The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support individuals with disabilities by providing funding for essential services and supports. The planning meeting plays a crucial role in this process, as it helps you define your goals, determine the supports you need, and allocate the funding necessary to achieve them. Preparation is key to ensure that you get the most out of your meeting and that your NDIS plan accurately reflects your needs and aspirations. In this blog, we will walk you through an essential checklist of 7 steps to help you thoroughly prepare for your NDIS planning meeting, ensuring you leave with the right support to meet your goals.

1. Review Your Current NDIS Plan (If Applicable)

If you already have an existing NDIS plan, the first step is to review it thoroughly. Take the time to understand the supports you’re currently receiving, the goals outlined in your plan, and the funding allocated to each area. Look at the following aspects:

• Current supports: Are the services you’re receiving effective? Are there any areas where you feel more support is needed?
• Goals: Are the goals set in your current plan still relevant? Have you achieved them, or do they need to be adjusted?
• Funding: Has the funding been sufficient to cover your needs? Are there areas where you have overspent or underspent?

Identifying these areas will give you a clear idea of what needs to be changed, added, or removed from your plan during the next meeting. If something isn’t working, this is the time to make the necessary adjustments. Tip: Write down your observations and areas for improvement. This will guide your discussion and ensure that you don’t miss anything important during your meeting.

2. Clarify Your Goals for the Future

A major part of the NDIS planning process is goal setting. Your goals will guide the type and amount of support you’ll receive, so it’s important to ensure they are clear, achievable, and aligned with your long-term aspirations. Reflect on what you want to achieve in the coming year(s), both personally and professionally. These goals can relate to a wide variety of areas:

• Independent living: Do you want to live independently or with minimal assistance? What supports do you need to achieve this?
• Community participation: Are you looking to become more involved in social, recreational, or community activities? What type of support do you need to facilitate this?
• Employment or education: Do you want to pursue education or work opportunities? What skills or services are required to achieve this?
• Health and wellbeing: Are you focused on improving your health, mental health, or overall wellbeing? What supports or services do you require to reach these goals?

Be specific about your goals, as clearer goals lead to better, more targeted supports. For example, rather than saying “I want to be more independent,” specify “I want to manage my personal care and household chores with minimal support.” Tip: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps. This will help your NDIS planner understand your expectations and how to align the necessary support.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

The NDIS planning meeting requires evidence of your disability and the supports you need. This is where your supporting documents come in. Having all your documentation ready will help your planner make informed decisions and ensure you get the appropriate supports. The types of documents you might need include:

• Medical reports and assessments: Include any diagnoses or letters from your doctors that explain how your disability affects your daily life.
• Therapist or specialist reports: If you see specialists (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists), include their reports that outline your treatment plan or required supports.
• Previous NDIS plans or reviews: If you have a previous NDIS plan, bring it along to highlight what has worked or not worked.
• Evidence of support needs: If you require assistance with tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, or transport, gather documentation that shows how these tasks impact your daily life.

Having these documents ready will ensure a smooth and efficient meeting, as your planner will have all the information needed to create the best plan for you. Tip: Organize your documents in a folder or a digital file. Label each document clearly so it’s easy to access during the meeting.

4. Identify Your Support Needs

The next step is to carefully consider the types of supports you need to achieve your goals. NDIS funding covers a wide range of support services, and it’s important to be clear about what you need. These supports can include:

• Daily living assistance: Help with daily tasks like personal care, cleaning, cooking, and managing your household.
• Therapeutic supports: Services like speech therapy, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy that can help improve your quality of life.
• Assistive technology: Devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or other equipment that help you manage your disability and increase independence.
• Community participation: Support for social activities, volunteering, or getting involved in your local community.

Think about which services you are currently receiving, which ones are working well, and where you might need additional support. If there are services that you’ve never used but think might benefit you, make sure to bring them up during the meeting. Tip: Write a list of the specific supports you need and the reasons why. This will help ensure the planner understands your needs fully.

5. Understand Your Funding Needs and Budget

Having a clear understanding of your funding needs is essential to ensure you receive enough support to meet your goals. During the planning meeting, your NDIS planner will discuss the funding available to you. Review your current funding allocation to see whether it is sufficient, and consider any changes that may need to be made. Ask yourself:

• Do I need more funding for personal care, therapy, or equipment?
• Do I need more funding for community participation or social activities?
• Are there any upcoming needs or changes that will require additional funding?

By understanding your budget and expected costs, you can request the appropriate level of funding and avoid any delays in the approval process. Tip: Check if you have any unspent funds from your previous plan and consider how those funds could be allocated to help meet your current goals.

6. Prepare for Questions and Discussion

Your planner will likely ask you a variety of questions during the meeting to get a better understanding of your needs. Preparing for these questions will ensure that you don’t forget any important details and that you can provide clear answers. Some typical questions might include:

• What challenges do you face daily?
• What goals are you working towards, and what support do you need to achieve them?
• What services do you currently use, and how well are they working for you?
• Have your needs changed since your last plan?

Take the time to reflect on these questions and consider how best to answer them. Writing down your responses ahead of time can help guide your conversation and ensure you don’t miss anything important. Tip: Bring a notebook or digital device to take notes during the meeting, especially if there’s important information that you want to remember.

7. Bring a Support Person or Advocate

If you find the planning process overwhelming, or if you need help communicating your needs, it’s a good idea to bring a support person or advocate with you. This could be a family member, friend, or professional advocate who can assist you with explaining your needs and ensuring your voice is heard. An advocate can also help clarify any points or ensure that the NDIS planner fully understands your requirements. Tip: If you’re planning to bring someone with you, notify the NDIS planner in advance so they can accommodate the support person during the meeting.

Conclusion

Preparing for your NDIS planning meeting is an essential step in ensuring that your NDIS plan accurately reflects your needs and helps you achieve your goals. By following this 7-step checklist, you can confidently walk into your meeting, knowing that you’ve prepared thoroughly to discuss your goals, supports, and funding needs. At Ambition Health Group, we understand the importance of getting the right support to help you live a fulfilling and independent life. If you need assistance with navigating your NDIS plan or require support with understanding your funding and service options, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in making the most of your NDIS plan!