Getting Through the NDIS Planning Process

GETTING THROUGH THE NDIS PLANNING PROCESS

Anna, the NDIS Fairy!

Getting through the NDIS planning process can be a daunting and stressful time. Anna Commons (aka the NDIS fairy) has spent many years navigating the NDIS. At our last meeting, she kindly offered us some tips on preparing for the plan meeting.

Whether it is a recent diagnosis or you’ve been working with the NDIS for some time there are many things that can make the process smoother. Remember that the NDIS is an insurance scheme. It invests in people now to save the government money later in life. Keeping this in mind when approaching the NDIS planning process can go along way to a successful plan. The key question is: If this support is not provided what will be the effect on the individual and the ongoing costs later in their life?

NDIS, Planning Fairy, Anna Commons, Strive For Autism

Anna’s Top Ten Tips for navigating the NDIS process

Reports – Reports from professionals who know your child/young person are essential to get the supports required.
Cohesiveness – Make sure all the reports presented are cohesive. If one report contradicts the others, then it can lead to supports not being funded. If you have a COS (coordinator of supports) they can be a big help here.
Summaries – Compile all the reports into one PDF document and include a cover sheet with a summary table (makes it easier for the planner).
Carer’s Impact Statement – This is also very important. It needs to be clear about the impacts on your child/young person, you as carers and the entire family including siblings. It should also outline how the supports requested are going to help to overcome these impacts.
Getting though to the planner – It is vitally important to have as many things as possible in writing. This is the only way to ensure the correct information is reaching the planner.
Support person – Take a support person to the planning meeting with you. This can be anyone you think will help in any way from note taking to advocating.
Meet in person – Although meetings can be online or over the phone, Anna recommends in person meetings so you can read the body language cues to help you sense if your message is being heard.
Seek clarification – When the plan arrives, if requested supports are not funded then ask the LAC to provide reasons why that request has not been met.
Reviews – If not satisfied then ask for an internal review (within three months of the plan review). If the internal review does not help, an external review through
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is the next step. This can be a lengthy process.
Using the plan – The core budget is flexible. It doesn’t have to be spent exactly as outlined in the plan. When trying to decide where to spend funding, it helps to think – if my child did not have a disability then would I need to spend money on this -? If you answer yes, then NDIS probably wouldn’t fund this. Coordinators can help with this.

For more information on working effectively with the NDIS or to contact Anna use the link: The NDIS Fairy