How to Prepare for Your NDIS Plan Meeting

Are you preparing for your NDIS meeting and wondering how to get ready?

 

If yes, then this guide is for you! Here, you will learn step-by-step how to confidently prepare for your NDIS plan meeting, set clear goals, and make sure you get the right support you deserve. However, to make the most out of your NDIS plan, you need to be well-prepared before you sit down with your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the NDIS Meeting

Before diving into the preparation process, it’s important to understand what the NDIS meeting actually is. In fact, this meeting is an opportunity for participants to discuss their current situation, goals, and the supports they need to improve their quality of life. The planner will ask about your daily activities, challenges, and what helps you function better at home, work, or in the community. It now depends on how well you communicate your needs with your planner and how accurately you convey them. The better you do this, the more helpful your NDIS plan will be for you.

 

Step 2: Review Your Current Situation

First, take a look at your current situation. If you already have a plan, identify what changes you need compared to your previous plan, things that were not included last time. If this is your first plan, make a list of all the areas where you need support and ask yourself questions like, “What tasks do I struggle with daily?” This self-assessment will help you clearly explain your needs during the NDIS meeting.

Step 3: Gather the Right Documents

Documentation plays a key role in getting your NDIS supports approved. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including medical reports, letters from doctors and specialists, allied health reports (for example, from physiotherapists, psychologists, or occupational therapists), progress reports from your current support providers, and invoices. Having these documents handy will help the planner understand your disability and the kind of NDIS disability support you require. It also ensures there is no delay in approving your plan.

 

Step 4: Identify and Update Your Goals

Your NDIS plan revolves around your goals. Before your meeting, take time to update NDIS goals based on your current life stage or priorities. Examples of NDIS goals include:

 

• Becoming more independent in daily activities
• Improving mobility or communication skills
• Getting a job or doing volunteer work
• Participating in social or community activities
• Learning new skills, like cooking or budgeting

 

Step 5: Make an NDIS Meeting Checklist

Creating an NDIS meeting checklist is very important. It’s very common that during any meeting, we tend to forget important points, especially when there’s a lot to discuss. Here’s a simple checklist you can use:

 

•  Your latest reports and assessments
•  List of current supports and services
•  Updated NDIS goals
•  Questions or concerns you want to raise
•  Contact details of your providers
•  Examples of challenges you face daily

 

When you have a checklist, you won’t miss any important points during your discussion. In this way, you can have a more productive and effective meeting.

 

Step 6: Think About What’s Working (and What’s Not)

If you have had an NDIS plan before, reflect on which supports were helpful and which were not. For instance, maybe your current therapy hours are not enough, or your support worker’s schedule needs adjusting. This information will help your planner understand what needs to stay and what needs to change in your new plan. You can also mention any new supports you would like to try, such as social groups, assistive technology, or home modifications. The more honest and detailed you are, the better your plan will match your real needs.

Step 7: Prepare to Discuss Your Daily Life

During the meeting, the planner will ask questions about your daily routine, how you manage personal care, cooking, cleaning, travel, work, and social interactions. Be open and truthful about what you can and can not do independently. Some people feel uncomfortable admitting their struggles, but remember: the NDIS is there to support you, not judge you.

Step 8: Bring a Support Person

If you are feeling nervous or a little scared about your meeting, unsure about what questions might be asked, or how to explain your needs, the team at Ability Support Plus advises that you bring a trusted family member, friend, or support coordinator with you to your NDIS meeting.

 

Step 9: Prepare Questions for Your Planner

Before going to the meeting, make a list of points you want to discuss with your planner, especially the ones you’re unsure about. Make a list of questions before the meeting, such as:

• What types of supports can be included in my plan?
• How can I use funding for therapy or assistive technology?
• Can I choose my own providers?
• How long will it take to receive the new plan?
• What should I do if my needs change before the next review?

 

Step 10: Stay Calm and Be Yourself

It’s natural to feel nervous, but try to relax. Your NDIS planner is there to help you. The meeting is a conversation about your life, your needs, and your future. Speak honestly, take your time, and do not rush through your answers.

 

Step 11: After the Meeting – What Happens Next?

After your meeting, the planner will review all your information and create your NDIS plan. This plan will outline your goals, the types of support approved, and the amount of funding you will receive. Once your plan is approved, you will get a copy through your NDIS portal or by mail. Take time to review it carefully to make sure everything is accurate. If something doesn’t look right, contact your planner or the NDIS as soon as possible.

 

Step 12: Keep Track of Your Progress

Your NDIS plan is a living document. It should evolve with you. As you achieve your goals or face new challenges, keep track of your progress. This information will be incredibly helpful when it’s time for your next review. Write down what supports worked well, what did not, and what you’d like to change. This will make future meetings smoother and more effective.

 

Helpful NDIS Meeting Tips

Here are some additional NDIS meeting tips to make the process easier:

 

• Be clear and specific when describing your needs.
• Bring written examples of how your disability affects your daily life.
• Use plain language to explain your goals.
• Ask for a break during the meeting if you feel overwhelmed.
• Don’t rush – take your time to make sure everything is covered.

Final thoughts

Our team helps participants prepare for NDIS meetings with confidence. Whether you need guidance on setting goals, gathering reports, or understanding your plan, we’re here to support you every step of the way.