---

We are well-connected to government agencies, non-government providers of disability and community-based support, as well as local and national peak bodies and representative organisations.

We actively support more than 200 people in the ACT and beyond.

---

---

My Choice My Support

My Choice My Support (MCMS) is an independent community organisation that assists people with disability to take direct control of their own support arrangements and support workers.

The MCMS self-managed and self-directed support systems are simple, flexible and wholly responsive to your day-to-day support needs. You are in control.

MCMS is a registered NDIS provider. Find out more about MCMS.

MCMS was established by Community Connections in 2016 as a separate company. MCMS is co-located with Community Connections.

---

---

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.

The NDIS:

• aims to help people with disability achieve their goals, including independence, community involvement, education, employment and health and wellbeing
• takes a lifetime approach, providing individualised funding support through NDIS plans to assist people with disability to live better lives now and into the future
• is established by law based on a rights-based framework that support people with disability have more choices and greater control over their funded supports

If you are eligible for the NDIS, the process for getting a NDIS plan is:

How Community Connections can help you get the best from your NDIS plan

Our support coordinators work closely with you to achieve your goals. We can:

• help get all your supports up and running and operating as you need
• assist in developing service agreements between you and your providers
• resolve conflict with your provider or coordinate service delivery where you have multiple providers
• ensure services are provided in accordance with your needs and preferences
• support you to achieve genuine choice and control over your funded supports
• assist with preparing for your plan review
• give you access to highly experienced and professional support coordinators – most having allied health backgrounds and experience in disability
• support people with all levels of disability, including high and complex needs
• keep in touch with you throughout the period of your NDIS plan to assist you make choices, make changes as you need them and develop plans for the future

Find out more about the NDIS.

---

---

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is an independent national agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.

The Commission regulates NDIS providers. Its purpose is to provide national consistency, promote safety and quality services, resolve problems and identify areas for improvement.

Community Connections is fully registered with the Commission.

What does the Commission do for NDIS participants?

No matter where you live, you have a legal right to expect quality and safe services.

The Commission:

• make sure providers and workers know and follow the rules for quality and safety
• helps with complaints if you feel unsafe or unhappy with your services. It is always okay to speak up.

People with disability, or any other person, can make complaints about NDIS services and supports to the NDIS Commission.

All complaints are taken seriously and assessed. The Commission works with NDIS participants, providers and workers to resolve problems and improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports.

If you are not sure who to contact, the NDIS Commission will help to connect you with the right organisation.

Contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544 or visit the Commission’s website.

---

---

ACT Office for Disability

The ACT Office for Disability provides strategic advice to government and community to create an inclusive Canberra so people with disability can fully enjoy their rights as citizens of the ACT.

The ACT Office for Disability leads government information and action to improve the inclusiveness and human rights of people with disability through:

• INVOLVED – a website that puts people with disability, family members, carers and the broader community in touch with activities happening to create a more inclusive Canberra for all people. Check out the INVOLVED website.
• COMPANION CARD – a national program that enables people with disability who require life-long attendant care support from a companion to attend participating venues or activities without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion. Find out more about the companion card.
• ACT DISABILITY JUSTICE STRATEGY – the Disability Justice Strategy 2019–2029 aims to achieve equity and inclusion for people with disability in the justice system. In doing so, it recognises that equality before the law is not the current reality for too many ACT residents with disability.
• ACT DISABILITY GRANTS AND AWARDS – the ACT Government funds grants — and champions disability inclusion — through the annual Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards. Grants are made available to help community organisations celebrate UN International Day of People with Disability every 3 December and to promote disability inclusion. Find out about the grants and awards.

ACT Council of Social Service

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) advocates for social justice in the ACT and represents not-for-profit community organisations.

The ACTOSS vision is that Canberra is a just, safe and sustainable community in which everyone has the opportunity for self-determination and a fair share of resources and services.

Community Connections is a member of ACTCOSS.

Disability Intermediaries Australia

Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA) is Australia’s peak body for non-government disability intermediary service organisations and practitioners. Collectively, DIA members deliver Support Coordination and Plan Management services for Australians with all types of disability.

As the NDIS continues to make intermediary services better suited to the self-determination goals of people with disability, DIA is an active voice for support and reform to intermediary products so that they are more reputable, resilient and viable.

Community Connections is a member of DIA. Our Executive Director, Dougie Herd, was a member of the DIA Board until November 2020.

National Disability Services

National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia’s peak body for non-government disability service organisations, representing over 1,160 non-government service providers. Collectively, NDS members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability.

Community Connections is a member of NDS and actively involved in its ACT member forums, meetings and special interest groups.

More information

Contact us for more information.

---

---