CoAbility

CoAbility NDIS registered service provider CoAbility is an independent Support Coordination business in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Founded by Jenine Ellis, an experienced disability professional with a passion for human rights and social justice. CoAbility strives every day to support people to make connections that are right for them and their lifestyle.

Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants has taught us a lot, including:➡️ Every person brings their own commu...
25/09/2025

Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants has taught us a lot, including:

➡️ Every person brings their own communication style.
➡️ Inclusion isn’t just about what you say - it’s how you listen.
➡️ There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to access.

From slowing down, to writing things down, to simply pausing - these small shifts make a big difference.

We love that as Support Coordinators, we’re always learning.
What have you learned about access lately?

👇 Share it in the comments.



A circular infographic sits on a navy blue background with a subtle dot pattern. At the centre of the circle, it says:
"Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants has taught us a lot!"

The circle is divided into five pale pink outer segments, each containing one of the following points:

Slow down
Ask, not assume
There is no one-size-fits-all
Respect silence and pause
Use writing when needed

In the bottom right corner, there is an illustration of a person with pink hair and a white shirt, shown with a curious expression and a hand resting on their cheek, alongside a pink soundwave. The CoAbility logo appears in the top right, and the Instagram handle is shown in a button at the bottom left.

We see the good the NDIS brings – but we also see its challenges. One of the biggest and most contentious? The way Suppo...
24/09/2025

We see the good the NDIS brings – but we also see its challenges. One of the biggest and most contentious? The way Support Coordination is funded.

Right now, the model creates uncertainty for everyone involved. But what if funding worked differently?

In our latest blog, we share some of our musings on how a different model – inspired by Inclusive Employment Australia – could better support participants, stabilise providers, and encourage genuine outcomes.

💬 These are just our musings, not a policy pitch – but we think it’s a conversation worth having.

Read more 👉 https://coability.com.au/news/ and let us know what you think!

National Week of Deaf People starts today!If you’re not Deaf or Hard of Hearing, chances are you haven’t been taught how...
21/09/2025

National Week of Deaf People starts today!

If you’re not Deaf or Hard of Hearing, chances are you haven’t been taught how to communicate in an accessible way.

But that’s something we can all change - starting now.

This quick guide covers some common Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with Deaf or HoH people.

💬 From facing someone directly to avoiding outdated terms — small actions can make a big difference.

Every person is different. The most respectful thing you can do?
Ask what works for them.

📢 Start the week right - share this post to spread the word.



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A five-tile carousel post from CoAbility for National Week of Deaf People. The post uses a soft peach and blue colour palette with rounded cards and clear, accessible fonts.
Slide 1: Title slide with the heading: “Interacting with Deaf or Hard of Hearing People – Do’s & Don’ts. Swipe to find out.”
Slide 2: A list of Do’s, including: face them directly, use natural speech, write things down if needed, include them in group conversations, use appropriate terminology, and ask what works for them.
Slide 3: A list of Don’ts, including: don’t turn away, mumble, exaggerate speech, use outdated terms, or dismiss requests for clarification.
Slide 4: Reminder slide with the message: “Respect isn’t complicated. It just requires curiosity, care & communication.”
Slide 5: Call to action slide that reads: “Find this post helpful? Start the week right — share this with someone who needs it.”
All slides feature small “share this post” and “save for later” footers for engagement prompts.
The CoAbility logo and website appear throughout.

When the funding for big home modifications lands in your plan, it's the start line - not the finish line.Without someon...
14/09/2025

When the funding for big home modifications lands in your plan, it's the start line - not the finish line.

Without someone to coordinate the right people, manage timelines, and keep things moving… things can stall fast.

That’s where Support Coordinators like Penelope come in.

She didn’t just get the job done - she made sure her participant felt safe, respected, and in control the whole way through.

The result?
A safer bathroom. More dignity. Greater independence. One very happy participant.

💙 This is what Support Coordination is all about: turning a plan into real-world change.

Looking for a Support Coordinator who gets things done?

📞 Call us today — 1800 262 245
🌐 www.coability.com.au



Image Description:
A 6-tile social media carousel from CoAbility showcasing the work of Support Coordinator Penelope. It tells the story of how she helped a participant with a progressive disability turn urgent NDIS funding for home modifications into a completed, accessible bathroom — highlighting the practical impact of Support Coordination and ending with a call to action for new participants.

Support Coordinators walk alongside people through some of life’s hardest moments.We support people navigating trauma, g...
10/09/2025

Support Coordinators walk alongside people through some of life’s hardest moments.

We support people navigating trauma, grief, mental health and housing crises, and complex care needs.
We hold space when systems don’t work.
We juggle complexity, compassion, and compliance... every single day.

We hold it together because the work matters.
But this year, the pressure has been heavier than usual.

With all the change and uncertainty across the NDIS, Support Coordinators are tired.
Frustrated. Sometimes burnt out. Often underappreciated.
We know this because we hear it in our team. We feel it too.

So on R U OK? Day, we want to check in with the people behind the paperwork.

To every Support Coordinator, Recovery Coach, and practitioner:
💙 You don’t have to be endlessly strong.
💙 You don’t have to hold it all without help.
💙 You deserve support, too.

So today, we ask:
R U OK? Really?

💙 We see you. We value you.



Image Description:
Digital social media graphic from CoAbility for R U OK? Day 2025. The design features a soft peach background with rounded blue text that reads:
“This R U OK? Day, take a minute to check in on the Support Coordinators. They always hold a lot... but this year is different!”
The phrase “Support Coordinators” is highlighted in a light blue rounded box.
In the bottom corners are the CoAbility website (top right) and logo (bottom right). The post aims to raise awareness of the emotional load Support Coordinators carry, especially during times of sector-wide change.

🎨🎶 NDIS Update: Art & Music Therapy Pricing 🎶🎨Last year, the NDIA proposed slashing the hourly rate for Art and Music Th...
10/09/2025

🎨🎶 NDIS Update: Art & Music Therapy Pricing 🎶🎨

Last year, the NDIA proposed slashing the hourly rate for Art and Music Therapy from $193.99 to just $67.65.
💬 The disability community pushed back...hard!

Thanks to that advocacy, the cut was paused, and an independent review was launched.

That review is now complete, and real changes are coming. From November 24, these therapies will be capped at $156.16/hr (the same as counselling).

📌 Therapists must be qualified
📌 Registered with a professional association
📌 And link their supports to participant goals and outcomes

This isn’t about limiting access...it’s about protecting access by making sure these therapies are delivered in the right way, by the right people, to get real outcomes.

If you use Art or Music Therapy, now’s the time to:
✔️ Check the qualifications of your therapist
✔️ Review your goals to assure they align with the therapy you're accessing
✔️ Talk with your Support Coordinator if you need assistance or clarity

We're here to help make sense of it all - because creative supports do belong in the NDIS, but confusion doesn't!

Follow us for updates 💙



Image Description:

A 7-tile Instagram carousel from CoAbility explaining the recent NDIS decision on Art and Music Therapy pricing. It starts by outlining the NDIA's 2023 attempt to reduce pricing from $193.99/hr to $67.65/hr, the backlash that paused it, and the independent review that followed. The review found that Art and Music Therapy can be effective if delivered by qualified professionals and tied to participant goals. The new pricing, effective November 24, sets the cap at $156.16/hr. The carousel encourages participants to check their therapist’s credentials, prepare for reviews, and reach out to Support Coordinators for help. Uses CoAbility’s accessible visual brand and calm, participant-centred language.

When Ali had a stroke at 34, she wasn’t sure what life would look like next.She was told neuro-rehab could help, but did...
08/09/2025

When Ali had a stroke at 34, she wasn’t sure what life would look like next.

She was told neuro-rehab could help, but didn’t know where to start. So she connected with us at CoAbility.

We understand that with neurological rehabilitation, not all progress is visible from the outside.

Because neuro-rehab isn’t just about walking or talking again. It’s about relearning daily routines, managing fatigue, regulating emotions, and navigating significant life changes.

It’s about the quiet, personal work of recovery, and the support needed to make it sustainable.

CoAbility helped Ali:
✔️ Find a rehab team experienced in working with younger adults (yes, 34 is young!)
✔️ Secure funding for OT, physio, and psychology
✔️ Access support workers familiar with stroke recovery
✔️ Prepare for reviews and reassessments with strong documentation

One year later, Ali’s not “back to how she was”...but she is discovering what’s next, with the right support in place.

Neuro-Rehab Awareness Day is about recognising those rebuilding after brain injury, stroke, or neurological conditions...one goal at a time. Just like Ali! 🤩

At CoAbility, we support NDIS participants through the messy middle of recovery.

We coordinate. We support. We listen.

Because even invisible progress matters.



Image Description:
A stylised awareness tile features a white speech bubble outlined in blue, emerging from a pink megaphone. Inside the bubble is the message: “Some progress is invisible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening!” The words “invisible” are highlighted in pink for emphasis. Below the speech bubble, the text reads: “Neuro-Rehab Awareness Day 2025.” CoAbility’s logo appears in the top right corner. The background includes pink arrows and dotted decorative elements to give a light, hopeful tone.

📞 “It was just a check-in call… or so they thought.”We’re hearing this more than we’d like from participants:They answer...
05/09/2025

📞 “It was just a check-in call… or so they thought.”

We’re hearing this more than we’d like from participants:

They answer a friendly call from the NDIS to “check in,” only to find out days later that their plan has been changed — with no review meeting, no support person present, and no warning.

This isn’t transparency.
This isn’t choice and control.
And for some, it’s causing real harm.

👉 If you receive a call like this, you have rights:
✔️ Ask if it’s a plan review call
✔️ Say you’re not comfortable having the discussion without your Support Coordinator or other trusted support
✔️ Request a formal, in-person meeting instead

At CoAbility, we help you prepare, ask the right questions, and stay in control — every step of the way.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to read more in our latest blog, or to get support now.



Image Description:
A five-tile Instagram carousel by CoAbility, with large blue text on a white background.

Slide 1: Quote in large text: “I thought it was just a check-in call. Next thing I knew, I had a new plan.” Smaller text explains this was from a participant who didn't realise the call was a plan reassessment.

Slide 2: Text reads: “We are hearing this more than we would like from our participants.” Smaller text explains that participants are receiving cold calls from the NDIS, agreeing to check-ins, and then being issued new plans without proper review.

Slide 3: Text reads: “This process is confusing, distressing, and often, unfair.” Smaller text highlights the impact: less funding, less clarity, and no real say in plan changes.

Slide 4: Text reads: “If you get a call from the NDIS, you have the right to:” Followed by a bulleted list: ask if it’s a review, ask if a new plan will result, say you're not comfortable without your Support Coordinator, and request a formal review instead.

Slide 5: Text reads: “At CoAbility, we help you prepare, ask the right questions, and stay in control.” Smaller text adds: “Because plans should be built with you — not around you.”

📣 We're Hiring: Maternity Leave Cover – Macedon Ranges, VictoriaAre you an experienced Support Coordinator looking to ma...
04/09/2025

📣 We're Hiring: Maternity Leave Cover – Macedon Ranges, Victoria

Are you an experienced Support Coordinator looking to make a meaningful impact?

We’re on the lookout for someone amazing to step into a maternity leave caseload from late Sept ’25 to Aug ’26, supporting participants in the Macedon Ranges region (think: Romsey, Woodend, Sunbury & surrounds 🌿).

🔹 100% Remote Work
🔹 Competitive Contractor Rates
🔹 Supportive, values-led team
🔹 Ongoing opportunity possible

At CoAbility, we’ve been delivering ethical, independent Support Coordination since 2017. We’re known for our integrity, inclusive team culture, and rock-solid systems that let you focus on what matters most – your participants.

💬 Sound like your kind of role?

👉🏼 https://www.seek.com.au/job/86902207 to learn more and apply.

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is about more than raising awareness — it’s about sharing practical ways to support re...
01/09/2025

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is about more than raising awareness — it’s about sharing practical ways to support real people living with SCI every day.

One of those ways? A Webster pack 💊

It might seem like a small change, but for many people, it’s one less thing to worry about, and one more way to regain control in their life.

When you’re managing multiple medications, a pre-packed medication organiser can take the pressure off.

That’s where Webster packs can make a big difference.

✅ All your medications pre-packed by time and day
✅ Easier to manage independently or with minimal support
✅ Safer - fewer errors or missed doses
✅ Packed by professionals
✅ Less stress

And yes, you may even be able to claim Webster packs, but not the medication packed in them, under your NDIS Consumables budget. Or better yet, some of the larger pharmacies will provide your medications in Webster Packs free of packing charges.

📌 During Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, we’re all about promoting practical supports that improve quality of life. Webster packs are a small thing that can make a big difference.

Smart support matters.

📞 1800 262 245
🔗 coability.com.au

Image Description: The image features a black-and-white photo of a smiling man in a wheelchair watching a child climbing a rope structure. The mood is warm and relaxed, capturing a candid moment of connection. A white text box overlays the centre with bold blue writing that reads: “It’s Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week. Let’s talk about one simple tool that can support independence, safety, and peace of mind.” The CoAbility icon sits at the top left of the box.

You shouldn’t have to hide who you are to feel safe, seen, and supported.We know that visibility matters. Belonging matt...
29/08/2025

You shouldn’t have to hide who you are to feel safe, seen, and supported.
We know that visibility matters. Belonging matters. You matter.

I know this firsthand - as someone who didn’t feel safe enough to fully accept my identity until later in life, I know what it’s like to shrink yourself just to feel safe. To hold parts of yourself back because the world doesn’t always make room for all of you.

At CoAbility, we see you...exactly as you are. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or just trying to exist as your full self in a system that wasn’t built for you - you don’t need to justify, hide, or explain yourself here.

💜 You are safe here.
💜 You are seen here.
💜 You are supported here.

This Wear It Purple Day, we’re proud to stand alongside every young person, every adult, and every member of our community who is still figuring it out — or who figured it out long ago and just needed someone to say: we’ve got you.

Image Description:
A clean, minimalistic social media tile in CoAbility’s style. The background is soft pink. The quote is written in large navy text:
“You shouldn’t have to hide who you are to feel…” followed by three stacked words — safe, seen, and supported — each in bright purple inside outlined boxes. A navy comma and full stop appear after safe and supported respectively.
At the bottom, “Wear It Purple Day 2025” is written in navy and purple text.

Need a Support Coordinator who’s actually in your corner?🩷 No hard sell.🩷 No false promises.🩷 Just real, honest support ...
27/08/2025

Need a Support Coordinator who’s actually in your corner?

🩷 No hard sell.
🩷 No false promises.
🩷 Just real, honest support - the way it should be.

At CoAbility, we keep things simple, human, and real. If you’re looking for someone who listens, follows through, and truly gets the NDIS - you might’ve just found your people.

Let’s make your plan work for you.
🔗 coability.com.au

Image Description: Carousel post titled "Need a Support Coordinator?" with pastel pink and navy backgrounds. Features text highlighting CoAbility's approach to honest, respectful, and responsive NDIS support coordination.

Address

36-38 Gipps Street/Suite 8, VIC
Collingwood, NSW
3066

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800262245

Website

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Our Story

CoAbility is an independent Support Coordination business with a Head Office in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It was established in the middle of 2017 as a direct result of the need for independent Support Coordination providers in Victoria. We have a team of Support Coordinators who cover the whole state. At CoAbility we believe that quality, independent Support Coordination can vastly improve a participants NDIS journey. By connecting our clients with carefully chosen support providers who fit with their needs, we are building genuinely authentic connections with excellent results across the board.