DARE (Digital • Adventure • Resilience • Empowerment) is a 10-week, NDIS-aligned program that helps participants close the “executive function gap” – the gap between their potential and what they can actually get done day-to-day. Instead of just “more tutoring” or “more sport”, DARE combines:

• 1:1 coaching (to build planning, focus and confidence),
• Small group “LAB” sessions (Digital, Adventure or Soccer), and
• Real-world practice where participants apply skills in the community.

The goal is lasting change in how participants plan, start and finish tasks, connect socially and manage everyday life – not just short bursts of motivation

DARE is designed for NDIS participants who have potential but feel stuck, for example:

• Young people and adults who struggle with focus, planning, follow-through and confidence,
• Participants who avoid new situations or community activities because they feel overwhelmed or anxious.

Typical groups include:

• Teens and young adults: who prefer Digital Navigator (coding, design, content creation, entrepreneurship) or Adventure LABs (outdoors, pickleball, basketball, navigation, conservation).
• Ages 10–15: especially in DARE Academy (football LABs) in partnership with EliteEdge Football Academy.

DARE is suitable for participants who are:

• Plan-managed or self-managed, and
• Working towards NDIS goals around social and community participation, health and wellbeing, learning, independence and confidence.

Each 10-week DARE cycle follows a predictable rhythm that makes it easier for participants and families to plan:

• Intake & Blueprint (Week 0–1)
• We complete an intake and goal-setting session to understand the participant’s aspirations, challenges and NDIS goals.
• Together we build a simple “Future Picture” and goal ladder (small steps that feel achievable).

• Weekly Structure (Weeks 1–10)
• 2 × 1-hour 1:1 sessions (start + end of week):
• Start of week: plan the week, set micro-tasks, remove barriers.
• End of week: review attempts (not just “successes”), troubleshoot and reset.
• 1 × 3-hour LAB session in the chosen stream:
• Digital Navigator LABs – coding, design, AI, branding, digital projects.
• Adventure LABs – bushwalking, navigation, first aid, pickleball, basketball, environmental projects.
• DARE Academy (football) – small-group football sessions with structured EF coaching.

This is wrapped in our 10/20/70 experiential model – 10% learn it (1:1), 20% practice it (coaching & feedback), 70% live it (real-world application in LABs).

DARE is designed to align with common support goals. Whether any part is funded depends on the participant’s plan, goals and circumstances and the decision of the NDIA/plan manager.

Typical mapping looks like:

• Core – Assistance with Social & Community Participation
• May support the group LAB sessions and Adventure Days where support workers help participants engage in sport, outdoor and community activities.

• Capacity Building – Increased Social & Community Participation / Lifelong Learning / Improved Daily Living
• May support 1:1 EF coaching, Digital Navigator sessions and other skills-based learning that build independence, social skills and executive functioning.

• Optional therapeutic overlays (if used)
• If you choose to add formal therapy (e.g. psychology, OT), those sessions are usually funded from Capacity Building – Therapeutic Supports / Improved Daily Living and must be delivered by appropriately qualified clinicians.

How we support you with funding:

• We help you and your support coordinator map DARE to your existing NDIS goals,
• Provide a written summary of how DARE supports your plan outcomes, and
• Use NDIS-recognised language (e.g. “increased social & community participation”, “improved daily living skills”).

DARE is designed to support social participation and skill development goals commonly included in plans. We’ll provide documentation to assist plan-alignment, but funding decisions remain with the NDIA/plan manager.

DARE is run by The Solution Network Australia Foundation (TSNAF), a registered charity, with specialist partners such as EliteEdge Football Academy for soccer LABs.

You can expect:

• Experienced coaches and support workers in each stream:
• Digital coaches for Digital Navigator.
• Outdoor/sport coaches for Adventure LABs (with first aid and child-safe checks).
• Football Australia-accredited coaches in DARE Academy.

• Staff trained in behaviour support, executive function coaching and inclusive practice.
• Risk-managed activities – especially for outdoor and sport sessions, with clear boundaries, supervision, and emergency procedures.
• Commitment to NDIS Quality and Safeguards principles, including respecting participant choice, dignity and privacy.

If we introduce therapy overlays (e.g. psychology, OT), those sessions are delivered by properly qualified allied-health professionals under Therapeutic Supports, in line with NDIS requirements.

DARE focuses on practical, visible changes in the participant’s life, not just attendance.

Participants commonly work toward outcomes such as:

• Better task follow-through: breaking big jobs into small steps and actually finishing them.
• Improved confidence and resilience: willing to try new activities, handle setbacks and keep going.
• Stronger social skills and friendships: interacting more easily with peers; feeling less isolated.
• Increased community participation: attending groups, sport, or classes regularly instead of avoiding them.
• Clear next steps: e.g. building a portfolio for TAFE (like Maya) or taking on leadership in outdoor activities (like Leo).
• Individual results vary and depend on goals, context and engagement.

We track progress through:

• Simple pre- and post- self-ratings (confidence, participation, planning).
• Coach observations (e.g. how often they start tasks independently, participate in groups, lead activities).
• Short goal reviews with the participant and parent/carer at key points in the cycle.

Time commitment

• Standard DARE cycle = 10 weeks, with:
• 2 × 1-hour 1:1 sessions per week; and
• 1 × 3-hour LAB session per week (Digital, Adventure or Academy).

• Some participants add occasional longer Adventure Days or therapy sessions depending on goals and NDIS budget.

Time commitment

• Fees are set with reference to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements (where applicable). Claimability depends on the participant’s plan and approved supports. Out-of-pocket costs may apply.

• We provide a clear schedule of support showing:
• Which hours are Core vs Capacity Building, and
• Estimated total funding needed for a 10-week cycle.

Yes — you can still participate in DARE even if you’re not with the NDIS.

• How it works (Fee-for-Service): you join as a private participant and pay directly for the program. This option isn’t restricted by NDIS price limits or claiming rules, because it’s not an NDIS-funded service arrangement.
• If you later become an NDIS participant: we can discuss whether DARE sessions may align with your plan goals and which support items/categories might be appropriate. For NDIA-managed or plan-managed participants, providers must follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
• Transparency: we’ll clearly confirm what’s included in your fee (sessions, admin/reporting, and any travel arrangements) before you start.