A query frequently asked by NDIS participants, their families, and carers is about how to develop life skills. And it’s a profound and important one.
At Unlocking My Ability, we firmly believe that mastering practical life skills is the cornerstone for building self-assurance, achieving independence, and engaging fully in everyday life.
Whether it involves preparing a meal, utilising public transport, or effectively managing one’s time, the capacity to handle routine tasks empowers individuals with disability to lead more fulfilling lives.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of how to develop life skills, explain how the NDIS can provide crucial support, and outline the steps you can take towards achieving greater independence.
What Are Life Skills?
Life skills are the practical abilities we all rely on to manage daily living. For NDIS participants, gaining these skills is far more than just fulfilling requirements; it’s about truly unlocking personal choice, control, and independence.
Common life skills include personal care and hygiene, preparing meals and shopping for groceries, budgeting and managing money, communicating with others, time management and creating routines, using public transport, managing a household or tenancy, problem-solving and self-advocacy.
These abilities help participants live more independently, whether at home, in the community, or in supported living environments.
Developing Life Skills Through the NDIS
How to develop life skills begins with recognising what areas you’d like to build confidence in. Everyone’s journey is different, and the NDIS makes room for tailored supports that match your goals.
Here’s how we approach it at Unlocking My Ability:
1. Identify Your Goals
We work alongside participants to explore what independence truly means for them. Whether it’s mastering dinner preparation, learning to manage bills, or confidently using public transport, setting clear objectives helps us shape the most effective support plan.
2. Secure the Right Plan Supports
NDIS funding for life skills typically falls under the Capacity Building category, specifically “Development of Daily Living and Life Skills.” This funding can be utilised for personalised, one-on-one support, specialised training, or dedicated coaching aimed at building everyday capabilities.
3. Engage in Personalised Skill Building
We provide dedicated support workers and mentors who custom-design sessions based on your preferred learning style. This might involve practical role-playing of real-life scenarios, hands-on practice of new tasks together, or creating visual schedules to simplify daily routines.
4. Learn at Your Own Pace
Making progress takes time, and that’s perfectly fine. Learning new skills takes patience and consistent effort. Our team champions consistent practice, offering tailored support and encouragement. We celebrate every stride forward, big or small, as each step is vital to your growth.
Why Life Skills Matter
Learning life development skills is crucial for gaining control over your future. These abilities, like meal planning and budgeting, boost confidence and reduce reliance on others. They also unlock new opportunities, including pathways to employment, further education, and independent living, while improving relationships and community involvement. At Unlocking My Ability, we’ve seen how personalised support in this area leads to lasting, positive change.
Helping You Unlock Your Abilities
Unlocking My Ability is here to support individuals and families at every stage of their NDIS journey. From checking your eligibility to helping prepare applications and build your capacity, we’re ready to assist. If you’re feeling uncertain about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a team who truly understands the system and can help you get the support you need.
