How Do I Prepare for My First NDIS Planning Meeting?

Your first NDIS planning meeting is an important step in accessing the supports and services you need to achieve your goals. Proper preparation can make the process smoother, more productive, and less overwhelming.

At Connect Support Group, we help participants feel confident and informed when navigating their NDIS journey. This blog provides a comprehensive checklist, goal examples, and key questions to consider before attending your first planning meeting.

Why Preparation Matters

The NDIS planning meeting is your opportunity to:

• Share your personal goals and aspirations
• Discuss your support needs and daily challenges
• Ensure your NDIS plan reflects your priorities

Being well-prepared helps you make the most of this meeting and increases the likelihood of receiving funding for the supports that will truly make a difference.

Checklist: What to Bring to Your Planning Meeting

Bringing the right documents and information can save time and provide evidence to support your funding requests. Here’s a checklist:

1. Personal Identification
   • Driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card
2. Medical and Therapy Reports
   • Assessments from doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, or psychologists
   • Evidence of any diagnoses and functional limitations
3. Daily Living Notes
   • Record of challenges you face at home, work, or in the community
   • Notes on activities you need help with (bathing, cooking, transport, social participation)
4. Current Supports and Services
   • List of services you currently use, including informal supports from family and friends
   • Documentation of past services and outcomes
5. Assistive Technology Details
   • Information about equipment you use or may need (wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications)
6. Financial Information (if relevant)
   • Details of any funding already received, or relevant Centrelink payments

Setting Your Goals

Goals are the foundation of your NDIS plan. Think about what’s most important to you. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Examples of Goals:

• Daily Living: “I want to dress independently within 6 months.”
• Community Participation: “I want to attend a local community group once a week.”
• Employment: “I want to gain work experience in a supported environment.”
• Education: “I want to complete a certificate course in digital skills by the end of the year.”

At Connect Support Group, we can help you identify and articulate meaningful goals that align with your aspirations and NDIS funding guidelines.

Key Questions to Consider

Before your planning meeting, consider these questions:

1. What supports do I currently need to manage daily life?
2. Which supports have been effective, and which haven’t?
3. Are there new supports or therapies I want to explore?
4. What long-term goals do I want to achieve with the NDIS?
5. How can I leverage informal supports (family, friends, community) alongside funded supports?
6. What challenges might I face in accessing or implementing supports?

Writing down your answers beforehand can help ensure nothing is overlooked during your meeting.

How Connect Support Group Can Help

Preparing for your first NDIS planning meeting can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Connect Support Group, our experienced Support Coordinators can:

• Help you organise documents and reports for your meeting
• Assist in identifying and prioritising your goals
• Provide guidance on reasonable and necessary supports
• Advocate on your behalf to ensure your plan reflects your needs and aspirations

Learn more about how we can support you on your NDIS journey by visiting How We Can Support You.

Final Tips

• Be honest: Share both your challenges and achievements.
• Take notes: Record what is discussed during the meeting for reference.
• Ask questions: Clarify anything you don’t understand about funding or supports.
• Bring a support person: A family member, friend, or Support Coordinator can help you feel confident and supported.

With careful preparation, your first NDIS planning meeting can set the stage for a plan that truly helps you achieve your goals.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Connect Support Group to receive guidance and support for your first NDIS planning meeting.