We are all set up for the NDIS! We’re fast learning that for participants, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Because of how the scheme is set up, and the difference in approached from NDIS planners, there is a lot of variability in what funding you receive and what is included in your plan.
So with that in mind here are a few tips from planners and other participants in the NDIS on how to make sure your plan covers the treatment that you (or your family member) need.
- Get to know the NDIS - Preparation is key! The best way to get started is to find out as much as you can about the NDIS. Check out the NDIS website, read articles, ask questions, get to know what is and isn’t funded, what services can be accessed, and the language/terms that is used.
- Have some clear goals - Having some clear goals and an idea of the steps/services needed to achieve them will help your planner to put together a plan that addresses your needs and has enough funding for you to reach them.
- Personal Statements - NDIS planners strongly encourage parents/guardians/carers of the participant, to have statements from your child/family member if they are able to communicate their needs. Examples of personal statements include: I am [name]. I have [condition]. I live at home with mum and dad. I need [...] care and help with [...] activities. I want […] to help me to […]
- Emphasise Social Inclusion - One of the main values of the NDIS is to improve social inclusion for people with disabilities. It’s a good idea to make sure the goals you bring to your NDIS planning meeting are related to being able to participate better in social activities and environments.
- Come prepared for your planning meeting - The old saying goes that “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ This is true for your NDIS planning meeting. Come armed with information about your condition, your needs, your goals. It can be helpful to have everything written down, or to bring a support person so that nothing important gets missed.
- Understand that your planners are people - With such a wide variety of conditions, symptoms and therapies it’s hard for your planner to be an expert on all of them! This is especially true for some conditions where there is a wide variety of symptoms (such as MS or Cerebral Palsy). Be ready to help you planner understand your condition, your limitations and what supports you want. This will help to make sure your plan funds exactly what you need. It’s also helpful to understand that any frustrations or issues you might have with the system are often outside of their control too.
- Work as a team with your planner - Families who have had their participant’s funding increased emphasised inviting their planer to work with them to help achieve their goals. They found that working alongside the planner and expressing gratitude was helpful for everyone involved!
- Don’t accept a plan that you’re not happy with - You don’t have to say ‘yes’ to the first plan you’re shown. If you don’t feel like the suggested plan provides what you need to achieve your goals, tell your planner and negotiate a plan that will better support you.
For more information about the NDIS and you plan, you can check the NDIS website (https://www.ndis.gov.au) or discuss with your support co-ordinator.
If you are eligible for provisions under the NDIS, please feel free to let us know and we can liaise with you and your account manager to develop a program that will best serve you.