Getting the Most Out of the NDIS: Planning

Danielle Lawson NDIS

Every recipient of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has a plan which outlines their funding package. The NDIS is centred around the individual, which means every plan will be unique.

If you are new to the NDIS, it is useful to have an idea of how your Plan will be structured and what information you need to gather before your initial planning meeting.

Your NDIS plan will be prepared by your Local Area Co-ordinator from partnered organisations, Uniting or St Vincent De Pauls. They work collaboratively with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Before your appointment, spend some time thinking about your current situation, account for having contingencies for your worst days, what your goals are and how those might be achieved with the right funding. Preparation is also important if you are supporting a recipient, e.g. a family member.

Your NDIS Plan will be divided into three clear sections:

Part 1: “About me”

The first section is the Participant Statement, which describes your disability, daily life and current Supports. It will talk about where you live, the people you live with and your regular routine. Come prepared with examples of challenges and any documentation which could be useful. Outline the impacts your disability has on your daily life.

 

Part 2: “My Goals”

 This part of the plan is a statement of your principal goals and aspirations, which will be unique to you. Examples could include increasing your capacity to engage with the community, learning essential life skills like cooking, budgeting and self-care or accessing therapy services to improve your daily living.

The NDIS focuses on ‘capacity building’. Any funding you wish to secure should point towards increasing your capacity to achieve your goals. 

 

Part 3: “My Supports”

This section includes a variety of Supports which will help you achieve your goals. It covers Informal Supports (family and friends), Services (like Zest Care or your GP/Specialists) and Community Groups (such as ASPECT), plus NDIS Supports.

The third category relates to NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Funded Supports. These are Supports which will help fulfil the goals you have outlined in Part 2. They fit into a number of Support Categories (for more information click on the link).

The Zest Care team are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your NDIS plan. We provide daily assistance relating to the Funded Supports categories, and can also help you with your Plan Management. Contact us  for a chat about how we can help you start living the life you want – today.

Resources:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/

https://www.endeavour.com.au/media-news/blog/what-could-my-ndis-plan-look-like

Https://theblueroom.bupa.com.au/caring/stay-independent/our-ndis-plan/