What is the Role of the Local Area Coordinator (LAC)?

A group of people are making a circle with their hands around a wheelchair.

Collaborating with a Local Area Coordinator.

When it comes to understanding the intricacies of the NDIS and managing your NDIS Plan, a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can have a significant impact.


Most individuals participating in the NDIS who are aged 9 and above will be assigned an LAC to serve as their primary contact for the NDIS. This means you can reach out to your LAC to talk about the assistance you require for your plan.


What is an LAC, and how can they assist you?

A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is a professional who collaborates with the NDIS. While they are not employed by the NDIS, their primary role is to guide you in understanding the scheme and your plan.


Any inquiries or concerns you may have as a participant can be addressed to your LAC.

Your LAC can assist you in various ways, such as:


  • Explaining the NDIS
  • Walking you through your plan and clarifying the supports you qualify for
  • Helping you define your goals
  • Connecting you with the supports you require
  • Enhancing your ability to make independent decisions
  • Linking you to local community resources


LACs can provide assistance at any stage of your NDIS journey.


It is essential to remember that while LACs are available to help participants use their plans effectively, they are not authorized to approve or grant permission for the purchase of supports. If you require approval to use your NDIS funding for a product or service, you must obtain it from an NDIA Planner.

A man in a wheelchair is shaking hands with a woman at a table.

How can you connect with an LAC?

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) offer a free, community-based service, meaning you don’t need to pay to access their assistance. They are available to support anyone interested in learning more about the NDIS, even if you don’t yet have an official plan.


If an LAC determines that you are not eligible for the NDIS, they will guide you toward other programs and services that may better suit your needs.


You can locate your nearest LAC office on the NDIS website.


Understanding your plan with your LAC

Once you are approved as a participant, the NDIS will create your plan based on the information you and your LAC provided during the application process.


After your plan is created, you will be invited to arrange a planning meeting with either your LAC or an NDIA Planner.


You can reach out to your LAC for help at any stage. They can assist with understanding your plan, how to use it, or what items and services your funding can cover.


Setting goals with your LAC

A key part of your NDIS Plan is setting personal goals. If you find it challenging to come up with goals, your LAC can support you.


Do you have dreams about how you’d like to live your life? What experiences, opportunities, or achievements might be possible with additional support from your NDIS Plan?


Your LAC or NDIA Planner will help you develop these goals during your initial planning meeting.

You can revise and refine your goals with your LAC at any point during your plan.


Handling significant changes to your supports with your LAC

For many NDIS participants, one of the most complex aspects of the scheme is understanding the support categories, especially when new changes are introduced.


This is where your LAC can step in. They can clarify the support categories for you and, if you’re already a participant, help you understand recent changes and how they may affect you.


It’s normal for it to take some time to grasp the details of your supports and get comfortable using them. If you need guidance with managing your funding or understanding how to use your budgets across different support categories, your LAC is your go-to resource.

They’ll answer any questions and explain how your funding works.


Building community connections with your LAC

Community plays a vital role in supporting NDIS participants, and your LAC is there to help you strengthen these connections.


Depending on your goals, support needs, and location, your LAC can assist in many ways, such as:


  • Sharing information about programs or activities in your area
  • Connecting you with community groups, recreational events, and social networks
  • Helping you expand and reinforce your support network
  • Explaining your options for accessing community-based assistance
  • Demonstrating how community support can help you achieve your NDIS goals


Curious about how Disability Pathway Solutions can make a difference in your journey?

Reach out to our friendly team at 0402 058 904, email us at admin@disabilitypathwaysolutions.com.au or send us a message on our Contact Us form.