Short-term Accommodation (STA) & Assisted Travel
Take a break, explore new places, try new activities, participate in events and experiences, build new skills and form new friendships with Align Ability’s flexible short-term stay and assisted travel support.
So, what exactly is STA?
Short-term Accommodation (including respite) is designed to provide a well-earned break for NDIS participants and their informal support(s), as well as opportunities for increased independence, skill development and social and community participation.
It allows you to spend time away from your home and informal support, while still receiving the care you need and providing opportunities to progress towards your personal goals.
It can give you a change of scenery, a break from your usual routine and also allows your caregivers to take some time for themselves.
At Align Ability, we offer safe, flexible and adaptable STA, respite and assisted travel options, tailored to suit your needs and preferences.
We’ve got you covered!
Align Ability’s STA support covers everything you need to get away, including:
- Accommodation
- Support worker assistance for the duration of your stay
- Food
- Activities
- Transport during the stay
Traveling for an event, to visit friends or family, or for a holiday?
Our assisted travel support can help you bring the support you need with you during interstate/international holidays, events and visits. This is different to STA and will be organised alongside you according to your support needs and plans so please get in touch with us to start the conversation and get planning!
Love to explore new places? So do we!
Some of our past Align Ability STA trips and experiences include:
- Ballarat including Sovereign Hill, Paddle Boating on the lake, tram rides and botanical gardens.
- Phillip Island for wildlife parks, penguin parades, coastal walks, beach days.
- Yarra Valley for Healesville Sanctuary, train rides, chocolate factories, wineries and bush walks.
- Sydney for sporting events, concerts, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi, Taronga Zoo, Blue Mountains and more
- Melbourne City stays visiting Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, museums, galleries, Botanical Gardens, shopping, markets, theatre shows and musicals.
- Mornington Peninsula getaway to the hot springs, coastal and bush walks, Arthurs Seat and Eagle chairlift, mini golf, beach days, wineries and more.
- Great Ocean Road for road trips, 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, Lorne, Otways National Park, coastal walks, surfing, Torquay.
Skill Development and Personal Growth through STA
STA isn't just about providing temporary accommodation - it's an opportunity for personal development and enabling independence. STA in conjunction with Align Ability support worker assistance can help you to:
Work towards your individual goals such as building confidence, developing social skills, fostering essential life skills like cooking, budgeting, and public transport navigation or accessing community-based activities and events without your informal supports.
Engage in events and activities designed to both entertain and challenge you, allowing you to try new things, see new places and aid in your overall personal growth and development.
For NDIS participants, our STA supports fall under Assistance with Daily Living within Core Supports.
Eligible NDIS participants can have STA added to their NDIS plan. To do so follow these steps:
Discuss STA in your NDIS planning meeting.
When you meet with your NDIS planner, let them know you would like to have STA support added to your plan.
Provide supporting documents; these may include relevant information from your allied health professionals and personal statements from your informal supports/caregivers. The aim of these supporting documents is to provide evidence that makes it easier for the NDIS planner to understand you and your situation and why it’s both reasonable and necessary for you to receive STA support.
For more support in preparing for a plan review meeting and requesting STA, please get in touch!
Eligible NDIS participants can access up to 28 days of STA per year.
STA can be accessed in blocks ranging between 1 night to 2 weeks at a time.
Align Ability can assist you to plan your stay of any duration, whether it's an overnight trip, a weekend getaway or a longer weekly/fortnightly stay.
The NDIS can fund STA support for participants when it relates to individual disability support needs.
STA may be funded if:
- It allows you to continue to maintain your current living situation and informal supports
- It helps you reduce the need for support in the future
- It helps you maintain functional capacity
- It helps you increase your independence
- It helps you participate in more activities
You can choose to stay in a variety of different accommodation options, depending on your needs and preferences. This may include: AirBnBs, Hotels, Cabins or Respite Facilities (small, home-like settings or larger facilities).
Our team at Align Ability can work with you to plan the perfect stay for you. You’ll have plenty of choices in relation to where you go, what you do, and the type of support you need while you’re there to get the most out of your STA experience. Get in touch with our friendly team to get started!