The wonderful thing about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is that it puts people with a
disability in the driver’s seat. The choice is so important, but it can also at times feel daunting. With so many
services and supports to choose from, it’s important the participant understands what they want to
achieve and how to get there. The best way to do this is to develop a comprehensive NDIS plan.
So, how can participants make sure they’re making the most out of their NDIS plan?
Set clear goals
The goals in an NDIS plan should represent how the participant wants to live their lives in all areas
including health, social life, employment, community engagement, independence and more.
Goals should be both short-term (within 12 months) and long-term (over several years). Perhaps the
participant wants to live independently or find a job. Perhaps they want to be more involved in their
community or enroll in classes or activities. Whatever their goals and aspirations, they should be
included in the plan.
Write the plan
An NDIS plan is divided into three sections. The first is the Participant Statement which describes the
participant’s current situation, disability, supports, and network, as well as how their disability affects
their day-to-day life.
The second section will outline the participant’s goals. The NDIS is designed to help participants increase
their capacity to achieve their goals through accessing NDIS services and supports, so both short and
long-term goals should be based on building the participant’s capacity.
The third section will outline the Supports which will help the participant reach their goals – both
informal such as from family and friends as well as NDIS services and supports.
Work with a Plan Manager
A Plan Manager partners with the participant to handle the administrative and financial obligations of
the NDIS on behalf of the participant. They manage the budget, pay service providers, negotiate to price,
liaise with the NDIS on the participant’s behalf, manage compliance and undertake financial reporting.
To partner with a Plan Manager, participants must include plan management in their NDIS plan. The
Plan Manager will then be funded through the participant’s NDIS funding at no extra cost to the
participant.
Review the plan
The NDIS suggests that participants review their plan 12 months into the scheme and then up to every
two years after that. However, to make sure participants are getting the most out of their plan they
should be reviewing it regularly, especially when their circumstances or needs change. Participants can
review their plan themselves and advise the NDIS if they need to change it.
Ultimately for participants to get the most out of their plan, they need to be proactive and work closely
with the NDIS, their Plan Manager, and family and friends to make sure they are getting the most value
from their plan as their needs change.
By Raheel Chaudhry,
Director, RMC Plan Managers