Your Voice Matters: How Expression Empowers NDIS Participants

When we talk about disability support, the focus is often on routines, plans, and funding. But beneath all that, at the heart of quality care, is something deeply human:

🗣️ The power to express yourself.

Whether it’s choosing what to wear, how to communicate, or what activities feel meaningful, expression isn’t just a nice extra. It’s a fundamental human right, and a core part of thriving within the NDIS.

At Alula, we believe that true support begins with listening. And we’re not just listening for words, we’re listening for needs, preferences, personality, and identity in all the ways they show up.

Why Expression Matters in Disability Support

Everyone expresses themselves differently. For some, it’s through words or gestures. For others, it might be through pictures, AAC devices, or behaviour. Regardless of how it’s done, the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and preferences is vital.

Here’s why:

✅ It builds autonomy.
When people can express their wants, needs, and boundaries, they can actively participate in decision-making; not just be recipients of care.

✅ It boosts confidence.
Being heard helps people feel respected and valued, which can reduce anxiety and build self-esteem.

✅ It strengthens relationships.
Good support isn’t one-sided. When participants and support workers communicate openly, trust deepens and care improves.

✅ It supports mental wellbeing.
Feeling silenced or ignored can lead to frustration, isolation, or depression. Expression opens the door to meaningful connection.

Voice & Choice: How Alula Puts This into Practice

At Alula, we prioritise participant-led support. That means:

• 🔄 Co-designing support plans: participants (and their informal supports) help shape their care from the beginning

• 📱 Offering communication flexibility: spoken, signed, written, pictorial, digital. Whatever works best

• 🎨 Encouraging creative outlets: art, movement, music, and self-expression are part of our community activities

• 🧠 Adapting support for neurodivergent and non-speaking participants: including low-stimulation environments, clear choice-making tools, and trauma-informed responses

• 💬 Asking for regular feedback: not just with formal reviews, but in everyday conversations like “How are things feeling this week?” or “Is there something we can change?”

🛠️ How You Can Support Voice & Expression (Even Outside the NDIS)

Whether you’re a family member, carer, or community member, here are ways to support expression every day:

1. Ask open questions.
   Instead of “Do you want to go to the park?”, try “Where would you like to go today?” This invites choice and personal input.

2. Be patient with communication differences.
   Give people time. Avoid rushing or filling in silences. Respect all communication styles, from sign language to eye movements.

3. Use visuals and options.
   Photos, drawings, and simple choice boards can help people make decisions and feel involved; especially for non-verbal participants.

4. Celebrate creative outlets.
   Support hobbies like painting, writing, movement, or music. These can be profound tools for self-expression, healing, and joy.

5. Don’t assume — ask.
   Even if you’ve known someone a long time, identity and preferences evolve. Regular check-ins build respect and connection.

🟪 Wear It Purple Day: Celebrating Expression & Inclusion

On 29 August, Alula proudly supports Wear It Purple Day — an initiative that shows LGBTQIA+ young people that they are seen, valued, and belong.

For many participants, being able to safely express gender, sexuality, and identity is life-changing. It’s not just about safety: it’s about celebration.

This year’s message: “Bold Voices. Bright Futures.”

At Alula, we aim to create spaces where everyone, regardless of how they identify, can share their voice and feel proud of who they are.

Final Thoughts

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a voice. And everyone deserves the chance to express both.

At Alula, we’re not here to speak for you; we’re here to listen, adapt, and walk beside you as you speak for yourself.

Because when support is centred on your voice and identity, everything changes.

✅ Takeaway Actions:

• Use inclusive language and ask about communication preferences

• Encourage creative or alternative ways of expression

• Honour non-verbal cues and boundaries

• Support initiatives like Wear It Purple that promote inclusive spaces

• Reflect: When was the last time I truly listened to someone’s voice beyond their words?

How Does Alula Personalise Support?

When it comes to NDIS support, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. That’s why at Alula, every support plan is created with one goal in mind: you.

Our approach starts with something simple yet powerful—a genuine conversation. Not a checklist, not a template. We want to know who you are, what matters most to you, and how we can walk alongside you to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re developing life skills, building confidence through community participation, or looking for everyday assistance at home, our team listens, adapts, and responds to your needs.

Here’s what personalised support looks like at Alula:

1. Relationship-first matching
We take the time to learn about your preferences, personality, and communication style. Do you like calm and gentle encouragement, or are you more energised by someone upbeat and talkative? Do you feel more comfortable with support workers of a certain gender or background? These details matter. We use them to match you with a worker who fits—not just someone who’s available. It’s about building trust and long-term rapport.

2. Goal-driven care
Your plan is more than a list of supports—it’s a living roadmap shaped by your personal goals. At Alula, we help you define short- and long-term goals that align with what you want from life, not just what the system expects. Maybe you want to get your driver’s licence, prepare your own meals, or return to study. We review your goals with you regularly and adapt supports to help you stay on track.

3. Responsive adjustments
Life is unpredictable. If your circumstances change, your support should too. Whether it’s a new health diagnosis, a change in work, or moving house, we adapt quickly—adjusting your hours, connecting you with new services, or simply checking in to make sure you’re okay. Our flexibility means your support plan keeps up with your life, not the other way around.

4. Open feedback loops
We don’t just “check in”—we listen. Your feedback shapes our services. Whether you want to change your support worker, tweak your hours, or explore something new, we’re here to work with you. Our review process is collaborative, transparent, and respectful. It’s your life—we’re here to help it flourish.

5. Involving your informal support network
Your life includes more than just providers. Where appropriate, we’ll connect with your family, friends, or housemates to make sure everyone is on the same page. This holistic approach helps create stability and clarity across your supports. It also respects the relationships that already help you feel safe, confident, and connected.

6. Creating space for growth and dignity
At Alula, we’re not just about getting through the day—we’re about helping you move forward. That might mean exploring employment pathways, developing routines, or connecting with the community in new ways. Our personalised support is designed to empower you, not just assist you. We believe that with the right backing, you can do incredible things.

A partnership—not a transaction
When your support is tailored to you, everything changes. You start to feel more confident, more in control, and more excited about the future. That’s what we aim for at Alula. You’re not just receiving services—you’re entering a partnership.

Our team checks in with you regularly to ensure your support continues to reflect your goals and values. If you gain a new interest, face a setback, or simply want to try something different, we’re ready to adjust with you. Your needs evolve, and so does our plan.

We know that for many participants, the NDIS system can feel overwhelming. You might have experienced being treated like a number, with cookie-cutter support that misses the mark. Our goal is to turn that experience on its head. With us, you’re heard, respected, and supported as a whole person.

If you’ve ever felt like a small cog in a big machine, we’re here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be that way. At Alula, support starts with people. And we’d be honoured to be part of your team.

What Happens in an NDIS Plan Review?

A plan review is an opportunity—not something to dread. Whether it’s scheduled or requested, this is your chance to ensure your NDIS plan still meets your needs. It’s like giving your support system a tune-up—checking that everything’s running smoothly and adjusting anything that’s not quite right.

NDIS plans are tailored to your goals and current situation. But life isn’t static. Maybe your health has changed, maybe you’ve moved house, started studying, or gained new skills. Your NDIS plan should reflect where you are now—not where you were last year. That’s why reviews are so important.

There are two main types of reviews: scheduled and unscheduled.

• Scheduled reviews usually happen near the end of your plan period (usually 12 or 24 months).

• Unscheduled reviews can happen any time you feel your plan no longer meets your needs. These are called “change of circumstances” reviews.

Here’s what typically happens during a plan review:

• You’ll meet with your LAC (Local Area Coordinator), support coordinator, or a planner from the NDIA

• You’ll talk through how your current plan has gone: what worked, what didn’t, and what gaps need filling

• You’ll be asked about any recent life changes—health, living arrangements, work or study goals, and personal achievements

• Your provider reports, receipts, and notes will be reviewed to show how funding was used

The goal isn’t to trip you up. It’s to ensure your funding reflects your current and future needs.

Top tips to prepare:

• Keep a diary or journal of how you’ve used your supports. What’s made a difference? What felt unnecessary?

• Ask your providers for updated reports. These help show your progress and justify continued or new funding.

• List your goals—big and small. Whether it’s attending a community class or building your cooking skills, goals matter.

• Reflect on what’s changed. Have you needed more support than expected? Or perhaps you’ve become more independent in some areas?

• Include informal supports too—are family or friends doing more (or less) than before?

It’s also important to be honest about what hasn’t worked. Maybe you tried a service that wasn’t helpful, or you had difficulty accessing a program. Your feedback matters and helps shape a better plan moving forward.

Your review is also a good time to advocate for new supports. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with another condition or started working toward a new goal—like employment or independent living—your plan can (and should) reflect that.

Here are a few examples of what might come out of a review:

• More hours for in-home support

• Funding for allied health (OT, physio, or psychology)

• New assistive technology for communication or mobility

• A shift in focus from daily living to capacity-building activities

The process isn’t always quick—but being prepared helps you feel more confident and in control.

If your review results in a plan that doesn’t feel right, you can request an internal review or even go to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). You have rights—and you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

At Alula, we support participants in preparing for and attending their plan reviews. We can help you:

• Gather reports and documentation

• Reflect on your goals

• Draft personal statements or progress summaries

• Attend meetings with you (or on your behalf, if appropriate)

We believe reviews are a moment of empowerment—not anxiety. Done well, they give you the clarity and resources to take your next steps with confidence.

If you’ve got a review coming up (or think it’s time for one), we’d love to help you get ready. Let’s make sure your NDIS plan keeps pace with your life.

What is Life Skills Development?

Life skills are the foundation of independence. They’re the everyday abilities that help us navigate life—from brushing our teeth to budgeting, from catching the bus to making a grocery list. 

For NDIS participants, building life skills can be a transformative part of their journey toward more autonomy, confidence, and connection. At Alula, we offer support that’s tailored to each individual, focusing on real-world application and empowerment. 

Common life skills we support include: 

• Communication and interpersonal skills: expressing needs, making requests, and navigating social settings 

• Personal hygiene and health routines: from brushing teeth to preparing balanced meals 

• Money management: budgeting, shopping, and understanding the value of money 

• Time management and organisation: using calendars, setting reminders, or creating visual schedules 

• Using public transport and navigating the community 

For some participants, learning these skills starts small. Maybe it’s choosing what to wear in the morning or participating in a group cooking activity. For others, it may be about gaining the confidence to travel independently or prepare a weekly meal plan. 

At Alula, we celebrate every step forward. We offer structured yet flexible support that adapts to each participant’s learning style and goals. We work at your pace—and we bring positivity, patience, and encouragement along the way. 

Life skills support isn’t just about the tasks. It’s about building confidence. When someone can prepare their own lunch or book their own appointment, it’s not just convenient—it’s empowering. 

We believe that with the right support, everyone can learn and grow. And we’re here to help you do just that. 

Supporting Kids with Additional Needs in the Classroom

Heading back to school can be exciting—but for families supporting a child with a disability, it can also be challenging. New teachers, new routines, and busy environments can make it harder for kids to settle in. The good news? With the right supports in place, your child can thrive in the classroom, socially and academically. 

The NDIS can help support your child’s education in a number of ways. While it doesn’t fund the school itself (as education is a state responsibility), it can provide: 

• Therapy sessions to build social, emotional or behavioural skills 

• Support workers to help before, during or after school routines 

• Funding for assistive technology, such as communication devices 

• Transport to and from school, especially if public transport isn’t an option 

For example, if your child has difficulty regulating emotions or needs support with transitions, they may benefit from regular sessions with an occupational therapist or psychologist. These services can be funded through your child’s plan under the “Improved Daily Living” or “Improved Relationships” categories. 

Alula works with families to integrate this support into their existing routines. We can liaise with your child’s teachers and school support staff (with your permission) to ensure everyone is on the same page. We also offer training and coaching for parents who want to feel more confident navigating school challenges. 

Here are a few tips to make the school transition smoother: 

• Start a visual schedule. Let your child know what to expect each day with a simple chart or calendar. 

• Practice the routine. In the weeks leading up to school, try dressing, packing lunch and leaving at the same time each morning. 

• Create a calm-down plan. Talk with your child about what they can do when they feel overwhelmed at school. 

• Celebrate the small wins. Progress might look different for every child, and that’s okay. 

School should be a place of growth and possibility. At Alula, we believe every child deserves the chance to feel included, valued, and supported.

What’s the Difference Between Core and Capacity Building Supports?

When you first receive an NDIS plan, it can feel like reading a foreign language. There are categories, codes, and funding terms you’ve never heard of before. Two of the most important—and sometimes confusing—terms are core supports and capacity building supports. 

Let’s break them down. 

Core Supports Core supports are designed to help you with everyday activities and current needs. These are the essential supports that help you live as independently and safely as possible. They include things like: 

• Personal care (showering, dressing, hygiene) 

• Transport (getting to and from appointments or community events) 

• Help with household tasks (cleaning, shopping, cooking) 

• Consumables (continence products, low-cost assistive technology) 

Core supports are flexible. If you have funding under this category, you can often choose how to use it depending on what you need most day-to-day. 

Capacity Building Supports Capacity building supports are all about the future. These services help you learn new skills, become more independent, and work towards your longer-term goals. They might include: 

• Support coordination 

• Employment-related supports 

• Improved daily living (life skills training, therapy) 

• Social and community participation (helping you engage in social or group activities) 

• Improved relationships (behavioural support planning) 

Unlike core supports, capacity building funding is often more structured—you need to use it for its intended purpose. 

So, what’s the difference in real life? Imagine you want to cook more meals at home. Core support might pay for a support worker to help you cook dinner. Capacity building support might fund a life skills class where you learn how to plan meals, shop on a budget, and cook independently over time. 

Both types of funding are essential—and together, they help you meet your goals and live with greater autonomy. 

Still unsure where a service fits? At Alula, we help our participants understand their plan and get the most out of it. Whether it’s helping you access therapy, book transport, or learn a new skill, we’ll guide you through the categories and advocate on your behalf. 

You deserve to feel empowered and informed about your NDIS plan. We're here to make that happen. 

Support Workers or Cheerleaders in Disguise?

Support workers are the heart of what we do at Alula. They might assist with day-to-day tasks like helping someone shower, drive to appointments, or prepare meals—but their impact goes far beyond the checklist. They’re motivators. They’re companions. They’re the steady, positive presence in someone’s week that helps build confidence, autonomy, and connection. 

If you’ve ever spent time with a truly great support worker, you’ll know what we mean. They show up with empathy, reliability, and purpose. They don’t just provide care—they foster growth. 

The relationship between a participant and a support worker can be life-changing. At its best, it’s built on mutual respect and understanding. Here are just a few ways a good support worker can make all the difference: 

• Noticing your strengths and building on them. A great support worker sees potential and takes time to help you develop it—whether it’s learning to cook your favourite meal or mastering public transport. 

• Offering a listening ear and genuine encouragement. Some days, you just need someone who listens. Support workers often become trusted companions, offering not just physical support, but emotional steadiness. 

• Helping set and achieve personal goals. Whether it's building a daily routine or preparing for a job interview, they help map out steps and walk beside you. 

• Empowering you to take control. Good support is never about doing things for someone—it’s about doing things with them. The best workers support independence, not dependence. 

At Alula, we recognise that support isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we work hard to match participants with support workers who suit their unique personalities, needs, and goals. Because when you feel safe and understood, you thrive. 

We also understand that relationships take time to build. It’s why we prioritise consistency—familiar faces, familiar routines, and familiar voices. When participants are supported by someone they trust, they’re more likely to try new things, take healthy risks, and build lasting skills. 

So, what makes someone an exceptional support worker? It’s not a single qualification or trait. It’s the way they show up—consistently, kindly, and with curiosity. It’s someone who asks, “How can I help you live your life, your way?” and listens for the answer. 

Our Alula team is full of people like that—cheerleaders in disguise. The ones who are quietly celebrating your small wins. Who believe in your progress even when you’re having a tough day. Who’ll hold space for you while also gently nudging you forward. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with someone who truly sees you—not just your list of needs—we’d love to show you. Let’s have a chat about how we can help.

3 Common Myths About the NDIS (And the Real Story)

If you've ever felt unsure about what the NDIS covers—or whether you’re even eligible—you’re not alone. Misinformation can stop people from getting the help they need. Let’s bust some of the most common myths we hear: 

Myth 1: “You can’t get NDIS funding unless you have a physical disability.” 

Reality: The NDIS supports people with a wide range of disabilities—including psychosocial, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities. Mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or schizophrenia are all valid reasons to seek support if they impact your daily function. 

Myth 2: “If you don’t use all your funding, it’ll be taken away next time.” 

Reality: While unused funds don’t roll over, your future funding is based on need—not whether you used every cent. Focus on using your supports in a way that works for you, not just using them for the sake of it. It should be a conversation between your support provider, plan managers and the team around you. 

Myth 3: “You’re stuck with the provider you started with.” 

Reality: Choice and control are core principles of the NDIS. You have the right to change providers at any time if you’re not happy. And you don’t need to give a reason—your comfort and confidence come first. 

The bottom line? The NDIS is there to serve you. If something feels confusing, it’s OK to ask questions. Support coordinators and advocacy services can help you navigate the system and understand your rights. 

Confused about what’s fact and fiction? Let’s talk it through.