Adjustment

Watch for:

• Consistently missing activities (may be too challenging)
• Completing goals early (ready for progression)
• Changed interests or priorities
• New barriers requiring different supports
• Improved capacity allowing reduced assistance

How to Modify Goals Mid-Plan

Contact your support coordinator or Local Area Coordinators to:

• Document reasons for changes
• Propose adjusted goals
• Identify if funding reallocation is needed
• Submit plan variation request if necessary
• Update support providers

Getting Support With Goal Setting

Resources and Support for Creating Social Goals

Working With Support Coordinators

Support coordinators help by:

• Identifying suitable community activities
• Connecting you with service providers
• Assisting with goal writing
• Monitoring progress
• Coordinating services

Local Area Coordinators (LACs)

LACs provide:

• Information about mainstream services
• Community connections
• Goal-setting guidance
• Plan implementation support
• Links to local resources

Finding Community Activities and Groups

Resources include:

• Local council websites
• Community centre programs
• Disability service provider directories
• Social media groups
• Neighbourhood houses

How Nurse Aid Australia Can Help

Nurse Aid Australia supports NDIS participants across Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, and Melbourne with:

• Registered NDIS service provision
• Support coordination assistance
• Activity facilitation
• Capacity building programs
• Individualised goal planning support

Contact our team for guidance on developing social and community participation goals tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Writing effective NDIS goals for social and community participation requires clarity about your aspirations, realistic assessment of current capacity, and structured planning using SMART criteria. These goals create pathways to independence, community connection, and improved quality of life. Review your goals regularly, celebrate progress, and adjust as your needs and interests evolve.


Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Nurse AID Australia, we’re here to support you in turning your NDIS goals into real-world outcomes. Whether you’re looking to join community activities, improve your social confidence, or access tailored support services—we’re just a click away.

Have questions? Contact our friendly team to discuss how we can help you or your loved ones thrive through the NDIS.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Social and Community Goals

How to write NDIS goals examples?

Write goals using specific language that states what you want to achieve, how you’ll measure progress, required supports, and timeframes. Include the activity, frequency, duration, and desired outcome.

What are some good goal statement examples?

Good goal statements include: “Attend swimming lessons weekly for 6 months to improve water confidence and fitness” or “Join a community art class fortnightly for 12 months to develop creative skills and peer connections.”

What are the 5 smart goals examples?

1. Attend netball training weekly for 12 months
2. Complete social skills training over 3 months
3. Use public transport independently twice weekly
4. Join 2 community groups within 6 months
5. Volunteer monthly for 12 months at local organisation

How do you write 10 performance goals examples?

Focus each goal on specific outcomes like attendance frequency, skill development milestones, independence levels, social connections formed, or barriers reduced over defined timeframes.

What is an example of NDIS assistance with social and community participation?

Assistance includes support worker accompaniment to community activities, transport to social events, communication aids for group participation, or capacity building programs that develop social skills.

What type of support is provided for a NDIS participant to improve their social interaction?

Support includes speech therapy for communication skills, occupational therapy for social skills development, support workers for activity participation, peer mentoring programs, and social skills groups.

What is community participation in the context of disability support?

Community participation means accessing and engaging with community facilities, activities, and groups with supports that address disability-related barriers, promoting inclusion and social connection.

How to write a personal impact statement for NDIS?

Explain how your disability affects daily life, social participation, and community access. Include specific examples of barriers, support needs, and how funded supports will improve your quality of life.

What are some examples of goals for autistic adults?

Goals might include managing sensory challenges in community settings, developing workplace social skills, joining special interest groups, practicing conversation strategies, or accessing autism-friendly community activities.

How many social goals should I include in my NDIS plan?

Include 2-4 social goals that address different aspects of participation. Balance short-term and long-term goals, ensuring they’re achievable within your funding and capacity.

What if I don’t know what activities I want to do?

Work with Local Area Coordinators or support coordinators to explore options. Try taster sessions, visit community centres, research online, or start with activities related to existing interests.

Will NDIS fund all social activities?

NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports related to your disability. Activities must build capacity, address barriers, or develop skills. General costs that all participants pay are not funded.

What if I have social anxiety?

Include therapy goals to develop coping strategies first, then gradually introduce social activities with support. Start with small group settings or one-on-one activities before progressing to larger groups.

Can my goals include activities with family members?

Goals can include family participation if it builds your capacity or independence. However, NDIS typically focuses on community connections beyond family and developing broader social networks.