NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills: Complete Guide
This is a contributed post.
Quick Answer
NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills is a Capacity Building support that helps participants improve independence through therapy and skill development. It can include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and other allied health supports. This funding focuses on long-term improvement in daily functioning such as mobility, communication, self-care, emotional regulation, and routine building. It is ideal for participants working toward personal goals, community participation, and greater independence across Australia.
Introduction
Living with a disability can make daily tasks more challenging. Simple activities like cooking, communicating, travelling, managing emotions, or maintaining personal care can require ongoing support.
That is why NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills is one of the most valuable support categories in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is designed to help participants build practical life skills, increase independence, and improve overall wellbeing.
This guide explains what Improved Daily Living Skills means under NDIS, what it includes, who it is for, how it is funded, and how to use it effectively.
What Are NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills?
NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills is a Capacity Building support category that provides therapy and skill-building services to help participants improve everyday function and independence.
Instead of only providing short-term help, this support aims to build long-term ability. It focuses on improving the participant’s skills so they can do more independently over time.
This support often involves allied health professionals who assess needs, create therapy plans, and help participants achieve their NDIS goals.
What Does Improved Daily Living Skills Cover Under NDIS?
Improved Daily Living Skills can cover a wide range of therapy and development supports, depending on a participant’s goals and disability-related needs.
Common Supports Included
It may include:
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Speech therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology and counselling
- Behaviour support
- Dietetics and nutrition support
- Podiatry
- Exercise physiology
- Development of daily living routines
- Therapy programs for independence and confidence
These services are usually delivered in:
- The participant’s home
- Community settings
- Therapy clinics
- Schools (for children)
- Supported accommodation environments
Why Improved Daily Living Skills Is So Important
Many NDIS participants want more than support workers. They want skills that help them live a better life long-term.
This support helps participants improve areas that affect their everyday life, including:
- Physical movement and coordination
- Communication and speech development
- Emotional control and social interaction
- Confidence in daily routines
- Independence at home and in the community
It can reduce dependence on others over time and increase quality of life.
Who Can Benefit From NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills?
This support is useful for many participants across different age groups and disabilities.
It Is Commonly Used By:
- Children with autism or developmental delays
- Participants with intellectual disability
- People with psychosocial disability
- Participants recovering from injury or surgery
- Individuals with neurological conditions (stroke, MS, cerebral palsy)
- People with mobility limitations
- Participants who need communication support
Target Audience and Location
This support is mainly designed for:
- NDIS participants
- Families and carers
- Support coordinators
- Plan managers
- NDIS providers and allied health teams
It is widely used across Australia, including Victoria (VIC), New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), and other states where participants need therapy-based skill development.
Examples of Improved Daily Living Skills Goals
NDIS funding is always linked to goals. The participant must show that the therapy helps them reach their plan goals.
Common Real-Life Goal Examples
A participant may use this support to:
- Improve balance and walking confidence
- Learn cooking and meal preparation skills
- Improve communication and speech clarity
- Reduce anxiety and emotional outbursts
- Develop personal hygiene routines
- Build skills for independent living
- Improve handwriting and fine motor skills
- Increase community participation
- Learn time management and planning
Real-World Examples of How This Support Helps
To understand the impact of improved daily living skills, it helps to look at real examples.
Example 1: Occupational Therapy for Independence
A participant struggles with dressing, cooking, and managing home tasks. An occupational therapist provides:
- Daily routine planning
- Home safety assessment
- Skill-building exercises
- Assistive equipment recommendations
After a few months, the participant becomes more independent and needs less daily support.
Example 2: Speech Therapy for Communication
A child with autism struggles with speech and expressing needs. Speech therapy supports:
- Communication tools
- Social interaction development
- Language improvement exercises
- Confidence in school settings
This helps the child communicate better at home and school.
Example 3: Psychology Support for Emotional Regulation
A participant experiences anxiety, stress, and difficulty managing emotions. Psychology sessions help with:
- Coping strategies
- Emotional regulation techniques
- Confidence building
- Behaviour improvement
This improves mental wellbeing and daily stability.
What Is the Difference Between Improved Daily Living Skills and Core Support?
Many people confuse Capacity Building and Core Supports.
Key Difference
Core Support helps participants with daily needs right now.
Improved Daily Living Skills helps participants build skills for long-term independence.
Quick Comparison Table
|
NDIS Support Type |
Main Purpose |
Examples |
|
Core Supports |
Immediate daily support |
personal care, transport, support workers |
|
Improved Daily Living Skills |
Skill-building and therapy |
OT, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology |
How Is Improved Daily Living Skills Funded Under NDIS?
Improved Daily Living Skills is typically funded under:
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
This category is part of Capacity Building budgets, often used for allied health services.
Funding may be managed through:
- Self-managed plan
- Plan-managed funding
- NDIA-managed funding
What Services Can Be Delivered Under This Funding?
This funding can cover therapy supports that include assessment, training, and therapy programs.
Common Service Delivery Types
- Functional assessments
- Therapy sessions
- Home visits
- Therapy reports for plan reviews
- Skill development programs
- Support plans and progress monitoring
- Training for carers (when relevant)
Step-by-Step: How to Use Improved Daily Living Skills Correctly
To get the best results, participants should follow a clear approach.
Step 1: Identify Daily Challenges
List the tasks that feel difficult, such as:
- bathing
- cooking
- social interaction
- emotional control
- communication
- mobility
Step 2: Set Clear NDIS Goals
Goals should be specific and measurable, such as:
- “I want to improve my ability to cook meals independently.”
- “I want to manage anxiety so I can attend community activities.”
Step 3: Get Allied Health Assessment
A professional such as an OT or psychologist can assess functional capacity and recommend therapy.
Step 4: Choose a Suitable Provider
Choose providers who understand NDIS reporting, goal tracking, and participant-centred care.
Step 5: Track Progress and Adjust Therapy
Progress reports help prove improvement and support future plan reviews.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment and Why Does It Matter?
A functional capacity assessment is a professional evaluation of how a participant manages daily life.
It helps determine:
- what supports are needed
- what therapy will be beneficial
- what NDIS funding should include
- how progress will be measured
This is one of the most important tools for securing or increasing Improved Daily Living Skills funding.
How Improved Daily Living Skills Supports Independence
Improved daily living therapy improves independence in multiple life areas.
Areas It Can Improve
- Personal care (showering, grooming, dressing)
- Household tasks (cleaning, cooking, planning meals)
- Mobility (walking safely, balance improvement)
- Communication (speech development, social interaction)
- Emotional wellbeing (stress control, confidence)
- Behaviour (reducing harmful behaviours, improving self-control)
- Community participation (attending events, social confidence)
Benefits of NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills
This support category offers long-term benefits that go beyond therapy sessions.
Key Benefits
- Builds real independence over time
- Improves confidence and daily functioning
- Supports mental and emotional wellbeing
- Reduces long-term reliance on support workers
- Helps participants achieve personal goals
- Improves social participation
- Supports school readiness and development in children
- Helps families and carers feel supported
Pros and Cons of Improved Daily Living Skills NDIS
Like all NDIS supports, there are strengths and limitations.
Pros
- Supports long-term improvement
- Covers many allied health services
- Helps build independence and skills
- Strong evidence-based therapy outcomes
- Improves quality of life
- Useful for both children and adults
Cons
- Requires clear goals and reports
- Therapy progress can take time
- Funding may be limited depending on the plan
- NDIA may request proof and evidence
- Some providers may have waitlists
Common Mistakes People Make With Improved Daily Living Skills
Many participants lose funding or fail to get results because of avoidable mistakes.
Mistake 1: Not Linking Therapy to NDIS Goals
NDIS funding is always goal-based. Therapy must clearly support plan goals.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Provider
Some providers do not provide strong reports or goal tracking. This affects plan reviews.
Mistake 3: Not Getting Progress Reports
NDIA often requires evidence. Without reports, funding may not be extended.
Mistake 4: Using Therapy Without a Clear Plan
Sessions should follow a structured therapy plan, not random appointments.
Mistake 5: Waiting Too Long for Plan Review Preparation
Reports and evidence should be prepared early, not last minute.
How Support Coordinators Help With Improved Daily Living Funding
Support coordinators can help participants:
- understand their Capacity Building budget
- connect with suitable allied health professionals
- track outcomes and progress
- prepare for plan reviews
- manage referrals and appointments
This is especially useful for participants with complex needs.
Choosing the Right Provider for Improved Daily Living Skills
A good provider should offer more than therapy sessions. They should provide structured support.
What to Look For in a Provider
Choose a provider who offers:
- qualified allied health professionals
- NDIS experience and compliance
- clear goal-based therapy plans
- progress tracking and reporting
- participant-centred service delivery
- good communication with carers and coordinators
For example, We Empower Disability Services supports participants with NDIS-related services and can guide families in choosing the right approach to independence-based supports.
How to Maximise Results From Therapy Sessions
To get better outcomes, participants and families should stay actively involved.
Practical Tips
- Attend sessions consistently
- Practice exercises at home
- Ask therapists for step-by-step routines
- Keep notes on improvements
- Request progress summaries regularly
- Involve carers and family where appropriate
- Review goals every 3 months
Can Improved Daily Living Skills Help With Employment and Education?
Yes. Many participants use this support to build skills needed for education or work.
Work and Study Skills That Therapy Can Support
- time management
- social communication
- emotional regulation
- workplace behaviour training
- mobility and stamina improvement
- confidence building
It can also support participants transitioning into independent living.
Improved Daily Living Skills for Children
For children, early therapy can create long-term positive outcomes.
Common Child-Focused Supports
- speech therapy for language development
- occupational therapy for sensory regulation
- psychology for emotional development
- behaviour support for learning and routines
- physiotherapy for physical development
Early intervention can improve school performance, social confidence, and independence at home.
Improved Daily Living Skills for Adults
For adults, this support often focuses on independence, wellbeing, and community life.
Adult-Focused Therapy Areas
- home living routines
- managing medication and health
- independent travel training
- physical mobility improvement
- social participation development
- stress and anxiety management
- cooking and budgeting skills
FAQs
1. What are NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills?
NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills is a Capacity Building support that funds therapy and allied health services to improve independence in daily life.
2. What therapies are included in Improved Daily Living Skills NDIS?
It may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, behaviour support, dietetics, podiatry, and exercise physiology.
3. Is Improved Daily Living Skills part of Core Support?
No. It is part of the Capacity Building budget, designed for long-term skill development rather than daily assistance.
4. Can children access Improved Daily Living Skills funding?
Yes. Children can access this funding for early intervention therapy such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural support.
5. How do I get more funding for Improved Daily Living Skills?
You need strong evidence such as functional capacity assessments, therapy reports, and goal-based progress tracking to support a plan review request.
6. Does NDIS cover occupational therapy under Improved Daily Living Skills?
Yes. Occupational therapy is one of the most common supports funded under Improved Daily Living Skills.
7. What is a functional capacity assessment in NDIS?
It is a professional assessment that measures how a participant manages daily tasks and identifies the supports needed for independence.
8. Can Improved Daily Living Skills help with mental health?
Yes. Psychology and behavioural support can help participants manage anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, and confidence.
Final Takeaway
NDIS Improved Daily Living Skills is one of the most important Capacity Building supports because it focuses on real improvement, not temporary help. It funds therapies that build independence, confidence, communication, mobility, and emotional wellbeing.
When used correctly, this support can help participants achieve long-term life goals and improve everyday living outcomes across Australia. The best results come from clear goals, consistent therapy, and strong progress tracking.
