COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Assisting NDIS Participants with Travel & Transport Arrangements course. This program has been developed to provide you with the knowledge, practical strategies, and regulatory understanding required to assist participants in safely accessing their communities through appropriate travel and transport solutions. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), travel and transport supports play a vital role in fostering independence, increasing social participation, and enabling access to essential services such as education, employment, and community life.

NDIS travel and transport supports are designed to assist participants in overcoming barriers to mobility and community access. This course begins by introducing the purpose and scope of these supports, distinguishing between participant-funded transport and provider travel claims. It explains how transport services contribute to broader participant goals and reinforces the critical role support workers play in facilitating safe, timely, and person-centred access to community activities and appointments.

Understanding how participants become eligible for transport funding is essential for effective support planning. This section outlines the criteria used to assess transport needs under the NDIS, including the participant’s functional capacity and access to public transport. It provides a detailed explanation of the three levels of transport funding, how these levels align with participant goals and routines, and the process for incorporating transport assistance into NDIS plans through goal-setting and plan review.

The NDIS provides three distinct levels of participant transport funding to match varying needs and participation levels. This section defines each level in detail—Level 1 for community access with minimal structured activity, Level 2 for part-time engagement in work or study, and Level 3 for participants in full-time employment or study who cannot use public transport. It outlines how support workers can identify the appropriate level and ensure the funding supports meaningful and consistent access.

Support providers may also be eligible to claim travel-related costs when delivering face-to-face services. This section provides clarity on labour costs associated with provider travel time and outlines allowable non-labour expenses, such as parking, vehicle wear and tear, and tolls. It emphasises the importance of obtaining participant agreement, maintaining proper records, and adhering to NDIS claiming guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability.

Activity-based transport enables participation in structured community-based activities. This section defines activity-based transport and its role in helping participants attend appointments, recreational programs, and training. It explains how to calculate transport costs associated with specific activities and provides guidance on documenting participant agreement for these costs to ensure billing transparency and compliance with NDIS rules.

Community participation is central to the objectives of the NDIS, and transport is a key enabler. This section focuses on planning and supporting transport to social, recreational, and community events. It explores strategies for overcoming physical, logistical, or social barriers to access, and highlights how to promote independence and confidence in using transport options that enhance inclusion and personal agency.

Educational access is an essential right for participants of all ages. This section explains how to coordinate transport for school, TAFE, university, or training programs, including working with education providers to accommodate specific needs. It also covers the integration of in-kind specialist school transport services with individual NDIS plans and outlines strategies for aligning educational participation with transport supports.

Taxis, rideshare services, and private vehicles can provide flexible alternatives to public transport. This section examines when private transport options are appropriate and how to navigate NDIS funding for these services. It provides guidance on arranging reimbursements, ensuring that transport providers are appropriate and safe, and upholding the participant’s comfort, dignity, and choice in all travel arrangements.

For many participants, independent travel is a long-term goal. This section explores how to implement travel training programs aimed at building confidence, safety awareness, and practical navigation skills for public transport use. It includes step-by-step strategies for teaching ticketing systems, route planning, and responding to unexpected issues, with an emphasis on monitoring progress and adjusting training to participant needs.

In some cases, vehicle modifications are necessary to ensure safe and accessible transport. This section outlines how to assess the need for vehicle changes such as wheelchair lifts, hand controls, or seating adjustments. It explains the NDIS funding options available for these modifications and explores assistive technologies that enable participants to travel independently or with minimal support.

Individualised transport plans ensure that travel supports are aligned with personal goals and life circumstances. This section provides guidance on collaborating with participants to design tailored transport plans that account for daily routines, risk factors, and preferences. It covers how to conduct risk assessments, establish contingency strategies, and regularly review transport plans to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

Transport supports must be delivered within a framework of legal and ethical responsibility. This section covers key considerations such as duty of care, privacy obligations, and the ethical principles that guide transport-related support. It also includes protocols for identifying and managing risks during transport and ensuring participants are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness at all times.

Cultural responsiveness is essential in providing respectful and effective transport assistance. This section explores how to recognise and accommodate cultural, religious, and linguistic factors that may affect transport arrangements. It provides strategies for engaging with culturally specific resources and ensuring that communication and planning are inclusive and sensitive to individual backgrounds.

Accurate and timely documentation is critical in managing transport supports. This section details the record-keeping requirements for all transport-related services, including trip logs, participant agreements, incident reports, and support notes. It reinforces the importance of maintaining confidentiality while meeting NDIS reporting and audit standards.

Transport support often involves coordination with a wide range of stakeholders. This section provides strategies for collaborating effectively with families, carers, external transport providers, and community organisations. It highlights the value of open communication, information sharing, and aligned planning in ensuring the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of transport supports.

Transport-related incidents can occur despite best efforts, and providers must be prepared. This section outlines how to plan for and respond to emergencies such as vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or participant medical events. It includes the development of emergency protocols, staff training, and procedures for incident reporting and post-incident follow-up in line with NDIS guidelines.

Ongoing improvement and professional development are essential in providing high-quality transport support. This section discusses the importance of continuous learning through formal training, supervision, and feedback. It also encourages reflection on service delivery practices and participation in professional networks to stay up to date with emerging standards and innovations.

Transport needs may change as participants transition through different life stages or circumstances. This section explores how to support transitions such as moving house, changing employment, or entering further education. It provides guidance on adapting transport plans to meet new goals, ensuring support continuity, and reassessing participant needs during times of change.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to deliver safe, efficient, and participant-centred transport supports under the NDIS. Whether facilitating access to essential services, building travel skills, or managing provider travel requirements, your role in supporting mobility will be critical to enabling community participation, choice, and independence for people with disability across Australia.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to NDIS Travel and Transport Supports

·       Understanding the scope and objectives of travel and transport supports within the NDIS framework

·       Differentiating between participant transport funding and provider travel claims

·       Recognising the importance of transport in achieving participant goals and community participation

2. Eligibility and Accessing Transport Funding

·       Identifying criteria for participants to receive transport assistance under the NDIS

·       Exploring the three levels of transport support funding based on participant needs

·       Understanding the process for including transport supports in a participant's NDIS plan

3. Participant Transport Support Levels

·       Level 1: For participants not working, studying, or attending day programs but seeking community access

·       Level 2: For participants working or studying part-time, attending day programs, or engaging in social activities

·       Level 3: For participants working, seeking employment, or studying at least 15 hours a week and unable to use public transport

4. Provider Travel Costs and Claims

·       Understanding labour costs associated with provider travel, including time spent travelling to deliver face-to-face supports

·       Identifying non-labour costs such as vehicle expenses, parking fees, and tolls

·       Complying with NDIS guidelines for claiming provider travel costs, including participant agreement and documentation

5. Activity-Based Transport

·       Defining activity-based transport and its role in supporting community participation

·       Calculating costs associated with transporting participants to and from activities

·       Ensuring transparency and participant agreement in billing for activity-based transport

6. Transport for Community-Based Activities

·       Planning and facilitating transport for participants to attend social, recreational, and community events

·       Addressing challenges and barriers to community access

·       Promoting participant independence and engagement through community involvement

7. Transport for Educational Attendance

·       Coordinating transport arrangements for participants attending school or other educational facilities

·       Collaborating with educational institutions to support participant needs

·       Understanding in-kind specialist school transport supports and their integration with NDIS plans

8. Utilising Taxis and Private Transport Options

·       Assessing when taxis or private transport are appropriate for participant needs

·       Navigating funding and reimbursement processes for taxi and rideshare services

·       Ensuring participant safety and comfort during private transport

9. Travel Training for Independent Public Transport Use

·       Implementing travel training programs to build participant confidence and skills

·       Teaching navigation of public transport systems, including ticketing and safety procedures

·       Evaluating participant progress and adjusting training as needed

10. Vehicle Modifications and Assistive Technology

·       Identifying when vehicle modifications are necessary to meet participant needs

·       Understanding funding options for vehicle modifications under the NDIS

·       Exploring assistive technologies that support safe and independent travel

11. Developing Individualised Transport Plans

·       Collaborating with participants to create tailored transport plans aligned with their goals

·       Incorporating risk assessments and contingency planning

·       Reviewing and updating transport plans regularly to reflect changing needs

12. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Transport Support

·       Adhering to legal requirements and ethical standards in providing transport assistance

·       Maintaining participant confidentiality and privacy during transport

·       Understanding duty of care and managing potential risks

13. Cultural Competency in Transport Support

·       Respecting cultural, linguistic, and religious considerations in transport arrangements

·       Providing culturally appropriate support and communication

·       Engaging with community resources to enhance cultural understanding

14. Documentation and Record-Keeping

·       Maintaining accurate records of transport services provided

·       Documenting participant progress and incidents related to transport

·       Ensuring compliance with NDIS reporting requirements

15. Collaboration with Stakeholders

·       Working with families, carers, and other service providers to coordinate transport support

·       Communicating effectively with transport providers and community organisations

·       Sharing information to enhance participant outcomes

16. Managing Emergencies and Incidents During Transport

·       Preparing for potential emergencies during transport, including medical incidents and vehicle breakdowns

·       Implementing emergency response procedures and protocols

·       Reporting and documenting incidents in accordance with NDIS guidelines

17. Continuous Improvement and Professional Development

·       Engaging in ongoing training to stay informed about best practices in transport support

·       Reflecting on service delivery and seeking feedback for improvement

·       Participating in professional networks and learning opportunities

18. Supporting Transitions and Life Changes

·       Assisting participants in adapting transport plans during life transitions, such as moving residences or changing employment

·       Ensuring continuity of transport support during periods of change

·       Reassessing transport needs and updating plans to align with new circumstances

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.