What Is a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)? How They Help With Respite Planning

Kirsty Savage

3 days ago

4 min read

Navigating the NDIS for the first time, or after a plan review, often raises a question families do not expect to ask: who is actually helping us do this? A Local Area Coordinator, or LAC, is one of the roles that can support this process, but many participants and families are unclear on what an LAC actually does, especially compared to a support coordinator.

This guide explains what a Local Area Coordinator is, how they can help with planning, including respite and NDIS STA, and when it may help to speak with Visionary Respite and Care about the next step.

What Is a Local Area Coordinator?

A Local Area Coordinator is a role funded by the NDIS to help participants access and understand the scheme, connect with mainstream and community supports, and work through the planning process. LACs are typically employed by an organisation partnering with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver this service in a specific region.

An LAC's role generally includes helping participants understand their NDIS plan, connecting them with local services, and supporting plan reviews. They are not the same as a provider delivering direct supports like respite care, and they are not the same as a paid support coordinator, though the roles can overlap in what they help with.

How Is an LAC Different From a Support Coordinator?

This distinction causes confusion for many families:

A Local Area Coordinator is generally provided as part of the broader NDIS access and planning process, and is not usually a funded line item in a participant's plan.
A Support Coordinator is typically a funded support within a participant's plan, engaged specifically to help implement supports, connect with providers, and manage more complex situations.

Depending on the complexity of a participant's needs, they may work with an LAC, a support coordinator, or both at different stages.

How an LAC Can Help With Respite Planning

While an LAC does not deliver respite care directly, they can help with:

understanding what respite and NDIS STA options are generally available
explaining how respite funding fits within a participant's plan
connecting families with local providers and community resources
supporting a plan review if respite needs have changed
clarifying next steps when families are unsure where to start

Who Might Benefit From Working With an LAC?

Working with an LAC may be useful for:

participants and families new to the NDIS who need help understanding the system
families unsure whether they need a funded support coordinator or can work with an LAC
participants approaching a plan review who want help preparing
families looking for a starting point before contacting specific respite or STA providers

What to Consider When Working With an LAC

It helps to go into these conversations with some preparation:

Be clear about current challenges — routine pressures, carer fatigue, or specific support gaps
Bring documentation — any existing plan, reports, or assessments that are relevant
Ask direct questions — about what respite options exist locally and how funding applies
Clarify next steps — including who to contact once a direction is identified

How NDIS Funding Usually Applies

LAC support itself is generally provided as part of the NDIS access and planning process rather than drawn from a participant's individual plan funding. Once a direction is identified, such as respite care or NDIS STA, costs for those specific supports are generally covered through NDIS plan funding where the support is included in the participant's plan.

A support coordinator or the LAC can help clarify what is funded and how to move from planning conversations to an actual booked support.

When to Speak With Visionary Respite and Care

If an LAC or support coordinator has pointed you toward exploring respite or NDIS STA options, Visionary Respite and Care can talk through what may suit the participant's goals and help you understand the practical next steps.

You can also review related supports:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Local Area Coordinator the same as a support coordinator?

No. An LAC generally supports broader NDIS access and planning, while a support coordinator is typically a funded support that helps implement and manage specific supports in a participant's plan.

Do I need an LAC to access respite care?

No. Participants can work directly with respite providers, but an LAC or support coordinator can help clarify options and funding if you are unsure where to start.

Can an LAC help with a plan review?

Yes. LACs can support participants preparing for and going through a plan review, including discussing changes in support needs such as respite.

Is LAC support funded from my NDIS plan?

Generally, no. LAC support is typically provided as part of the broader NDIS access and planning process, separate from a participant's individual plan funding.

How do I find out who my Local Area Coordinator is?

Participants can confirm their LAC or partner organisation through the NDIS or their existing NDIS contacts. A support coordinator can also help clarify this.