Not all Support Coordinators are Created Equal: Choosing the Perfect Support Coordinator for Your Child
Welcome back to the RippleFamily Survival Guide! In this installment, we’re going to delve into a crucial aspect of your child's NDIS journey - choosing the perfect support coordinator.
(at this point I should note, not everyone is going to have Support Coordination in their child’s NDIS plan. This can be because your child is genuinely not eligible OR because the NDIS isn’t convinced your child needs one. Either way, if you feel that support coordination is something you believe your child should have feel free to reach out to us, we may be able to help identify why you’ve not received it and discuss your options. Anyway, back to the blog!).
As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your child, so it is important to understand that not every support coordinator is created equal (in-fact, a brief look at any NDIS support group on social media will reveal, there are quite a few concerning operators). Support Coordination is a generic service and most support coordinators work with participants of all ages. This can be problematic when we consider that the support needs of a 7-year-old with ASD are significantly different to those of a 76-year-old with mobility restrictions. That's why, this week, I wanted to share insights into the qualities that make a support coordinator an ideal fit for your child's unique needs (you might want to include these on your “Support Coordinator Shopping List”.
1. Pediatric Expertise: A deeper understanding of children's needs
When it comes to children, one size does not fit all. A support coordinator with pediatric expertise possesses an in-depth understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by young participants. From early intervention strategies to tailoring therapies for little superheroes, a support coordinator with pediatric experience can provide personalised solutions for your child's development.
Navigating the NDIS world can be overwhelming, especially when it involves making decisions for your beloved child. But a seasoned support coordinator with pediatric expertise can navigate the system with finesse and understanding. They'll work collaboratively with you, ensuring that your child's goals and aspirations are at the heart of their support plan. And, they’ll help create a tailored roadmap for your child's journey - one that takes into consideration your child’s goals and encompasses their unique abilities, dreams, and hopes.
Moreover, a supportive coordinator meets you at your level of capacity. They understand that every family is unique, with varying degrees of knowledge, experience, and capacity in navigating the NDIS. They take the time to explain complex processes in clear and understandable terms, ensuring that you are an active participant in your child's NDIS journey. With their guidance and expertise, you can confidently make informed decisions for your child's future.
2. Team Building Gurus: Together your supports are stronger
I’m a big advocate of “teamwork makes the dream work”. And your child deserves a dream team! A support coordinator skilled in building the best support team around your child understands that collaboration is key to unlocking a world of possibilities. By engaging with various service providers, therapists, educators, and other professionals, they create a cohesive support network tailored to your child's needs. They are the glue that helps you tie all your supports together.
Your child is not alone on this adventure, and neither are you. Together, we form an unbreakable bond, united in our mission to ensure your child's well-being and happiness. A support coordinator experienced in forming a robust support team empowers your child to thrive. Whether it's finding the perfect speech therapist, a nurturing occupational therapist, or an empathetic support worker, they've got the connections to make it happen.
Additionally, a skilled support coordinator understands the power of combining formal services, such as therapy and specialized programs, with the strength of informal supports, like family, friends, and community resources. They recognize that your child's progress is not limited to the hours spent in formal sessions; it is influenced by the supportive environment they are surrounded by. By harnessing the strengths of both formal and informal supports, a good support coordinator can unlock new opportunities for your child's growth and development.
3. Dynamic Administrative Skills: Empowering Families
In the journey through the NDIS landscape, challenges will arise, but a support coordinator is not afraid to face them head-on with you and your child. They know that navigating the system can be demanding, but they're there to ease the burden and empower families. A support coordinator stands firmly by your side, backing your child's needs and ensuring they receive the services they deserve to thrive.
They should understand that your child's journey is not just about services and paperwork; it's about hope, dreams, and opportunities. A support coordinator is a fierce champion for your child's rights and well-being, ensuring that their voice is heard and their needs are met. They're not just administrators; they're dynamic navigators, guiding you through the choppy waters of the NDIS with compassion and determination.
4. Continuous Support and Review: Growing Together
Supporting your child is an ongoing journey, and a support coordinator is committed to ensuring continuous progress, adaptability and most importantly sustainability in your own capacity as an advocate. The road ahead may have twists and turns, but they're ready to navigate every corner together. They will regularly review your child's support plan, making necessary adjustments to align with their growth and development.
As your child grows, so do their dreams and aspirations. A support coordinator is prepared to adjust the sails, ensuring that your little hero reaches new heights. We're in this together, making waves of progress and embracing every milestone along the way.
5. The BEST Support Coordinators Set YOU up for your own success.
This is the most important quality that makes a support coordinator an ideal fit for your child: they understand that their role in your child’s support journey is finite, and they are there, not only to coordinate your child’s supports but to coach and guide you to do the same when they are no longer part of your child’s plan.
They go beyond providing mere assistance; they are dedicated to building parents' capacity and capability to understand their child's plan, navigate the NDIS, and make informed decisions. Through open communication, guidance, and ongoing support, they empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to become confident advocates for their child.
By fostering a collaborative relationship and breaking down complex concepts into accessible information, the right support coordinator ensures that parents feel empowered and in control of their child's NDIS journey.
Choosing the perfect support coordinator for your child is a monumental decision, and I commend you for seeking the best. If this list has left you feeling stressed as to where you might find a support coordinator who checks all these boxes, I’ve got good news. At RippleAbility, our support coordinators are specially trained to work with child participants, bringing a wealth of pediatric expertise to the table. We understand the intricacies of the NDIS because we’ve lived it, and our collaborative approach ensures your child receives the best possible care and support
Empowering families to successfully advocate for their child's rights is at the core of what we do. When you choose RippleAbility, you are choosing a team of dedicated professionals committed to creating a brighter and more inclusive future for your child. Let us be your partner in this journey, and together, we'll unlock the full potential of your child's abilities - because in the RippleFamily, every child's potential makes ripples!
