The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a way for people living with a disability, and their families, to access support services in Australia. Here at Lifeplan, we get asked a lot of questions to do with NDIS planning meetings, and what you should do before, during and after the meeting. If you are new to the NDIS, or if you have a review meeting coming up, there are some great resources out there, to help make sure you have the right information ready. We have compiled some tips, to ensure you have a successful and productive planning meeting.
Before the Meeting
Am I Eligible?
The first step is to determine if you are eligible for the NDIS. This will depend on your location, age, residency and disability. You can find out if you are eligible and apply for the NDIS via their website.
Think About Your Life Plan
Before you attend your NDIS planning meeting, think about what supports you will need, to live your life, your way. This can mean a variety of different supports, including help to live independently, help with employment or social activities, daily living supports and a range of other services.
We encourage you to discuss your needs with your family and friends and put together a list of how you would like to live your life, and what supports can help you make that happen. Include how you get to and from your activities as well, and anything specific that you need, such as transport or meals.
During the Meeting
Take a Friend or Family Member
You can take someone with you into the meeting, so choose someone who knows you well. Make sure you have discussed the meeting and what your life plan is, so they are on the same page and can help answer any questions or provide further information. You are always welcome to request a Lifeplan team member to attend your meeting with you, please do not hesitate to ask and we can arrange for one of our team members to come along and support you during the meeting.
Take Your Documents
Don’t forget to take all your relevant documents with you. This will include any medical letters from doctors or therapists, schedules of your current or planned activities, any info from your current service providers and so on. If in doubt, take it with you, the more info you can provide to your planner, the better the outcome.
Ask Questions & Take Notes
Don’t be scared to ask plenty of questions. If there is anything you are unsure about, now is your chance to find out. Your Planner will expect you to come with a list of questions, regarding the NDIS and your situation. Take plenty of notes too, and enlist the help of your friend or family member, to make sure you get all your questions answered during the meeting.
Be Honest
Often our natural tendency is to put on a brave face and possibly skip over some details. Don’t do it! In this meeting you need to be as up front and honest as you can about where you are on your journey, and where you want to get to – warts and all! The more information you can give to your NDIS Planner the better, so they can make an accurate assessment about the best course forward for you.
After the Meeting
Following your NDIS planning meeting, your planner will need some time to finalise your details. Once this is confirmed, you will receive information about how to put your plan into place, usually with the help of a Local Area Coordinator. You can contact your NDIS coordinator at any stage, to make sure everything is going according to plan, and make any adjustments necessary.
Lifeplan have been providing disability and mental health support services in Perth, for the past 19 years. We recognise you are the master of your own destiny, and we are here to provide the supports you need to live your life, your way. Contact us today, to see how we can help you on your journey.
