CoAbility

CoAbility NDIS registered Independent Support Coordination and Recovery Coaching 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.

If you don’t have Support Coordination funding, you’re often left to navigate the NDIS ecosystem, manage budgets, and hu...
02/03/2026

If you don’t have Support Coordination funding, you’re often left to navigate the NDIS ecosystem, manage budgets, and hunt for providers entirely on your own. It’s overwhelming, time-consuming, and let’s be honest, completely exhausting.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

CoAbility’s 'fee-for-service' Plan Navigation is designed to take that weight off your shoulders.

It's not big-picture coordination; it’s targeted support for the "basics" that take up so much of your energy. Whether you need help understanding your portal, setting up a Plan Manager, or lodging a Change of Circumstance, we are here to help you work smarter, not harder.

Why choose Plan Navigation?
✅ Tailored packages or by the hour (no one-size-fits-all)
✅ Flexible support via phone, email and/or video call
✅ $75/hr + GST
✅ Build your own capacity to eventually go it alone!

Swipe through to see how we can help, and contact us via the link in our bio to get started.

Let’s use today, International Wheelchair Day, to retire the phrase "wheelchair-bound" once and for all! 🙄Look at this p...
28/02/2026

Let’s use today, International Wheelchair Day, to retire the phrase "wheelchair-bound" once and for all! 🙄

Look at this photo - this isn't a picture of someone confined to or by their wheelchair. This is a picture of independence and autonomy.

Too often, society views a wheelchair as something to pity - a tragedy or a cage. But for the person in the seat, that chair is often their means of freedom.

It allows them to get to work, meet friends, or, like in this photo, grab their own groceries without needing to ask for help.

The thing that actually "confines" people isn't the wheels. It is the stairs where there should be a ramp, the doorways too narrow to manoeuvre, and the accessible bathrooms all too often used for storage.

Let’s stop pitying the mobility aid and start fixing the architecture and access.

And to all our wheelie friends: May your battery always be charged, and your path always be paved. 🦄

Image Description: A candid black-and-white photo of a man in a power wheelchair shopping in a supermarket. He is reaching up high to grab an item from a shelf, with a shopping basket resting on his lap. He looks focused and independent.

This Saturday, February 28th, is Rare Disease Day.At CoAbility, we know that living with a rare disease often means pavi...
26/02/2026

This Saturday, February 28th, is Rare Disease Day.

At CoAbility, we know that living with a rare disease often means paving your own path. It means fighting harder for a diagnosis, educating every new provider you meet, and battling an NDIS system that doesn’t always know how to handle outside-the-box needs.

To those in our community on this journey: We see your exhaustion, your resilience, and your fierce advocacy.

To show support for the global rare disease community, landmarks around the world will illuminate this Saturday to mark the day.

We wanted to share this early so you can plan ahead! A small group of volunteers, supported by Rare Voices Australia (RVA), has coordinated illuminations across Australia, so keep a lookout for participating landmarks, including:

ACT: National Museum of Australia
NSW: Newcastle City Hall Clock Tower Face
NT: Darwin Civic Centre
QLD: Victoria Bridge
SA: Adelaide Convention Centre
TAS: Launceston Town Hall
VIC: AAMI Park Stadium
WA: Optus Stadium

Want to see if there is another landmark lighting up closer to you? Checkout Rare Voices Australia's page for more details.

If you head out to see them this weekend, we encourage you to snap a photo!
You can tag us and email your photos to communications@rarevoices.org.au to be shared on RVA's social media.



Image Description in comments.

Advocacy is a love language. ❤️While the rest of the world is posting roses and chocolates, we know that for many of you...
14/02/2026

Advocacy is a love language. ❤️

While the rest of the world is posting roses and chocolates, we know that for many of you, "love" looks a little different today.

Love is staying up late to decipher a plan.
Love is writing that appeal letter.
Love is refusing to take "No" for an answer.

To the parents, partners, sons, daughters, carers, fighters, and relentless advocates: We see you.

We see you, today and every day. ❤️



[Image ID: A graphic with a white background and pink text. The headline reads: "SENDING EXTRA LOVE TODAY TO THOSE WHO..."

Below is a collage of pink photo frames taped to the wall, containing the following notes:

"Spent their 'date night' filling out NDIS paperwork... again!"

"Show their love by fighting the red tape."

"Are their child's only voice!"

"Can't get a support worker for the evening."

"Are fighting a funding cut instead of buying flowers."

"Are holding it all together when they feel like falling apart."

"Love their person enough to flip tables for them."

"Show their love through advocacy, every single day."

Bottom text reads: "...AND ANYONE ELSE FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT. YOU ARE DOING AN AMAZING JOB!" The CoAbility logo is in the corner. End ID]

Eighteen years ago today, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a formal apology in Parliament to Australia’s First Nation...
13/02/2026

Eighteen years ago today, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a formal apology in Parliament to Australia’s First Nations peoples for the forced removal of children from their families (the Stolen Generations) by past government policies.

This apology acknowledged the profound grief, suffering, and loss caused by these past actions and marked the first step towards reconciliation.

While the Apology in 2008 was a historic moment, we know that for many First Nations families, the trauma is not "history", but an ongoing reality.

In the disability sector, we see the ripple effects of intergenerational trauma every day. We see it in health outcomes, the distrust of government systems, and the need for support that is truly culturally safe.

At CoAbility, we believe acknowledging the past is the only way to build a supportive future, and reconciliation must live in the hearts and minds of all Australians.

So, today and every day, we pay deep respect to all members of the Stolen Generations; those who made it home, those who never did, and those who are still searching.

"Sorry" is not just a word. It must be a commitment to doing better!

Image Description: A minimalist graphic with a dark blue background featuring subtle Indigenous circular artwork patterns. A white central panel reads "MORE THAN A WORD" in bold blue text, with the CoAbility logo above it containing the same artwork pattern.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should be an "NDIS Provider"? The rules are changing, and the government is seeking your feedback.Cur...
05/02/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should be an "NDIS Provider"?

The rules are changing, and the government is seeking your feedback.

Currently, the definition of an "NDIS Provider" is extremely broad. Technically, it can include anyone who sells a service or product paid for with NDIS funding, even a mainstream shop selling you an iPad.

The new proposal aims to fix this by introducing a "Risk-Proportionate" Model.

What is being proposed? Instead of a "one size fits all" registration, providers would fit into 4 categories based on the risk of the support:

1️⃣ Advanced: For high-risk supports (like group homes) – In-depth registration.
2️⃣ General: For medium-risk supports (like 1:1 community access) – Graduated registration.
3️⃣ Basic: For low-risk supports (limited 1:1 contact) – Light-touch registration.
4️⃣ Purchase Visibility: For mainstream retailers (like buying an iPad or sensory toys) – NO registration required, just visibility in the payment system.

Why does this matter? This definition will determine who you can buy supports from and how much red tape they (and you) have to deal with.

How to give feedback: Everyone is invited to submit feedback in the format that suits them, including:
Video 🎥
Pictures 🖼️
Writing 📝
Or answer the survey questions ✅

Consultation closes: 28 February 2026.

Don't let these decisions be made without you. Check the consultation paper - https://coability.link/bio

"I asked for a classroom aide for my child, and the Principal said 'No'." It’s the most frustrating roadblock parents fa...
01/02/2026

"I asked for a classroom aide for my child, and the Principal said 'No'."

It’s the most frustrating roadblock parents face at this time of year. So, we went straight to the source to find out what is actually going on.

We asked a Victorian Assistant Principal for the "hot tea" ☕️ on school funding.

Her answer changed everything: "We aren't the enemy. We want the funding too. But without the specific data points required by the Department, our hands are tied."

The Secret? In Victoria, the "Disability Inclusion" model isn't based on diagnosis; it's based on the evidence.

If you haven't had a Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP) meeting yet, that is your first step. Don't accept a "No" until you ask for this meeting.

Once you are in the meeting, here is the Sledgehammer you need to break through the brick walls - to unlock Tier 3 funding (which pays for Education Support staff), you must provide the data to prove your child needs either:

🔹 3 Extensive Adjustments (e.g., constant safety supervision, full physical assistance with meals or toileting), OR
🔹 8 Substantial Adjustments (e.g., regular social support, frequent verbal prompting or visual schedules to stay on task).

Don't fight the school; arm them.
Your school likely lacks the clinical evidence to tick those boxes. Bring your NDIS reports (OT, Speech, Psych) to the DIP meeting. Show them exactly where the functional gaps are.

When you provide the school with the evidence they need, you help them secure the funding you need.

Need updated reports for your Profile meeting? We can help connect you to the right people.
Reach out for a chat - https://coability.link/bio



Image Description: A carousel of 8 graphics titled "Don't just take no for an answer – Back to School Edition." The slides explain the strategy for securing Tier 3 Disability Inclusion Funding in Victorian schools. It details the "Disability Inclusion Profile" (DIP) meeting and the "3 or 8 Rule," which requires evidence of either 3 Extensive Adjustments (like constant safety supervision or physical assistance) or 8 Substantial Adjustments (like modified curriculum or social support). The slides encourage parents to "Arm the school" with NDIS reports rather than fighting them. The final slide offers support from CoAbility to connect with therapists for evidence gathering.

🛑 STOP SCROLLING if you are under 65 and on an Aged Care package.For years, the NDIA has rejected applications from peop...
29/01/2026

🛑 STOP SCROLLING if you are under 65 and on an Aged Care package.

For years, the NDIA has rejected applications from people under 65 simply because they were already accessing an Aged Care package. They argued that if another system could fund you, the NDIS shouldn't.

A new Federal Court decision (Sutherland v NDIA) just proved them wrong.

Why this is a big deal:

1️⃣ The ruling: The Court confirmed that eligibility is about your lifetime need for disability support, not about what other government systems you are currently touching.

2️⃣ The impact: This is massive for Indigenous Australians (who can access Aged Care at 50) and those at risk of homelessness who utilise early Aged Care. You are no longer trapped in a system with capped funding and co-payments.

3️⃣ The precedent: This legally obligates the NDIA to change how they interpret the law.

This is a victory for fair access. If you have been rejected in the past or were afraid to apply, the landscape has changed. It's time to try again.

Let us help you apply. We can assist anyone under 65 with their NDIS application to make sure this new ruling works in your favour.

👉 Contact us today at 1800 262 245 or check us out at https://coability.link/bio

Today, we pause to reflect.At CoAbility, we know January 26 holds different meanings for different people in our communi...
25/01/2026

Today, we pause to reflect.

At CoAbility, we know January 26 holds different meanings for different people in our community.

For many, it is a day to relax and connect with family; for others, specifically our First Nations friends and colleagues, it is a day of deep reflection and sorrow.

As a care provider, our core value is inclusion. That means making space for everyone’s story and ensuring all our participants and staff feel safe, heard, and respected on their own terms.

Today, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we all love, and pay our respects to the oldest continuous living culture in the world.

However you are spending today, look out for one another. 🖤💛❤️

"Help...my review is in two weeks, and I don't know what to do!" 😱This is the most common panic call we get from partici...
23/01/2026

"Help...my review is in two weeks, and I don't know what to do!" 😱

This is the most common panic call we get from participants looking for support. And unfortunately, 2 weeks often isn't enough time to gather the high-quality evidence you need to increase (or protect) your funding.

A successful Plan Review doesn't happen on the day of the meeting. It happens in the 3 months leading up to it.

We use the 90-Day Rule with our participants:

❇️ 90 Days Out: We chase up all Allied Health providers. Do we need a new Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)? Is the Speech Pathologist recommending more hours? We get those requests in the queue now.

❇️ 60 Days Out: We audit the budget. If you are underspent, we look at why. Did you struggle to find providers? If so, we make sure you are on waiting lists and get written confirmation so we have evidence when we need to explain (so they don't cut your funding).

❇️ 30 Days Out: We work on your script. We draft your new goals, send all evidence to the Planner/LAC before the meeting, and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to go.

The meeting itself should just be a formality. The real work is already done.

This is your sign to stop waiting for the letter. Start planning the strategy today.

Is your review scheduled for 2026? Let’s make sure you are ready.
Link in bio - https://coability.link/bio

"I sent the invoice, but my Plan Manager refused to pay it! Can they do that?" 🤷🏼‍♀️Since the NDIS legislation changes i...
20/01/2026

"I sent the invoice, but my Plan Manager refused to pay it! Can they do that?" 🤷🏼‍♀️

Since the NDIS legislation changes in October 2024, the answer is... it depends.

The role of the Plan Manager has shifted. They aren't just "paying the bills" anymore; they are now legally required to be the "Goalkeeper" against non-compliant spending.

But you still have rights. Here is the breakdown of who holds the power:

🛑 If an item is on the official NDIS "List of Non-Supports" (Section 10), your Plan Manager is legally bound to reject it.

Examples: Standard groceries, gaming consoles, rent, or cosmetic treatments.

The Reality: Don't shoot the messenger. If they pay these, they (and you) could face debt recovery action, which is bad enough, but for a Plan Manager, it can have serious consequences on their registration and business.

✅ If the support is NOT on the banned list, but your Plan Manager is hesitating because they "aren't sure," you can push back.

The Reality: If you have a letter from an Allied Health professional linking the purchase to your disability needs and goals, you are the decision maker.

The Takeaway: Your Plan Manager is there to keep you compliant, not to control your life.

🔹 If it's banned: They have to stop it.
🔹 If it's not banned: Provide evidence, tell them to pay and take responsibility for your purchase.

Confused about what is actually allowed in 2026? We help our participants navigate the "Yes," "No," and "Grey" areas every day.

Jump on the link to reach out: https://coability.link/RequestService

"My Support Coordinator suggested a provider, but do I have to choose them?" 🤨Let’s clear this up once and for all: NO.I...
19/01/2026

"My Support Coordinator suggested a provider, but do I have to choose them?" 🤨

Let’s clear this up once and for all: NO.

In the NDIS, "Choice and Control" isn't just a catchy slogan; it is your fundamental right.

🚩 The Red Flag: Some large agencies operate as "One Stop Shops." They might pressure you to use their in-house Occupational Therapists, their Cleaners, or their Support Workers. This can sometimes create a "Conflict of Interest" where they prioritise their revenue over your best fit.

🛡️ The CoAbility Standard: We are proudly independent. We don't have a hidden agenda. We don't funnel you into our own services, and we don't have hidden financial arrangements (kickbacks) with other providers for referrals.

Our job is to be your headhunter:
1️⃣ We research the market.
2️⃣ We bring you a shortlist of the best available providers (independent of us).
3️⃣ YOU decide who to work with.

Looking for a team that puts your choice first? We are taking new clients for 2026.

Link in bio to chat: https://coability.link/bio

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

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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.