At Everyday Independence, developmental educators help individuals navigate key life transitions.
Our Moorabbin developmental educators focus on delivering supports that empower individuals to build meaningful connections, improve their communication, navigate major life changes, prepare for independence, further education and employment.
As leaders within a broader team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, behaviour support practitioners, and habit coaches, developmental educators coordinate discipline-specific supports to navigate each new developmental challenge.
By understanding every aspect of a person’s support network and aspirations, developmental educators work directly with people in their homes and communities, serving as guides and partners in developing independence, well-being, and inclusion in everyday life.
What to Expect With Moorabbin NDIS Developmental Educator Service
Our Moorabbin developmental educator services help children, teenagers, and adults with disabilities achieve the changes that are most important to them. This may include:
Conducting a comprehensive assessment of strengths and areas for development
Identifying and removing environmental barriers that may impact progress
Providing training and strategies to improve social and communication skills
Building capacity of self-care and daily living skills to enhance independence
Helping to develop self-advocacy skills to empower individuals to communicate their needs and make informed decisions about their future
Introducing recreational activities and supports to actively participate in the community
Designing supports to achieve employment goals with skills development and coaching
Building confidence and capacity to engage in meaningful conversations
Life Stages Supported by NDIS Moorabbin Developmental Educators
9-12 Years: Beyond Early Childhood Intervention
Your practitioner will help with transitions like moving school, new grades or other environments. Helping them build friendships, tackle social challenges, and meet increasing educational demands.
13-18 Years: Supporting Teenagers
Your practitioner will support with any life transitions like moving into secondary school, building daily life skills such as using public transport and personal care, developing self-advocacy, good habits, and dealing with relationships.
19-21 Years: Transitioning to Independent Adult Life
Your practitioner will help with developing functional life skills in areas such as social interactions, communication, and daily living. While supporting with transitions like going to Uni or further education, entering the workforce and moving out of home.
Adults: Building Daily Life Skills and Independence
Your practitioner will help you to navigate the transition to greater independence. Whether it’s starting a job, enhancing your social interactions, or gaining confidence in everyday settings, developmental educators specialise in helping to build capacity and strengthen social and communication abilities.
Getting Started with NDIS Developmental Educator Service
To get started with developmental education in Adelaide, a developmental educator comes to your home to get to know you, your family and other members of your support team. They take a whole of life approach to set you on your pathway to positive change.
Not yet a NDIS participant?
Visit our NDIS pages for information on getting your plan funded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Developmental Educator Services
I have never heard of a Developmental Educator (DE) before. How can they help me?
A Developmental Educator is a specialist in disability. They have a university degree in disability, and they are accredited through DEAI (Disability Educators Australia Incorporated), as recognised in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
Your DE will support you to streamline services, ensuring a coordinated, high impact and cost-effective service. They provide therapy, assess developmental and behavioural needs, and collaborate with you, your family and support networks to develop personalised strategies that build your capacity.
What is the difference between a Developmental Educator (DE) and an Occupational Therapist (OT)?
Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Developmental Educators (DEs) work as part of a therapy team. Both work on improving a person’s quality of life, so there can be times when the work of an OT and DE will cross over in areas such as life skill and social skill development.
DEs work with their participants and their supports to better understand and work towards their goals through structured support and teaching life skills, whilst also promoting social connections and community integration.
OTs work with their participants by focussing on that person’s ability to perform daily tasks and “occupations”, that can include self-care, work, or social activities. An OT will support participants with interventions that address both physical and cognitive barriers.
While both roles are centred around improving quality of life, OTs tend to focus more on functional independence in daily life tasks and physical abilities, whereas DEs are more focused on holistic life participation.
What is the difference between a teacher and a Developmental Educator?
Developmental Educators (DEs) have undergone relevant training in disability and are accredited with the DEAI.
Can a Developmental Educator (DE) go into schools?
Yes. At Everyday Independence we often work in everyday environments and with the people who you spend the most time with.
Will a Developmental Educator help me find work?
A Developmental Educator (DE) can link you with services and programs to support you in finding work. They can also help you build on the necessary skills you need to be job ready. Your DE has access to a broad range of practitioners such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Physiotherapists to support you to build your capacity and the right support team around you.
Where can I go to learn more about Developmental Educators (DEs)?
The DEAI website: DEAI is the registered professional body that provides DEs with accreditation.
