Complete Capacity Building Guide
Master Capacity Building supports for skills development, employment, health, relationships, and independence. Learn how to use goal-focused NDIS funding to build a better future.
Why Capacity Building is Your Investment in Independence
Capacity Building supports are designed to help you develop skills, build independence, and create connections that will benefit you for years to come. It's the most strategic part of your NDIS plan.
Goal-Focused Investment
Unlike other NDIS categories, Capacity Building is specifically designed to achieve outcomes that reduce your future support needs. Every dollar should work toward greater independence.
Strategic Approach
Think of Capacity Building as an investment. The skills you develop now can reduce your reliance on Core Support in the future, giving you more control over your life.
7% focused impact: Capacity Building may be smaller in budget but creates the biggest long-term impact on independence.
The 6 Capacity Building Categories
Capacity Building supports cover six key areas of life. Understanding each helps you choose the right supports for your goals and circumstances.
Support coordination and assistance to live more independently
Common Supports:
Expected Outcomes:
• Better coordination of all supports
• Improved decision-making skills
• Greater independence in daily life
Best for: People with complex support needs, those transitioning to independence, participants needing coordination
Building connections and participating more fully in community life
Common Supports:
Expected Outcomes:
• Stronger social connections
• Increased community involvement
• Better communication skills
Best for: People wanting to build friendships, those feeling isolated, participants developing social skills
Employment support and workplace skills development
Common Supports:
Expected Outcomes:
• Successful job placement
• Increased work hours
• Better workplace skills
Best for: People seeking employment, those wanting to increase work hours, participants needing workplace support
Building better relationships with family, friends, and community
Common Supports:
Expected Outcomes:
• Better family relationships
• Improved communication skills
• Stronger friendships
Best for: People experiencing relationship difficulties, those wanting to improve communication, families needing support
Allied health therapies and wellness programs
Common Supports:
Expected Outcomes:
• Better physical function
• Improved mental health
• Enhanced communication abilities
Best for: People needing therapy, those with mental health needs, participants requiring health interventions
Educational support and skill development programs
Common Supports:
Expected Outcomes:
• Improved academic performance
• Better life skills
• Increased technology abilities
Best for: Students with disabilities, people developing basic skills, those transitioning to education
The Capacity Building Journey
Effective Capacity Building follows a structured approach from assessment to independence. Understanding this journey helps you set realistic expectations and measure progress.
Assessment & Planning
Understanding current abilities and setting realistic targets
Key Activities:
Success Tip:
Make goals specific, measurable, and time-bound for best results
Skill Development
Active learning and practice with professional support
Key Activities:
Success Tip:
Consistency and regular practice are key to successful skill development
Implementation & Practice
Applying new skills in real-world situations
Key Activities:
Success Tip:
Real-world practice helps embed skills permanently
Independence & Maintenance
Using skills independently with minimal support
Key Activities:
Success Tip:
The goal is to reduce reliance on paid supports over time
Smart Capacity Building Strategies
Learn proven strategies to maximize the impact of your Capacity Building investments and achieve lasting independence outcomes.
Everything should connect to your NDIS goals
Link every activity to your goals
Each Capacity Building support should clearly connect to achieving your NDIS plan goals
Action: Ask providers how each session helps achieve specific goals
Measure progress regularly
Track improvement using objective measures and milestone achievements
Action: Keep a skills journal or use apps to track progress
Adjust based on outcomes
Be willing to change approach if progress isn't meeting expectations
Action: Monthly review with providers to assess and adjust strategies
Apply learning across different life areas
Practice in multiple settings
Use new skills at home, work, and in community to reinforce learning
Action: Schedule practice opportunities in different environments
Connect with other supports
Integrate Capacity Building learning with Core Support activities
Action: Share progress with all support workers for consistent reinforcement
Build on existing strengths
Use current abilities as foundation for developing new skills
Action: Identify your strengths and how they can support new learning
Focus on reducing future support needs
Invest in lasting skills
Prioritize skills that will reduce reliance on paid supports long-term
Action: Choose interventions with permanent or long-lasting benefits
Plan for transitions
Prepare for life changes like moving, work changes, or aging
Action: Include transition planning in capacity building goals
Build support networks
Develop informal supports and community connections
Action: Use capacity building to strengthen family and community relationships
Different Approaches to Capacity Building
Choose the right timing approach for your goals, lifestyle, and learning preferences.
Focused burst of activity for specific skills
Best For:
Example:
3-month intensive communication therapy program
Advantages:
• Quick results
• Focused attention
• Clear endpoints
Consider:
• May be intense
• Risk of burnout
• Need follow-up support
Steady, sustainable skill development over extended period
Best For:
Example:
18-month supported employment program
Advantages:
• Sustainable pace
• Deep learning
• Natural integration
Consider:
• Slower visible progress
• Requires consistency
• Long commitment
Regular sessions with breaks for practice and integration
Best For:
Example:
Quarterly therapy blocks with practice periods
Advantages:
• Flexible timing
• Cost-effective
• Allows integration time
Consider:
• Need good planning
• Risk of losing momentum
• Requires self-motivation
Capacity Building Questions & Answers
Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Capacity Building supports effectively.
Continue Your Funding Journey
Explore other aspects of NDIS funding to optimize your entire plan.
Ready to Build Your Capacity for Independence?
Our experienced team can help you develop strategic Capacity Building plans that deliver lasting outcomes and greater independence.
