How Can I Find a Bilingual Support Coordinator in Victoria?
If you or your loved one is an NDIS participant from a CALD background in Victoria, finding a support coordinator who understands your culture, language, and the NDIS can make a big difference. At Connect Support Group, we specialise in culturally-aware support coordination and are here to guide you.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What a support coordinator does and why finding a bilingual one matters
- Practical steps to locate a bilingual support coordinator in Victoria
- Questions to ask and things to look for when choosing your coordinator
- How Connect Support Group can support you in this process
Why Bilingual Support Coordination Matters
Finding a support coordinator who speaks your language and understands your cultural background is important because:
- Better communication: You and your family can discuss your NDIS plan, needs and goals in a language you’re comfortable with — reducing misunderstandings.
- Cultural understanding: Your beliefs, traditions, family structure and community context are respected and incorporated into your support plan.
- More effective planning: When your coordinator understands your background, they can help you set goals and find services that are culturally relevant and accessible.
- Greater trust and confidence: Engaging someone you can relate to helps you feel more in control and informed about your NDIS journey.
Steps to Find a Bilingual Support Coordinator in Victoria
Here’s a clear checklist you can follow:
- Check the Official NDIS Provider Finder
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) website provides a “Finding a support coordinator” page which explains how to search for registered providers. (NDIS)
- Go to the NDIS website → Participants → Using your plan → Support coordination → “Finding a support coordinator”.
- Use the Provider Finder tool and type your suburb or postcode in Victoria.
- Filter by support coordination registration.
- Then call the provider and ask about language support.
- Search for “multilingual”, “bilingual”, or “CALD-aware” providers
Some providers specialise in culturally diverse communities. For example:
- Independent Ability Care (Melbourne) advertise that their team speaks English, Dari, Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog. (Independent Ability Care)
- ADEC (Victoria) have multilingual staff in 30+ languages. (ADEC)
- Community Care Vic list Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese and more. (communitycarevic.com.au)
This shows it is realistic to find coordinators who speak your language.
- Contact Connect Support Group for culturally-aware coordination
At Connect Support Group, we provide bilingual and culturally responsive support coordination. If you want someone who speaks your language and understands your background, you can contact us today or learn more about how we can support you.
- Prepare a short list and interview coordinators
When you find 2-3 possible coordinators, call or meet them and ask:
- What languages do you speak or facilitate?
- What experience do you have working with my cultural community?
- How will you support me to set goals and choose providers that respect my culture and language?
- How do you communicate with me (face-to-face, phone, video) in my preferred language?
- Ask for references from other clients from a similar background.
- Check for cultural compatibility and trust
When you meet them, consider whether you feel comfortable, understood, and respected. Your relationship with the coordinator is key to successful support.
Key Questions to Ask a Potential Bilingual Coordinator
- Do you speak my language (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Urdu, etc.) or can you arrange an interpreter?
- How do you ensure cultural practices, family involvement and community values are included in my plan?
- How will you explain my NDIS plan, funding and supports in my language so I understand fully?
- Will you help me choose providers who are culturally responsive and speak my language?
- What is your approach to support coordination for CALD participants?
- How will you communicate with me and my family (language, frequency, format)?
How Connect Support Group Supports Bilingual Participants
At Connect Support Group, we’re committed to culturally safe and language-appropriate support. We:
- Match participants with bilingual support coordinators who speak languages such as Mandarin and Cantonese.
- Provide explanations of NDIS plans, goals and support options in your preferred language (see our dedicated page on bilingual services) (connectsupportgroup.com.au)
- Respect cultural and family practices, ensuring supports are culturally relevant and accessible.
- Walk you through every step of your NDIS journey so you understand and feel confident.
If you’d like to work with a culturally responsive coordinator, contact us and we’ll help you find the right match.
Finding a bilingual support coordinator in Victoria is absolutely achievable — and essential if your first language isn’t English or your cultural background influences how you engage with support. By following the steps above, asking the right questions, and choosing someone who respects your language and culture, you can get support coordination that truly works for you.
And if you’re ready for culturally aware and language-appropriate coordination, Connect Support Group is here to assist. Visit our homepage to learn more and begin your journey with confidence.