Specialist Support Coordination: When Advocacy Matters Most

When support is complex, the difference between getting by and truly moving forward often comes down to one thing: strong, consistent advocacy.

At Danny Met Sally, we’ve made a deliberate decision to invest in Specialist Support Coordination. Not because it’s easy, but because it matters. Because the right support, at the right time, can change everything.

We sat down with our National Support Coordination Manager, Mariliis, to talk about what drives her, what she’s seeing across the NDIS right now, and why this work is more important than ever.

Why does this work matter to you personally?

What drives me in this role is seeing participants thrive. This work is meaningful because I love empowering people to reach their goals and ensuring that everybody can live an independent, fulfilling life.

Supporting participants to access the right NDIS funding and services not only empowers them, but also gives me a real sense of fulfilment, knowing I’m helping make that vision a reality.

What’s the risk of not having strong advocacy in place?

Without strong advocacy, participants can miss out on funding, supports, or services that are essential for their wellbeing.

They risk being overlooked, not having their needs heard, and experiencing delays or gaps in their care.

Where do you see participants being let down the most?

Participants are often let down when there is poor coordination between multiple providers, unclear communication, or when their voices are not truly listened to.

This can lead to frustration, unmet needs, and barriers to achieving their goals.

What changes have you seen in the NDIS recently that are impacting participants?

Recent changes to the NDIS, including more complex plan structures and stricter eligibility requirements, have made it more challenging for participants to access funding efficiently.

Participants often need proactive and informed support to ensure they receive the funding and services they are entitled to.

How do you navigate situations where stakeholders aren’t aligned?

I prioritise clear, respectful communication and collaboration.

By understanding each stakeholder’s perspective and facilitating open discussions, I work to align priorities and find solutions that always keep the participant’s best interests at the centre.

What made you want to be part of Danny Met Sally?

I was drawn to Danny Met Sally because of its strong values: integrity, empathy, creativity, inspiration, mindfulness, and boldness, and the genuine commitment to supporting participants in meaningful ways.

It’s a place where my passion for advocacy and proactive support aligns perfectly with the organisation’s mission.

What does “not accepting bad outcomes” look like day-to-day?

It means being persistent, proactive, and creative to overcome barriers for participants.

It’s about questioning processes that limit access to supports and advocating confidently to ensure participants get the best possible outcomes.

How do the Danny Met Sally values show up in your work?

Integrity and empathy guide how I build trust and connect with participants.

Creativity and inspiration help me think outside the box and find solutions that support participants to achieve their goals.

Mindfulness ensures I remain attentive to participants’ needs, even when they can’t always express them.

Boldness gives me the confidence to advocate effectively on their behalf.

These values shape every decision I make and every interaction I have, ensuring participants feel supported, empowered, and understood.

Why is it important that Danny Met Sally is investing more into Specialist Support Coordination right now?

Investing in Specialist Support Coordination ensures participants with complex needs receive dedicated, expert support.

It helps reduce gaps in care, stabilises supports, and gives participants confidence that their goals can be realised.

Who should be reaching out for Specialist Support Coordination right now?

Participants with complex needs, those navigating multiple services, or anyone needing additional advocacy and coordination to access their NDIS funding should reach out.

Families and carers who want to ensure their loved ones receive the right supports can also connect with us.

What’s your message to participants and families right now?

You are not alone.

Our team is here to guide, support, and advocate for you every step of the way. We listen, we act, and we make sure your voice is heard.

At Danny Met Sally, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals and live your best life.

What this means for you

Specialist Support Coordination isn’t just about navigating the system. It’s about making sure you’re seen, heard, and supported in a way that actually works for you.

We’re investing in this space because we believe participants deserve more than the minimum. They deserve clarity, consistency, and people who won’t accept anything less than the right outcome.

If you’re navigating complexity, feeling stuck, or not getting what you need from your plan, now is the time to ask the question:

Are you getting the support you actually deserve?