Families are often the first support network for people living with disability. Whether it’s a parent supporting a child with developmental delays, or a carer assisting an adult with psychosocial needs, families play a crucial role in helping NDIS participants thrive. At 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach, we recognise that when families are supported, participants are empowered.
This blog will explore how family and parent support fits into NDIS plans, why it matters, and how 123COACH can help families navigate their NDIS journey with confidence, compassion, and practical guidance.
Why Family Support Matters in Disability Care
The journey of supporting someone with a disability can be deeply rewarding—but it’s also complex, emotionally demanding, and often overwhelming. Family members are not just caregivers; they’re advocates, organisers, emotional anchors, and daily support workers, sometimes all rolled into one.
That’s why the NDIS and providers like 123COACH are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting the support system. When families are well-resourced and confident in their roles, it leads to better outcomes for the participant.
Some key reasons why family support is essential:
Emotional support: Family members often provide consistency, empathy, and encouragement during tough times.
Decision-making: Families help shape important life decisions, from education to housing and care.
Capacity building: By learning new strategies, families can help participants develop independence.
Advocacy: Families are often the strongest voices in ensuring their loved ones receive the support they need.
How the NDIS Supports Families and Parents
The NDIS is designed to support the person with a disability—but it also recognises the vital role of family and informal carers. There are specific areas within an NDIS plan that can fund supports for parents and families, especially when the aim is to build the participant’s independence or support the sustainability of informal care.
NDIS Support for Parents and Carers May Include:
Training in behaviour management or communication strategies
Parent coaching or education to support a child’s development
Respite care or short-term accommodation to give carers a break
Support coordination or recovery coaching for managing the plan
Psychosocial supports that involve family participation
Counselling or emotional support (where related to the participant’s needs)
It’s important to understand that while the NDIS doesn’t fund supports solely for the family, it does allow funding when:
The support helps the participant meet their NDIS goals
The family’s involvement is essential for the success of the plan
The support enables the carer’s role to be sustained over time
Supporting Parents of Children with Disability
Parenting is a big job. But parenting a child with a disability adds extra layers—navigating diagnoses, therapy appointments, school advocacy, and sometimes significant behavioural challenges. Parents often feel alone or unsure how to best support their child’s needs.
At 123COACH, we work with families to build:
Confidence in navigating systems like the NDIS, schools, and therapy providers
Understanding of developmental milestones, communication, and behavioural needs
Support strategies tailored to everyday life—like managing routines, school transitions, or social skills
We believe empowered parents raise empowered kids. That’s why we focus on practical, respectful, and strength-based coaching that makes a real difference in family life.
How 123COACH Supports Families and Parents
At 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach, our approach is grounded in lived experience and a belief that real-world support leads to real-world change. We work with both participants and their families to help build skills, reduce stress, and strengthen family connection.
Here’s what our family-focused support can look like:
???? Parent Mentoring
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or feeling burnt out, our mentors walk beside you. We help you understand your child’s plan, develop clear goals, and advocate for the support your family needs.
???? Capacity Building for Families
We offer sessions for parents and siblings to learn practical tools—whether it's strategies for managing anxiety, routines, sensory overload, or positive behaviour.
???? Emotional Support
Having someone to talk to—someone who gets it—can make all the difference. We provide safe spaces for carers and parents to explore their own wellbeing and self-care.
???? NDIS Navigation Support
Need help before a planning meeting or review? We help families prepare, document goals, and understand what funding may be available to support informal care roles.
???????????? Family Involvement in Support Plans
Our approach is collaborative. We involve families in coaching sessions when appropriate and tailor goals to suit the home environment.
Family and Parent Support for Psychosocial Disability
Caring for someone with a psychosocial disability (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or complex trauma) can be uniquely challenging. Mental illness can impact family roles, communication, safety, and trust. That’s why families often need guidance that goes beyond the clinical.
At 123COACH, we understand the lived experience of supporting a loved one through mental health recovery. Our supports help:
Educate families about mental health and recovery
Offer strategies to support someone experiencing distress
Build confidence in navigating community mental health and NDIS services
Address burnout and emotional exhaustion in carers
What Are the Benefits of Family Coaching?
When families are supported, the entire household benefits. You might notice:
Fewer conflicts or meltdowns at home
Clearer routines and expectations
More confidence in handling NDIS processes
Greater connection and understanding between family members
Improved wellbeing for both the participant and their parents or carers
Support doesn’t have to mean more appointments. It can mean more clarity, more confidence, and more breathing room in your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use NDIS funding to get support for myself as a parent or carer?
A: The NDIS primarily funds supports that benefit the participant. However, if helping the parent (or carer) directly helps the participant achieve their goals (such as parenting training or behaviour management coaching), it may be considered a reasonable and necessary support.
Q2: I’m new to the NDIS and feel overwhelmed. Can you help me understand my child’s plan?
A: Yes. At 123COACH, we regularly support families to understand, unpack, and implement NDIS plans. We help you get clear on what’s included, how to use funding, and how to prepare for future reviews.
Q3: What if I’m experiencing burnout or stress as a carer?
A: You’re not alone. Many carers feel this way. While the NDIS doesn’t fund personal therapy for carers, it may cover respite, mentoring, or planning supports that ease your role. We can guide you on what’s possible under the plan and connect you to relevant services.
Q4: Do you support families of adults, or only children?
A: We work with families across all age groups—whether it's a young child just starting school or an adult participant living at home. Our support is tailored to the unique needs of your family.
Q5: Can family members be involved in the participant’s coaching sessions?
A: Absolutely. We encourage family involvement where it makes sense and supports the participant’s goals. Collaboration leads to stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
Q6: My child has autism and struggles with behaviour. Can you help us with daily routines?
A: Yes. We can work with you to develop customised strategies for home life—routines, transitions, sensory needs, and emotional regulation. All in a way that’s respectful and empowering.
Q7: I’m preparing for a plan review. Can 123COACH help me write a carer statement or goal summary?
A: Definitely. We can help you reflect on what’s working, what’s changed, and what additional supports might be needed. We’ll help you communicate that clearly to the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Q8: Is this support available for non-registered providers or self-managed plans?
A: Yes. 123COACH works with plan-managed and self-managed participants. As a non-registered provider, we bring flexibility and lived experience-based services tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Families, Empowering Lives
Supporting someone with a disability is a journey. It’s filled with small victories, tough days, and constant learning. At 123 Lived Experience NDIS Coach, we believe that families deserve support too. Because when families are strong, participants are empowered to lead lives that are more confident, connected, and independent.
Whether you need help understanding the NDIS, managing stress at home, building positive routines, or navigating complex behaviours—we’re here to walk that journey with you.
At 123COACH, family support isn’t an add-on. It’s at the heart of what we do.