Chris Marshall with an NDIS participant smiling in a car, representing the supportive and goal-oriented approach of The Horizon Method at Horizons Support Network.

The Horizon Method

What do we do?

At Horizons Support Network, we believe that true support goes beyond just being there - it’s about actively working towards solutions that empower participants to live more independently. That’s why we created The Horizon Method, a structured approach designed to help participants overcome challenges, develop new skills, and achieve their goals in a practical and sustainable way.

Our process isn’t just about providing support—it’s about problem-solving, collaboration, and real progress. Whether it’s learning a new skill, navigating public transport, or improving daily routines, we take a hands-on, goal-driven approach to make sure our participants gain confidence, not just assistance.

Through The Horizon Method, we:
- Identify challenges that may be limiting independence.
- Record observations and track progress over time.
- Brainstorm solutions that are practical and achievable.
- Work closely with allied health professionals (OT’s, support coordinators, physiotherapists) to ensure the best approach.
- Create tailored resources such as visual guides, training documents, and structured plans.
- Implement strategies and refine them, ensuring they work for the participant’s unique needs.
- Celebrate progress and adjust as needed to keep building independence.

This method ensures that every step we take is meaningful—not just a quick fix, but a long-term solution that helps participants take control of their own lives.

Scroll down to see real examples of how we’ve applied The Horizon Method to support our participants!

Rowan learning to navigate public transport and using an e-scooter for independent travel, supported by Horizons Support Network’s tailored guidance and route planning.

Rowan’s Transport Independence Project

  • Rowan was relying on long and inefficient travel methods to get to work, which made his commute stressful and tiring. The goal was to find a more structured, efficient, and low-stress way for him to get to work independently.

    His main struggles included:

    • Uncertainty around public transport routes—he found it difficult to plan trips and adjust when things changed.

    • Reliance on others for transport—this affected his confidence and sense of independence.

    • Lack of confidence in alternative transport options—he had never used an e-scooter for commuting before, and there were concerns about whether it would be safe for him.

    Through The Horizon Method, we designed a step-by-step plan to help him develop the skills and confidence to travel independently and with less stress.

  • To help Rowan navigate public transport independently, we designed a structured training approach, including:


    ✅ Route Practice Sessions – We traveled the routes together, teaching him how to read transport apps, check schedules, and plan for delays.
    ✅ Easy-Read Transport Cards – Custom visual step-by-step cards that mapped out alternative routes to work, making it easy for Rowan to follow.
    ✅ Troubleshooting Situations – We ran through scenarios like “What to do if the bus is late” or “How to check for delays.”
    ✅ Gradual Independence – We slowly reduced support over time, allowing Rowan to take more control of his journey.

    Outcome:

    • Rowan became comfortable navigating public transport on his own.

    • He now has a clear, structured plan to follow, making the journey less overwhelming.

    • His confidence in managing travel-related stress improved significantly.

  • Since Rowan’s main barrier was long travel times, we explored whether an e-scooter could provide a better alternative. The goal was to assess his ability to ride safely, follow road rules, and handle busy environments.

    We followed a structured approach:
    ✅ Initial Skills Assessment – We tested Rowan’s comfort level with scooting, balance, and ability to follow instructions.
    ✅ Progressive Training – We started in quiet areas before gradually introducing busier environments.
    ✅ Scenario Testing – We assessed his reaction to obstacles, traffic, and unexpected situations.
    ✅ Final Route Trials – Rowan practiced his exact route to work using the scooter while supervised.

    Outcome:

    • Rowan successfully transitioned to using the scooter as his primary transport on good-weather days.

    • He reduced his overall travel time and gained more flexibility in getting to work.

    • His confidence in independent transport improved, making his daily routine more manageable and less stressful.

Tom following a structured sleep hygiene routine designed by Horizons Support Network, focusing on better sleep habits and overall well-being.

Tom’s Sleep Improvement Project

  • Tom was experiencing significant sleep difficulties, struggling with both:

    • Falling asleep – due to a racing mind and overstimulation before bed.

    • Staying asleep – waking up frequently during the night, leading to fatigue and poor energy levels the next day.

    His lack of sleep was affecting:

    • His mood and motivation throughout the day.

    • His ability to focus on activities and personal goals.

    • His overall well-being, leaving him feeling constantly exhausted.

    Through The Horizon Method, we developed a structured, easy-to-follow sleep plan designed to reduce screen time, build a proper nighttime routine, and improve sleep quality.

  • o help Tom transition into a healthier sleep routine, we introduced structured nighttime habits using:


    ✅ A Chronological Sleep Plan – A step-by-step guide showing what to do one hour before bed, 45 minutes before, 30 minutes before, etc.
    ✅ A Visual Infographic – Simple, easy-to-follow instructions making sleep hygiene more accessible and easy to implement.
    ✅ Reducing Screen Time – Encouraged switching off screens and replacing them with calming activities.
    ✅ Consistent Sleep & Wake Times – Reinforced regular bedtimes to help regulate his body clock.
    ✅ Gradual Habit Changes – We started small and built up, introducing one change at a time so it wasn’t overwhelming.

    Outcome:

    • Tom became more aware of the habits affecting his sleep and was more open to making changes.

    • He started cutting back on screen time and introducing calming pre-bed routines.

    • His ability to fall asleep improved, and he felt more rested in the mornings.

  • By following a structured sleep hygiene plan, Tom’s sleep gradually improved. This helped him feel more rested, focused, and ready for his daily activities. His routine is now simpler, healthier, and more effective, giving him more energy for the things that matter.

    This project is a great example of how small but strategic changes can lead to big improvements in daily life.

Xavier volunteering at RSPCA, gaining work experience and confidence with support from Horizons Support Network, fostering skills for future employment.

Xavier’s Volunteer Job at RSPCA: A Stepping Stone to Employment

  • Xavier’s long-term goal is to work at Bunnings! Before jumping straight into a job, he needed a structured stepping stone to help him build the skills, confidence, and experience required for employment.

    Some of the key areas we wanted to focus on included:

    • Workplace Readiness – Getting used to a set schedule and responsibilities.

    • Communication Skills – Learning how to engage with new people in a work setting.

    • Manual Labour – Developing physical stamina and hands-on skills that could translate into future job roles.

    • Confidence & Routine – Creating a structured weekly commitment to simulate a real job environment.

    Through many chats with his parents, we identified volunteering at the RSPCA as the perfect first step towards employment.

  • To create a structured stepping stone to employment, we introduced weekly volunteer shifts at the RSPCA, where Xavier:


    ✅ Works the same shift every week – Helping to build a job-like routine and commitment.
    ✅ Engages in manual labour – Completing physical tasks like cleaning, lifting, and organizing.
    ✅ Communicates with new people – Practicing workplace interactions with staff and other volunteers.
    ✅ Learns responsibility & task management – Following instructions, completing set tasks, and managing time effectively.
    ✅ Gains confidence in a real-world work setting – Developing problem-solving and workplace skills in a structured, low-pressure environment.

    To support his success, Chris attends with him each week to provide guidance, encouragement, and structured support, while allowing him to take as much initiative as possible.

  • 6 months on from starting at the RSPCA, Xavier has:


    ✅ Settled into a structured work routine – Understanding what it means to commit to a shift each week.
    ✅ Built his confidence in a work environment – Feeling more comfortable interacting with staff and other volunteers.
    ✅ Developed practical skills – Improving physical endurance and hands-on work experience.
    ✅ Taken the first step towards his employment goal – Moving closer to his ultimate goal of working at Bunnings.

    This project has been a key stepping stone in helping Xavier build workplace skills, gain confidence, and prepare for future employment.

    The next stage? Continuing to develop his skills and transition towards his goal of paid employment.