If you're a person with a disability or care for someone with a disability, understanding how to prepare for your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) planning meeting is important. Your meeting helps determine what support you need and how the NDIS can help.
Let's explore what a planning meeting is, how you can prepare for it, and some valuable things to bring along to help you prepare.
What is an NDIS Planning Meeting?
Your planning meeting is a chance for you to meet with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and any additional support person you wish to bring. This meeting takes place after the NDIS has approved your funding, helping you to work out the details of your plan.
Your LAC, who is part of an NDIS Partner in the Community organisation, is there to provide independent advice and support. They aren’t an employee of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Instead, they act independently to help you create your plan. Once you’re happy with the plan, they’ll present your information to the NDIA for approval.
What to expect in your planning meeting
You can expect your LAC to ask you for lots of information to help build a plan that’s right for you or your family member. Their questions will allow them to support you in developing your goals.
Some questions they might ask include:
What is your situation?
What makes you happy?
What are your challenges?
Tell me about your day-to-day activities and schedule.
What are or support do you currently receive?
Any specialist equipment you use or need
Your current level of community engagement
What level of support do you need?
What therapy do you currently receive?
What are NDIS Plan Goals?
Your NDIS plan goals are the things you want to achieve or pursue, and the funding you receive from the NDIS helps you work toward them. Setting the right goals is essential.
When considering your NDIS goals, set realistic short, medium and long-term goals.
Short-term: Usually looking ahead no more than 12 months
Medium/Long-term: Any goals likely to take over 12 months and may require multiple steps for you to work towards.
There are three main types of NDIS goals:
Social goals. To help you feel more involved in your community.
Physical goals. Focusing on your physical needs, such as developing muscle strength.
Independence goals. So you can live or work towards living more independently. For example, managing your own finances.
NDIS now organises goals into broader categories, such as daily living, social and community participation, work, and health and well-being, so keep these areas in mind.
Tips for setting your goals
When setting your goals, think about different areas in your life. Consider what makes you happy or areas that may be causing frustration. Think about:
Your health needs
Your social life
Your independence
Your employment or career opportunities (including education)
Don’t worry if your goals aren’t very specific or if you’re unsure how you’ll achieve them. Your LAC is there to help.
You don’t have to lock in goals permanently. If your situation changes—like finishing school or moving house—your goals can be updated at any time.
Tips for preparing for your meeting
Here are some tips to consider for your NDIS planning meeting:
1. Come prepared
The more information you can provide for your LAC, the better. The more they understand you and your situation, the better they can help you build a plan that suits you.
2. Do some research
Visit the NDIS website before your meeting. Do some research to help ensure you understand the purpose of the meeting and what to bring.
3. Get your documents sorted
Collect necessary paperwork for your LAC, or use an app like Ability8 to store documents in one central location.
Reports, referrals from service providers, or other documents that support your funding request or prove your care needs can be essential. A list of any specialist equipment or support you receive can also be helpful.
4. Review your NDIS submission
Before your meeting, it can be worth reviewing your original submission to the NDIS. This can help ensure you raise all the critical points with your LAC to get the funding you need. It's also worth understanding the different NDIS plan funding types, which include -
Core supports budget: This budget can assist you with everyday activities to help you achieve your goals.
Capacity building supports budget: This budget helps you to build independence and develop skills to achieve your goals.
Capital Supports budget: You can only use this budget for specific purposes. Such as paying for specialised technology and equipment or home and vehicle modifications. It also funds one-off purchases, such as specialist disability accommodation.
5. Think about your goals
Although you don't need to come prepared with set goals, writing down some is helpful. For example, your education, employment, relationships, hobbies or living arrangements and any areas you'd like to improve.
6. Prepare your own questions
To make sure you get the most out of your meeting, write down a list of questions you have before meeting with your LAC.
7. Invite a support person
Depending on your situation, you may invite a support person along to your meeting who can help you.
Your support person may be a family member, partner or friend. Make sure they're available to come along and that they understand the purpose of the meeting.
How can Ability8 help?
At Ability8, we support anyone considering self-managing their NDIS care plan. Contact us today if you're interested in a 30-day free trial on any of our plans.
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