Getting the Most Out of Your NDIS Planning Meeting

Becoming a participant in the NDIS can open many doors for you or your loved one. Make sure you are getting the most out of the NDIS planning meeting. Trinity Plan Management & Supports has listed some things you need to consider to do this.

Being prepared means you’re likely to communicate your needs, and it will also give you the confidence to speak up for yourself. So it’s essential to be ready and confident about your NDIS planning meeting.

 

Index

Make Long-Term Goals

The NDIS gives funds to disabled people. This helps you spend quality time with family and friends, and you can be more independent. Finally, you can access other skills, jobs, or volunteer work, which ensures a better quality of life.

NDIS funding helps you achieve your goals. If there is a particular support you want, consider how it fits in with your plan.

Write a List

Expect to be asked lots of personal details. It will be good to expect this so that you can answer confidently.

At your first planning meeting, the planner will ask about your everyday life. This includes your social life, hobbies, work commitments, and volunteer work. They will ask you about any other activities and question you on how often you do these activities too.

Think about what you do in the mornings, evenings, and weekends. Shopping or going to the gym is an example. Also include things you do less regularly, like going to the movies or sporting events.

Writing a list about this will be helpful.

Look at everything you do inside and outside of work and school. Also, include the short-term activities, as well as transport and other support. Writing a list of all the formal and informal support you get helps, and this involves anyone who helps you with day-to-day activities.

Also, mention people who contribute to you reaching your goals, including anything that affects your informal support, such as a family member’s work schedule.

Disability Questions

Before the NDIS meeting ends, the Local Area Coordinator(LAC) or Planner asks you some multiple-choice questions. This is about how the NDIS participant is affected by their disability.

This will highlight and discover the following:

  • Cognition – your ability to understand and communicate.
  • Mobility – how easily you move.
  • Self-care – how you take care of yourself.
  • Getting along – how you interact with others.
  • Life activities – everything you do.
  • Participation – getting involved in the community.

Your answer is linked to the level of support you receive. It is good to be realistic when you answer, ensuring you get the help you need.

Decide on the Type of Managed Plan

Look at the different options available. You can choose between the following:

  • NDIA managed
  • Self-managed
  • Plan managed
  • A combination of these plans

This is an important step in preparing for your NDIS plan.

Support During the Meeting

You can attend the meeting on your own if you choose to, or you can take a support coordinator along.

You can take the following people along:

  • A family member
  • Friend
  • An advocate
  • A support worker who knows your circumstances

They can tell the planner about your situation, goals and needs. They can also remind you of any important things that you might forget.

Things To Carry

Take supporting documentation that could be important for the meeting. Remember, it is better to have too much information for the planner.

Include doctor’s and therapist’s reports, information from your workplace or school, etc. This can make it easier to imagine your life, and photographs can help prove what you need.

Also, carry the following:

  • Booklet 2
  • NDIA Letters
  • Your bank account details if self-managing
  • The myGov login and passcode information you have

Jotting down any questions you might have is also a good idea.

Final Checklist Before Attending the Meeting

Before you leave for your meeting, make sure you go through this checklist:

  • Complete Booklet 2 (found on this NDIS webpage). This will help you create your NDIS plan, including your typical week, things that are going well, and anything that needs to be changed.
  • Carry out your list of questions.
  • Decide who will be attending the meeting with you, if anyone.
  • Collect all relevant information or reports for the NDIS to understand how your disability makes your life harder.

If your checklist is all ticked, you are ready for the meeting.

The early childhood partner, LAC, or NDIA planner will get a hold of you to set a suitable time for your planning meeting.

How Trinity Plan Management Can Help

Our team prides itself on ensuring that our clients have the best support and plan management.

We know how NDIS funding applies, and we spend time listening to your goals and working with you. You can contact us for expert advice on getting the most out of the NDIS planning meeting.