There's a lot of information out there about the NDIS, and sometimes it's hard to know what all the different terms mean. One area that can be confusing is the difference between an NDIS local area coordinator and a support coordinator. Both functions will help you identify and connect with supports and services, but they work in different ways. An NDIS local area coordinator or a LAC (pronounced L.An LAC is involved in the planning, construction, implementation and review of your NDIS plan.
The LAC will help you understand your plan and help you identify service providers. An LAC can also be your NDIS contact person and you can talk to them about any questions you have about your NDIS plan. An LAC provides these services free of charge; no funds are needed or allocated from the NDIS for Support Connection services that they provide. A support coordinator is support funded by the NDIS for participants who have approved the “support coordination” indicated in their NDIS plan.
This could be because your support needs are more complex and you need more help getting what you need. A support coordinator will coordinate the services you receive from a variety of providers or vendors, address service delivery issues, and help build the capacity and resilience of your support network. Once you have approved your NDIS plan, your local LAC will contact you to schedule a meeting, either by phone or in person. The LAC will help you understand your plan and help you choose and connect with service providers.
The LAC is also your contact person at the NDIS to discuss any questions about your plan. The support provided by a LAC is generally at the support connection level. Please note that the LAC does not approve NDIS plans or provide case management support. Barkuma recognizes and pays homage to the Kaurna people, the traditional guardians on whose ancient lands, the Adelaide Plains, we live and work.
We recognize the Kaurna people's deep feelings of attachment and relationship with the country, and we respect and value their past, present and current connection to the land and their cultural beliefs. Support coordinators are the lifeblood of NDIS plans. They help participants access the best supports for them. They ensure that an appropriate combination of supports is offered to increase capacity and help participants work to achieve the plan's main objectives.
Support coordination and local area coordination (LAC) models can support the implementation of the plan for people with disabilities. LACs themselves do not make financial decisions on behalf of the NDIS (those decisions are made by NDIS delegates).).
