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What is NDIS Local Area Coordination?

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Local Area Coordinator?
  2. Understanding the Local Area Coordination Model
  3. What Does a Local Area Coordinator Do?
  4. Local Area Coordinators and the NDIS
  5. How to Find Your Local Area Coordinator
  6. Local Area Coordinator Jobs and Career Opportunities
  7. Key Partners in Local Area Coordination
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Getting Started with Your Local Area Coordinator

What is a Local Area Coordinator?

A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is a professional who works as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to support people with disabilities, their families, and carers. LACs serve individuals aged seven and above, delivering Local Area Coordination services that include linking people to the NDIS and to local mainstream and community supports.

Local Area Coordinators act as the first point of contact for many people entering the NDIS system. They serve as a bridge between individuals with disabilities and the various supports, services, and opportunities available in their local communities. Unlike support coordinators who work with participants who already have NDIS plans, LACs work with people before, during, and after the planning process.

The Role's Core Purpose

The primary purpose of Local Area Coordination is to provide information, guidance, and support to people with disabilities, their families, carers, and the broader community. LACs help people understand and access the NDIS while empowering them to exercise choice and control over their supports and services.

Understanding the Local Area Coordination Model

The Local Area Coordination Model represents a significant shift in how disability services are delivered in Australia. This model focuses on building community capacity and creating inclusive environments where people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities.

Key Principles of the LAC Model

1. Person-Centered Approach The LAC model places the individual at the center of all decisions and planning. It recognizes that each person has unique strengths, needs, and goals, and tailors support accordingly.

2. Community Capacity Building Rather than simply providing services, LACs work to strengthen communities so they can better include and support people with disabilities. This involves working with local businesses, community groups, and service providers.

3. Early Intervention and Prevention The model emphasizes providing support early to prevent issues from escalating and to maximize outcomes for individuals and families.

4. Flexibility and Responsiveness LACs can respond quickly to changing circumstances and provide flexible support that adapts to individual needs over time.

How the Model Differs from Traditional Service Delivery

Traditional disability services often focused on providing specific programs or interventions. The LAC model, however, takes a broader approach by:

  • Building natural supports within communities
  • Connecting people to mainstream services and activities
  • Developing individual capacity and independence
  • Creating lasting change at the community level

What Does a Local Area Coordinator Do?

Local Area Coordinators have a diverse range of responsibilities that can be broadly categorized into several key areas:

1. Information and Education Services

Providing Practical Information LACs help individuals find practical information relevant to their situation, including:

  • Information about disability rights and advocacy
  • Details about available supports and services
  • Guidance on online resources and digital tools
  • Updates on policy changes and new opportunities

NDIS Education and Workshops One of the most important functions of LACs is helping people understand the NDIS. This includes:

  • Conducting community workshops about NDIS eligibility and processes
  • Explaining how the NDIS works and what it can provide
  • Clarifying common misconceptions about the scheme
  • Providing one-on-one consultations to discuss individual circumstances

2. NDIS Plan Development and Support

Pre-Planning Support Before someone develops their NDIS plan, LACs provide crucial support by:

  • Assessing whether someone might be eligible for the NDIS
  • Helping gather necessary documentation for applications
  • Preparing individuals and families for the planning conversation
  • Explaining different types of supports and funding categories

Plan Development Assistance During the planning process, LACs:

  • Discuss current situations, existing supports, and personal goals
  • Help identify what supports might be needed in an NDIS plan
  • Advocate for appropriate funding levels and support types
  • Ensure the person's voice is heard in the planning process

Note: While LACs provide input and support during planning, they cannot create or approve NDIS plans - this is done by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency).

Plan Implementation Support Once someone has an NDIS plan, LACs help them:

  • Understand what supports are funded in their plan
  • Connect with appropriate service providers
  • Navigate the service system and resolve issues
  • Use their plan effectively to achieve their goals

3. Community Connection and Capacity Building

Linking to Community Resources LACs maintain extensive knowledge of local community resources and can connect people to:

  • Recreational activities and sporting clubs
  • Community groups and social networks
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Educational and training programs
  • Cultural and arts groups

Building Inclusive Communities LACs work with communities to:

  • Increase awareness and understanding of disability
  • Remove barriers to participation
  • Develop more inclusive practices in local businesses and organizations
  • Create opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to community life

4. Coordination with Other Services

Mainstream Service Integration LACs help coordinate NDIS supports with other government services including:

  • Health services and medical professionals
  • Education systems and schools
  • Housing services
  • Employment services
  • Transport services

Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program LACs connect people to the ILC Program, which provides funding for activities that build the capacity of people with disability and create more inclusive communities. Since mid-2020, this program has been administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

5. Ongoing Support and Review

Plan Reviews and Reassessments LACs provide ongoing support by:

  • Regularly checking in with participants about how their plan is working
  • Identifying when plan changes might be needed
  • Helping with applications for plan reassessments
  • Supporting plan variation requests when circumstances change

Crisis and Problem-Solving Support When issues arise, LACs can:

  • Provide immediate problem-solving assistance
  • Help resolve disputes with service providers
  • Connect people to advocacy services when needed
  • Coordinate crisis responses

Local Area Coordinators and the NDIS

The Relationship Between LACs and the NDIS

Local Area Coordinators are employed by partner organizations contracted by the NDIA, but they work closely with the NDIS system to ensure seamless service delivery. They serve as the local face of the NDIS in many communities.

NDIS Local Area Coordination Structure

The NDIS uses a partnership model to deliver Local Area Coordination services across Australia. Different organizations are contracted as LAC partners in different regions, ensuring local knowledge and community connections are utilized effectively.

Regional Coverage LAC services are delivered across metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia. Each region has designated LAC partners who are responsible for service delivery in that area.

Age Groups Served Local Area Coordination services are available for people aged seven and above. For children under seven, Early Childhood Partners provide similar support services.

Key Differences: LACs vs Support Coordinators

Many people confuse Local Area Coordinators with Support Coordinators, but they have distinct roles:

Local Area Coordinators:

  • Funded by the NDIA through partner organizations
  • Work with people before, during, and after NDIS planning
  • Focus on community connection and capacity building
  • Available to all people with disability, not just NDIS participants
  • Provide ongoing support throughout a person's NDIS journey

Support Coordinators:

  • Funded through individual NDIS plans
  • Work only with existing NDIS participants
  • Focus on plan implementation and service coordination
  • Chosen by the participant from available providers
  • Time-limited based on plan funding

How to Find Your Local Area Coordinator

Finding NDIS Local Area Coordinators Near You

There are several ways to locate your local LAC services:

1. NDIS Website Locator The NDIS website provides a comprehensive directory of LAC partners by location. Visit www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations to find your local office.

2. Phone Contact You can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to be connected with your local LAC partner.

3. Online Chat The NDIS website offers webchat services that can help connect you with local services.

4. Email Contact You can email the NDIS at enquiries@ndis.gov.au with questions about local services.

State-Specific Information

New South Wales (NSW) NSW has multiple LAC partners covering different regions. Some examples include:

  • Urban areas: Various partners cover Sydney metropolitan areas
  • Regional areas: Organizations like Social Futures cover areas such as Orange
  • Rural areas: Specialized partners provide services to remote communities

Victoria Victoria's LAC services are delivered through organizations such as:

  • Latrobe Community Health Service (covering areas like Box Hill)
  • Other regional partners covering metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria

Other States and Territories Each state and territory has its own network of LAC partners. The NDIS website provides up-to-date information about partners in each region.

What to Expect When Contacting a LAC

When you first contact a Local Area Coordinator, you can expect:

Initial Conversation

  • A friendly, informal discussion about your situation
  • Questions about your goals and what support you're looking for
  • Information about what LAC services can provide
  • Scheduling of follow-up meetings if needed

No Pressure Approach LACs work at your pace and don't pressure you to make decisions quickly. They understand that navigating disability services can be overwhelming and take time to explain options clearly.

Local Area Coordinator Jobs and Career Opportunities

Local Area Coordinator Job Description

Local Area Coordinator positions typically require a combination of qualifications, skills, and personal attributes:

Typical Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, occupational therapy, or related field
  • Experience working with people with disabilities
  • Understanding of community development principles
  • Knowledge of government systems and services

Key Skills Required:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Personal Attributes:

  • Empathy and compassion
  • Patience and resilience
  • Commitment to empowerment and inclusion
  • Flexibility and adaptability

Local Area Coordinator Jobs Market

The demand for Local Area Coordinators has grown significantly since the NDIS rollout. Job opportunities are regularly available across Australia, with positions frequently advertised in various states and territories.

Types of Positions Available:

  • Entry-level Local Area Coordinator
  • Senior Local Area Coordinator
  • Team Leader positions
  • Regional Manager roles

Employment Conditions: Most LAC positions offer:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Comprehensive benefits packages

Local Area Coordinator Salaries

Average Salary Range Local Area Coordinators in Australia earn an average of $85,481 per year, or approximately $43.84 per hour. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the employing organization.

Salary Factors:

  • Experience level (entry-level to senior positions)
  • Geographic location (metropolitan vs regional)
  • Employer organization
  • Additional responsibilities and qualifications

APM Local Area Coordinator Salary APM, one of the major LAC partners, offers salaries ranging from approximately $61,305 per year for entry-level positions to $77,611 per year for senior health and welfare consultant roles.

Career Progression Opportunities

Professional Development LAC organizations typically provide:

  • Regular training and professional development
  • Conference and workshop attendance
  • Mentoring and supervision programs
  • Career advancement pathways

Senior Roles Career progression often leads to:

  • Senior Local Area Coordinator positions
  • Team leadership roles
  • Regional management positions
  • Policy and program development roles

How to Become an NDIS Local Area Coordinator

Step 1: Obtain Relevant Qualifications While specific requirements vary by employer, most LAC positions require tertiary qualifications in relevant fields such as:

  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Community Services
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Disability Studies

Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience Valuable experience includes:

  • Working with people with disabilities
  • Community development work
  • Case management experience
  • Volunteer work with disability organizations

Step 3: Develop Key Skills Focus on developing:

  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Understanding of disability rights and legislation
  • Knowledge of community resources
  • Cultural competency

Step 4: Apply for Positions Monitor job opportunities through:

  • LAC partner organization websites
  • General job search sites (Seek, Indeed)
  • NDIS partner organization career pages
  • Professional networks and associations

Key Partners in Local Area Coordination

APM Local Area Coordinator Services

APM (Australian Pacific Management) is one of the major partners delivering Local Area Coordination services across Australia. APM Communities delivers LAC services as a Partner in the Community on behalf of the NDIA, with their primary purpose being to provide information, guidance, and support to people with disabilities, their families, carers, and the broader community.

APM's LAC Approach:

  • Empowerment-focused service delivery
  • Education and capacity building opportunities
  • Skill and knowledge development support
  • Community-based service model

APM Service Areas: APM provides LAC services in multiple states and regions across Australia, with offices located in both metropolitan and regional areas.

Other Major LAC Partners

Social Futures Operating in regions such as Orange, NSW, Social Futures provides comprehensive LAC services with a focus on community development and individual empowerment.

Latrobe Community Health Service Serving areas like Box Hill in Victoria, this organization brings a health-focused approach to Local Area Coordination.

Uniting As another major partner, Uniting provides LAC services across various regions with a focus on community inclusion and social justice.

SSI Bankstown NDIS Local Area Coordination

Settlement Services International (SSI) provides specialized LAC services in the Bankstown area of NSW, with particular expertise in working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Their services include:

  • Culturally appropriate support and advocacy
  • Multilingual service delivery
  • Understanding of diverse cultural perspectives on disability
  • Connection to culturally specific community resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a local area coordinator do?

A Local Area Coordinator helps people with disabilities access the NDIS and connect with community supports. They provide information about disability services, assist with NDIS plan development and implementation, help people connect with their local community, and coordinate with other government services like health, education, and transport.

What is a local area coordinator?

A Local Area Coordinator is a professional who works as part of the NDIS to support people with disabilities aged seven and above. They are employed by partner organizations contracted by the NDIA and serve as the local face of the NDIS in communities across Australia.

Are equatorial coordinates global or local?

This question relates to geographic coordinate systems rather than NDIS Local Area Coordinators. Equatorial coordinates are global coordinate systems used in astronomy to locate celestial objects.

Are evictions coordinated by local police department?

This question is about housing and legal matters, not NDIS Local Area Coordination. Evictions are typically coordinated by courts and bailiffs rather than local police, though police may assist in some circumstances.

How to become a NDIS local area coordinator?

To become an NDIS Local Area Coordinator:

  1. Obtain relevant tertiary qualifications (social work, psychology, community services, etc.)
  2. Gain experience working with people with disabilities or in community services
  3. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
  4. Apply for positions with LAC partner organizations
  5. Complete any required training and orientation programs

How to find AP coordinator in local area?

If you're looking for an Access Point (AP) coordinator in technology contexts, this would involve checking network settings or contacting your IT administrator. This is different from NDIS Local Area Coordinators.

What are my local coordinates?

For geographic coordinates, you can use GPS devices, smartphone location services, or online mapping tools like Google Maps to find your latitude and longitude coordinates.

Getting Started with Your Local Area Coordinator

Before Your First Meeting

Prepare Your Information:

  • Think about your goals and what you want to achieve
  • Gather any relevant medical or assessment reports
  • Consider what support you currently receive
  • Make a list of questions you want to ask

Set Realistic Expectations:

  • Understand that LACs are there to guide and support, not make decisions for you
  • Be prepared for a collaborative approach to finding solutions
  • Know that building connections and accessing services takes time

During Your First Meeting

What to Expect:

  • A relaxed, informal conversation
  • Questions about your current situation and goals
  • Information about available services and supports
  • Discussion about next steps

What to Bring:

  • Any relevant documentation
  • A support person if you'd like
  • Your questions and concerns
  • An open mind about possibilities

Building a Positive Relationship

Communication Tips:

  • Be honest about your needs and concerns
  • Ask questions when you don't understand something
  • Provide feedback about what's working and what isn't
  • Stay engaged in the process

Setting Boundaries:

  • Clearly communicate your preferences and limits
  • Let your LAC know how you prefer to be contacted
  • Be clear about what support you do and don't want

Long-term Engagement

Ongoing Support: Remember that LAC support is available throughout your NDIS journey. Your relationship with your LAC may evolve over time as your circumstances change and your confidence grows.

Review and Feedback: Regularly review how things are going with your LAC and provide feedback to help improve services for yourself and others in your community.

Useful Links and Resources