“Capacity building”? “Core supports”? “Participant”?
If you’ve ever stared at an NDIS plan and wondered whether it was written by a human or a robot… you’re not alone.
🧠 Words Matter — Especially in Support Work
Language can do two things. It can help you understand your world… or it can make you feel like an outsider in your own life.
At Heartfelt Support, we’re all about the first one.
That’s why we take the time to explain things in plain language. Whether we’re talking about how your plan works, what your support worker does, or why you’re being charged under 04_104_0125_6_1 (sorry about that one) — we’ll always say what we mean.
🛑 So Why Is There So Much Jargon?
The disability and aged care sectors are notorious for acronyms, buzzwords, and phrases that sound more like legal clauses than actual descriptions of human care.
Here’s just a sample of words you’ve probably seen:
- “Community access”
- “SIL, ILO, SDA, STA, MTA…”
- “Low-risk, high-touch environment”
- “Psychosocial disability”
- “Consumer-directed care”
Some of these words are useful behind the scenes. Others? They should probably be put in the recycling bin and rolled out on bin night.
💡 We Say: If It Needs Explaining, It Needs Rethinking
Here’s how we tackle it at Heartfelt Support:
| Instead of… | We say… |
|---|---|
| “Community access support” | “Let’s help you get out and about” |
| “Core supports for daily living” | “Help with everyday tasks” |
| “Psychosocial recovery coaching” | “Support for your mental wellbeing” |
| “Capacity building” | “Building your skills and confidence” |
| “Participant” | “You” |
Simple doesn’t mean dumb. It means respectful, human, and clear.
📘 12 Common Buzzwords (and What They Actually Mean)
| Buzzword | What It Actually Means |
|---|---|
| Participant | You (the person getting support) |
| Support Plan | A written document outlining what supports you get |
| Core Supports | Everyday help like cleaning, shopping, or personal care |
| Capacity Building | Services that help you learn, grow, or become more independent |
| Community Access | Help to get out and about — like going to the shops or social events |
| SIL (Supported Independent Living) | Living in shared housing with support workers |
| STA (Short-Term Accommodation) | A short stay somewhere (used to be called respite) |
| Psychosocial Disability | Mental health conditions that affect daily life |
| Recovery Coaching | Support to help you manage your mental health and build resilience |
| Therapeutic Supports | Services like psychology, speech therapy, or OT |
| Plan Management | A service that helps pay your invoices and track your NDIS budget |
| Funding Line Item | The specific NDIS code used to pay for something |
💡 If we ever use one of these terms without explaining it, we owe you a coffee.
🎯 Our Promise: No Buzzword Bingo
You won’t find us using language to sound smart or dodge responsibility. If we make a mistake, we’ll say so. If we can help explain something confusing in your plan, we’ll do that too.
And if you ever hear us say something like “utilise co-designed strength-based scaffolding for consumer outcomes” — please check if we’ve been replaced by robots.
💬 Because People Understand People — Not Bureaucracies
“I used to sit in plan meetings feeling like I was failing a test I hadn’t studied for. But with Heartfelt, it feels like I’m finally speaking the same language as my team.”
– Participant, Huntfield Heights
We don’t want to win points for “professionalism” by using special words. We want to win your trust by actually being useful.
🧭 Want a Provider Who Speaks Like a Human?
If you’re tired of needing a translator for your own support, let’s talk. We’ll never pretend that NDIS is simple — but we promise to help you make sense of it.
👉 Get in touch to start a conversation that makes sense
👉 Or learn more about our approach