Community Participation
Disability support in your community
Community Participation is a Ministry of Social Development-funded service that supports disabled people and people with health conditions to build connections, confidence and opportunities in their local communities.
We work alongside you and your whānau, using Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles, to plan and work toward everyday life outcomes that matter to you.
Content on this page
[ccs-a1] Accessible information
[ccs-a1] About this service
[ccs-a1] Who is this service for?
[ccs-a1] What we can support you with
[ccs-a1] How we work with you
[ccs-a1] How to access Community Participation
[ccs-a1] Where we provide this service
[ccs-a1] About CCS Disability Action
[ccs-a1] Frequently asked questions
[ccs-a1] Get in touch
Accessible information
Coming soon:
Easy Read information about Community Participation (downloadable PDF)
NZSL video explaining this service
Large print and screen reader Word document
If you need information in another format, please contact us and we will work with you to find a solution.
About this service
Community Participation helps you take part in ordinary community life in ways that feel right for you – from building friendships and routines to preparing for study, volunteering or work.
For some people that means focusing on social and community engagement; for others it is about building skills and confidence for the next step, such as employment or further learning.
We are contracted by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to provide Community Participation services across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our role is to meet you where you are at, create a plan with you and your whānau, and walk alongside you as you work toward your goals.
Who is Community Participation for?
This service is typically for adults who have left school and are generally under the age of 65, who have an impairment or health condition that will last six months or more and who need extra support to take part in their community.
You might be leaving school, looking for something new, wanting to get more involved in your community, or building skills for future work or study.
You might already receive other disability support or this may be your first time seeking support.
We welcome enquiries and referrals from people who meet MSD's Community Participation eligibility criteria.
If you’re unsure if you are eligible, you’re welcome to get in touch with your nearest CCS Disability Action branch to have an informal chat to see if Community Participation might be right for you.
What we can support you with
Depending on your goals and plan, we can support you to:
Build and maintain friendships and social connections in your community.
Explore and try community, cultural, recreational or faith activities that matter to you.
Build skills and confidence for future work, volunteering or study (for example time management, communication, getting to places, or being part of a team).
Learn and practice everyday skills at your own pace, in real-life settings.
Understand and navigate other services, funding and supports that may be available to you.
Our practice is grounded in EGL principles like self-determination and building inclusive communities, so your plan is led by what a good life looks like to you.
How we work with you
We use a person-directed, whānau-centred approach shaped by Enabling Good Lives and our long history of working alongside disabled people and whānau.
We focus on your strengths, culture and preferences, and agree clear steps together.
Together we will:
Talk about what is important to you now and for the future.
Co-design a flexible plan that fits your strengths, culture and routines.
Support you in your community – doing things with you, not for you.
Regularly review how things are going and adjust your plan as your goals or life change.
How to access Community Participation
To access any disability support, including Community Participation, the best place to start is by meeting with a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service in your area.
If you find the process difficult, you could also contact your local branch and check whether you may be eligible for this support.
We have offices across Aotearoa New Zealand, and we offer Community Participation across the motu under a national agreement with the Ministry of Social Development.
If you are eligible for MSD-funded Community Participation, you may be given a few options for a disability support provider to work with you. You’re welcome to connect with our team before you choose, if that is the case.
Steps to get started:
Contact your local NASC or nearest CCS Disability Action branch.
Let them know you are interested in MSD-funded Community Participation and that you would like CCS Disability Action to be your provider, where we are available, and you feel we fit your needs.
The NASC will work with you to check eligibility and funding, and confirm the supports you can receive
Once funding is confirmed, we will meet with you and your whānau to plan your Community Participation support.
Finding your local NASC:
You can find a list of NASCs on the NASCA website under "Needs assessment services".
The Disabiliy Support Services website also explains what you can expect and has a list of NASCs across the county.Your GP, local hospital or community health service may also be able to tell you which NASC supports your area.
If you are unsure, contact us and we can help you find the right contact.
Where CCS Disability Action provides Community Participation
We provide MSD-funded Community Participation services through our network of branches across Aotearoa New Zealand.
To check details for your area or find your nearest office, visit the Branch information page of our website or get in touch by phone or email.
About CCS Disability Action
With decades of experience supporting disabled people and their families, we are proud to walk alongside disabled people and their whānau with care, respect, and deep understanding.
Our Community Participation teams bring considerable experience and align with the Enabling Good Lives principles to ensure your voice is at the centre of our work together.
Frequently asked questions
What is Community Participation?
Community Participation is an MSD-funded disability support service that helps you take part in everyday life in your community – socially, culturally and sometimes through work or learning.
Is Community Participation the same as day programmes?
Community Participation may include some centre-based activities if that is your choice but the focus is on being in and with your community, building real connections and skills in everyday settings.
Who pays for Community Participation?
MSD provides funding to approved providers, including CCS Disability Action, so the support is free for disabled people. There may be some costs for optional activities, transport or personal expenses which we will always discuss with you first.
Can I choose CCS Disability Action as my provider?
If MSD funds Community Participation in your area you can choose CCS Disability Action as your provider.
What if I do not qualify for Community Participation funding?
We can still talk with you about local community options, advocacy and other services that may be available to you and your whānau.
How is CCS Disability Action’ approach different?
We use Enabling Good Lives principles to support you to lead your own life, build natural and community connections, and move toward the everyday life you want, not just attend a programme.
Is Community Participation the same everywhere in New Zealand?
Community Participation is funded by MSD as a national service, so the core eligibility criteria and service offering are the same wherever you live, although your individual plan will always be tailored to your local community and goals.
Talk with our team
If you have questions about Community Participation, whether you might be eligible for disability support, or you would like a brochure sent to you, please get in touch with our team.
You can:
Ask us about your situation and what support might be available
Request a Community Participation brochure in print, PDF or Easy Read
Get help to understand NASC eligibility and how to make a referral.