Greater independence can give people with disability more confidence, choice and control in everyday life. NDIS life skills development focuses on building practical abilities that can help participants manage daily activities, make decisions and participate more actively at home and in the community. The NDIS recognises capacity-building supports that can help people develop living skills and increase independence.

What Is NDIS Life Skills Development?

Building Practical Everyday Skills

Life skills development can focus on abilities needed to manage everyday routines. Depending on individual goals and support needs, this may include cooking, cleaning, personal care, organising tasks, budgeting, shopping and planning daily activities.

Rather than simply completing tasks for a participant, appropriate capacity-building support can help them learn how to complete tasks themselves, where possible. This approach can gradually build confidence and functional independence.

Supporting Individual Goals

Life skills support should be connected to a participant's goals and individual circumstances. NDIS therapy supports, for example, can help develop skills related to communication, personal care, problem-solving, decision-making and community living.

How Can Life Skills Development Encourage Independence?

1. Improves Daily Living Abilities

Learning practical skills can make everyday routines easier to manage. A participant may work towards preparing simple meals, following a household routine, completing personal care tasks or keeping their living space organised.

These abilities can reduce reliance on others and encourage greater participation in daily life.

2. Builds Confidence and Decision-Making

Independence involves more than completing physical tasks. Making choices, solving problems and planning activities are also important life skills.

For example, learning how to plan a shopping trip, manage a simple budget or organise appointments can encourage greater confidence and self-direction.

3. Encourages Community Participation

Life skills development can also support participation outside the home. Skills such as using public transport, communicating with others and navigating community environments may help participants access social, recreational, educational or employment opportunities.

What Support May Help With Life Skills Development?

Support may include individual training, capacity-building activities and therapy designed around functional goals. Support workers can also assist participants to develop skills such as cooking, cleaning and running errands, depending on their goals and NDIS funding.

For participants exploring home and living options, the NDIS also recognises supports that can help people learn to live more independently.

FAQs About NDIS Life Skills Development

What life skills can NDIS support?

Depending on individual goals and funding, support may help develop skills involving personal care, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, planning, communication, decision-making and community participation.

Can NDIS life skills support improve independence?

Yes. Capacity-building supports are intended to help participants build skills and increase independence in everyday activities.

Can life skills development include public transport training?

Public transport and community living skills can form part of support focused on developing independence and participation, where appropriate to a participant's goals and plan.

Who can provide life skills development support?

Depending on the type of support, assistance may be provided by support workers or relevant professionals delivering capacity-building or therapy supports.

Is NDIS life skills development suitable for everyone?

NDIS supports are based on individual circumstances, goals, disability-related needs and funding arrangements. Participants should check their plan and discuss suitable supports with their NDIS contact or provider.