What is the best way for an NDIS Provider to connect with Support Coordinators, LACs and Local Council
When marketing your NDIS business, you cannot just wait for people to come to you. You need multiple sources of exposure.
This means that you absolutely must reach out to your entire customer base and connect with NDIS LACs, Support Coordinators and Local Councils.
How do NDIS Providers connect with Local Area Coordinators (LAC)?
Local Area Coordinators support people with disability aged 9 years and older. They will help them:
- Find the community supports they need to be more independent and do more of the things they enjoy in your local area.
- Access the NDIS
The role of an LAC is tough and huge as they are supporting a large number of individuals (sometimes as many as 150 people).
Visit your local LAC offices or phone them
You can find your local LAC offices on the NDIS website. Search for NDIS LACS here
Put in your suburb. For example, here are the LACS offices in Penrith NSW:
They will be happy to meet you if you can help them. Do not just call and tell them about your services.
Hold free community events
LACS have an extended role of connecting people with community supports (not just NDIS services).
Call and tell them about how your local service is supporting participants in their area.
Hold a tea, activity, free movie etc. You must give them a reason to get to know you.
How do NDIS Providers connect with NDIS Support Coordinators?
There are thousands of NDIS registered Support Coordinators. They will typically work with Participants with a common type of disability and/or in their local area.
Find the Support Coordinators in your local area. Check out their websites and discover what specialist support they offer. Is it for a specific disability?
Get in touch by phone, email or visit their office
Emails should be short and punchy. See our template here.
Same with phone calls/messages. Tell them specifically how you can help them in their local area - don't make it generic and don't just waffle on about yourself!
Tell them specifically how you can help Participants with the disability they specialise in. Be genuine. Don't lie.
For example:
"We have been supporting people with autism in the Western suburbs and hold a free disco every second Saturday. I'd love to send you some info about this."
Hold free community events
NDIS plans are almost always short on funds and everyone needs social options. Support Coordinators love free events to connect their clients with.
Find their contact details on the NDIS Provider Finder
You can find a list of registered NDIS Support Coordinators that service each suburb using the NDIS Provider Finder.
Search by Registration group, state and postcode.
How do NDIS Providers connect with Local Councils?
First, determine the surrounding council areas that are relevant to you.
Do not promote yourself to a council area that you are not prepared to travel to!
Visit the council website and sign up for their newsletter (most councils have one). Submit details of your community events for inclusion in the newsletter.
Find out if they have a Disability and Inclusion Plan and let them know what you are doing that will help them reach the outcomes they need.
Find your local council website and contact details here:
WEBINAR: How to Find NDIS Clients
This webinar is delivered by the team whose is connecting NDIS Providers with Participants, Support Coordinators & LACs.
Their insights and experience are real-life and hands on!
