The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is designed to provide individuals with disabilities the support they need to achieve their dreams and personal goals, to improve their quality of life. But who says goals have to be ‘serious’? Enter the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school, where NDIS participants can channel their inner comedians, boost their confidence, and transform social skills – all while learning to entertain others. Yes, NDIS can fund your comedy course, through social and recreation support.
Why Comedy?
With over 700 graduates, the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school knows that comedy isn’t just about making people laugh until they snort their beer. It’s also a helpful tool for personal growth. Over five nights, nervous mumbling morphs into applause-worthy punchlines. Introverted body language becomes an engaging performance. And best of all, this transformation can be witnessed by friends and family at the graduation performance.
“The Hard Knock Knocks course not only taught me how to craft a joke but also gave me the confidence to stand up and share my story. It’s more than just a class—it’s a transformative experience.”
Suzanne Fagan, NDIS recipient and graduate of the April 2024 course
For NDIS participants, these benefits are not just perks—they’re game-changers. The Hard Knock Knocks comedy courses are led by comedians who’ve been around the block (and the comedy club circuit). Participants learn the comedy craft through ideation, writing advice, one-on-one feedback, and lots and lots of stage time. Ultimately, this coaching builds skills that allows the NDIS participant to take part in future social and recreation activities.
NDIS Funding for comedy courses
Among the many supports and services the NDIS funds, there’s a category perfect for aspiring comedians:
“Access Community Social and Rec Activ.”
The specific, funding code is:
“04_104_0125_6_1 Access Community Social and Rec Activ – Standard – Weekday Daytime Hour $65.47”
Try saying that five times fast! This description covers participation in the five night comedy course, held in Melbourne.
How do I apply for NDIS support?
So you’ve decided that you want to try stand-up comedy. Here’s the five easy steps you need to follow:
- Identify and pitch your goal: Before you start envisioning your Netflix comedy special, make sure your goal aligns with your NDIS plan. Whether it’s to dazzle an audience, boost your self-confidence, or just finally have a comeback for that annoying cousin, clarity is key. During your NDIS planning or review meeting, pitch the comedy course like you’re pitching a movie script. Highlight the personal and social perks, and maybe throw in a joke or two to keep things light.
- Contact the Hard Knock Knocks: You or your Support Worker can reach out via phone, email or even our chatbot (The red circle that says ‘Chat with us’ at the bottom right-hand corner of this page). We’re super flexible and supportive, kind of like your favourite yoga instructor, but funnier. Tell us which of the courses you’d like to attend. We run monthly courses in Melbourne, excluding December. If you’re unsure of dates, click on the ‘In-Person Courses’ tab above.
- Approval and Funding: The Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School will then issue an invoice to the Support Coordinator (like MyPlanManager) to which you’re connected, with the official funding code “04_104_0125_6_1 Access Community Social and Rec Activ – Standard – Weekday Daytime Hour $65.47”. We will also need the following information:
- Participant name,
- Participant address, and
- Participant NDIS number.
- Enrolment and preparation : With funding approved by the Support Coordinator and your requested course paid, it’s time to dive into the world of stand-up comedy. Ahead of the face-to-face coaching, you’ll receive access to our online comedy course which will introduce you to jargon, techniques and start tickling your funny bone.
- Course begins: Meet the other members of the five-night comedy course and have a life changing experience!
The NDIS isn’t just about support; it’s about unlocking potential—sometimes in the most unexpected ways. By utilising the funding code, the NDIS can fund your comedy course with the Hard Knock Knocks. This unique path fosters personal development, community, and a whole lot of laughter. And, in the process you might discover that you have a talent that will take you all the way to Raw Comedy or launch your career on the comedy circuit.