Your NDIS Journey: Navigating Support Together
We understand that being part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can make a significant difference in your life. The NDIS has transformed the way disabilities are supported in Australia. However, the journey through the NDIS can have its twists and turns. At Inclusive Care Plan Management, we're here to guide you through this journey, recognizing that each person's experience is unique.
The NDIS has a profound impact on participants' lives, and while applying and being accepted into the Scheme can be complex and time-consuming, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. We've divided the NDIS journey into five important milestones that you may encounter.
Applying for NDIS
At this point, either you, your family members, or your support team will get in touch with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to kick off the process of applying for your participation in the Scheme. The NDIA maintains lists of disability diagnoses that typically qualify for automatic approval to receive NDIS support. You can find more information on this by clicking here.
Additionally, there are lists of conditions that often lead to lasting impairments, making individuals eligible for the Scheme. Here's a rundown of those conditions.
Anyone is eligible to seek enrollment in the NDIS, but you need to provide evidence of how your disability affects your functional abilities – essentially, how it influences your everyday life. This could include physical impacts (like needing a wheelchair or mobility aid) or other effects (such as requiring assistance to live independently and perform daily tasks, like cooking, shopping, or going out).
To initiate your application, follow these steps: Complete an NDIS Access Request Form or reach out to the NDIA by calling 1800 800 110.
Planning Meeting
Once your application is approved by the NDIA, you'll officially become an NDIS participant. At this point, you, your family members, and/or your supporters will come together with an NDIA planner or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Collaboratively, you'll delve into your current life circumstances and your aspirations for the future – these aspirations will shape your NDIS goals.
Your identified goals will form the core of your plan, with your budget tailored to support them. These goals will serve as guiding beacons for you and the professionals you collaborate with. Their expertise will aid you in progressing towards your goals, whether they involve one-time achievements, long-term pursuits spanning multiple plans, or the preservation of existing skills.
Implementation Meeting
Your implementation meeting will take place with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) within 28 days of finalizing your plan. While these meetings aren't obligatory, they are highly recommended, especially for those who are new to the Scheme.
This session presents a valuable opportunity for you to seek clarifications about your plan, its funding, and the ways in which you can utilize it. Should you have any uncertainties or concerns regarding your plan, this meeting serves as an ideal platform to address them.
Throughout the meeting, you'll also gain insights into identifying the most suitable service providers to collaborate with, along with guidance on establishing service agreements and scheduling appointments.
Keep in mind – when considering your support options, don't limit yourself to the disability sector alone. By thinking creatively and venturing beyond conventional boundaries, you might unlock additional avenues of support, including resources from the community and mainstream services.
Assessment of your plan
While assessments aren't obligatory, they are highly recommended. These reviews occur every three months and serve as a check-in to monitor the progress of your plan. You have the option to conduct these assessments independently or involve your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), an advocate, or even communicate with your service providers.
Why Assessments Hold Value: Similar to how a goal without a plan is merely a wish, without periodic evaluations, there's a risk of veering off track with your plan. Conducting reviews four times a year helps ensure you stay on course. It's an opportunity to:
Assess the progress made with your service providers – how is their support advancing your goals? Are you satisfied with their services or considering trying a different provider? Are there newly available programs you were previously unaware of?
Evaluate your plan's funding status – are you managing your budget effectively without overspending or underspending? Regular reviews allow you to maintain financial control and prevent any unexpected financial challenges.
Determine your plan's current status – if your plan is nearing its conclusion, this is the time to liaise with your providers and therapists to gather any necessary reports or supporting documentation for your upcoming plan review.
End of the plan
What you need to do: Be prepared to hear from the NDIA about six weeks before the end of your plan is due. This way, you can make sure you’re prepared for your plan reassessment.
If you or your supporters haven’t had any contact with the NDIA, it’s important to be proactive and contact the Agency on 1800 800 110.
Be prepared: This is a really important time to ensure your next plan includes everything you need to ensure you have the support you require. You might look at setting some new goals and at revising the ones you currently have.
It’s also time to request and collect detailed reports from your providers about the work you’ve been completing together and how it’s contributed to your goal progression. Reports should be personalised to you and your journey and include sufficient detail to support your requests.
The NDIA has this information for providers about how to support you with reporting. It’s worth a read to know what the NDIA is looking for – and you might want to share the link with your providers.
Wherever you are on your NDIS journey, you have the opportunity for small wins, big wins and radical change. Dream big! Fill your team with the right people and the sky’s the limit.
