As you approach the end your first year under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) it is a time to reflect and review, and see what you might need for the future. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) offers a yearly plan review to allow its participants to measure their progress and goals and identify any changes in their life.

As you near the end of your first year, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will be in contact with you a couple of months before, your scheduled plan review in which you’ll receive documents to prepare you for this meeting. When the times comes for your meeting you are welcome to bring a family member or support person to your plan review.

So, what can you expect from your first NDIS Plan Review?

This is a time to provide feedback on what supports are working for you and what isn’t. You will have to opportunity to inform the assessor on what other goals you would like to achieve, and reflect on your previous achievements. This is an opportunity for you to also discuss your next plan review meeting according to your personal circumstances and goals.

If your situation may change in the near future, such as a planned move from school to work, you can schedule your next plan review for up to 12 months’  time to discuss the best supports for your needs and goals.

Your plan review is also the time to think about how your NDIS plan is currently being managed and if you would like to change how your NDIS plan is managed. As you gain more experience with your NDIS plan you have the choice to change how your funding is managed. The NDIS is built around empowering individuals with choice and control and you can elect how you want to manage this, whether it is self managed, managed by plan managers or NDIA managed. This is a personal decision and a conversation you should have with whomever is assisting you in your plan management.

How can I plan for my NDIS Plan Review?

Preparing for your Plan Review doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can work with your LAC, Support Coordinator, friend or family member to help you. To prepare you should have a think about your goals in both the long and short term.

Knowing what you would like to achieve in the future will help you decide which services and supports you will need to achieve this. It will also help you decide how you will use your funding to achieve these goals.

The NDIS isn’t just for traditional care but also offers more services and supports to help individuals achieve a wide range of goals. Have a think about other goals you may want to achieve such as learning how to cook healthy meals or wanting to learn a sport and join a club. Then decide who will help you achieve these goals – a nutritionist or a sports physio.

This all round way of thinking will help you get the most out of your NDIS plan.

What if I don’t agree with my NDIS Plan Review?

If you disagree with the outcome of your Plan Review, you can request a review of decision made by the NDIA. This can be done via:

• Submitting a written request to:
  
  Chief Executive Officer
  National Disability Insurance Agency
  GPO Box 700
  Canberra ACT 2601
  
  
• Talking to someone at an NDIA office
• Calling 1800 800 110
• Sending an email to: enquiries@ndis.gov.au
• Or completing the application for a reviewable decision.

This review will be conducted by NDIA staff who were not involved in the original decision. They review the facts, laws and policies that applied to the decision and determine of the original outcome was accurate.

Tips for your NDIS Plan Review

• Be Specific! Try to be very specific about your goals and what supports you think are required. The more specific you can be about how these will help, the more likely they are to be approved.
  
  
• Record Keeping – Note down barriers you may encounter in the future or and outcomes you wish to achieve. Also keep records of all service agreements and quotes, this will help in the planning of the next year.
  
  
• Get your key stakeholders on side if possible – Many individuals have reported that getting clear and concise reports from their physios or alike backing up your requests has had a positive effect on the plan outcome.

It is important to be your own biggest advocate when going for a Plan Review. The more organised and prepared you are, the better the result will be. Your Plan Review meeting doesn’t have to be as stressful as your last. You can find many resources online to help you out – especially from the NDIS itself located here.

The tappON team is dedicated to helping others successfully manage their NDIS and provide as much education as possible. If you need assistance or more clarification, contact a tappON team member today at 02 9158 6163 or support@tappon.co