What to Expect in your NDIS Planning Meeting

Navigating the initial steps of your NDIS journey is crucial, with the planning meeting serving as a pivotal moment. This meeting is your chance to secure an NDIS plan that meets your expectations and provides the necessary funding to pursue your goals. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the planning meeting and some tips to help you approach it with confidence and ease.

Whether you're new to the NDIS or undergoing a plan review, the structure of the planning meeting remains consistent. It includes four key sections that help the planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) understand your unique needs and circumstances. The insights gathered here will directly shape your NDIS plan.

Step 1 – Sharing Your Story

The meeting begins with introductions, after which your planner will ask about your life. This conversation helps populate the 'About Me' section of your NDIS plan. Be prepared to discuss various aspects of your life, such as your living arrangements, employment status, hobbies, and how you navigate daily transport.

Step 2 – Assessing Your Support Needs

Next, you'll evaluate your daily support requirements. Your planner will ask you to rate your ability to perform various tasks related to mobility, health, relationships, and more on a scale from one to five. This step helps define the level of support you need.

Step 3 – Defining Your Goals

Goals are a foundational element of your NDIS plan. During this part of the meeting, you'll discuss your aspirations with your planner. This includes both short-term objectives, like improving confidence in using public transport, and long-term ambitions, such as walking unaided.

Step 4 – Impact Statement

The final part of the meeting focuses on understanding how your disability impacts your close relationships, particularly with primary caregivers. Although this can be an emotional discussion, your impact statement is vital for conveying the full extent of the support you and your loved ones need.

If you require plan management or support coordination, make sure to request it during this meeting. Plan management is generally available to anyone who requests it, while support coordination may require meeting specific eligibility criteria.

By understanding each step of this process, you can attend your planning meeting well-prepared, poised, and ready to advocate effectively for your needs.