Top 10 tips to prepare for the NDIS
Start today
It’s never too early to start getting ready. Start thinking about what help you need, how you want to live your life and what support you need to achieve your goals.
Think big
It’s time to put the past behind you. Now is the time to start thinking differently. How do you want to live your life? What do you want to achieve? It might take some time get used to the idea that the NDIS could actually change your world. It helps to talk through your goals, aspirations and dreams with people that know you well. But remember …
Don’t stress about doing everything at once
Your first NDIS plan will cover you for the next twelve months. So you don’t need to do everything all at once. Most people are in the NDIS for life so there is lots of time to start planning to achieve your long term goals.
Write a list or keep a diary
Take notes on roadblocks and issues you run into that make life harder than it should be. This can help spark some ideas for the kinds of support you want from the NDIS in your first planning meeting. You could write a diary, take photos or keep a list.
Be specific
Be as specific as you can about what you need and what you want, what your goals are and how you want to live.
Learn the language
There’s a whole world of NDIS jargon out there and it’s a good idea to start getting your head around the terms. This will help you to better understand the information provided by the NDIS. Check out the NDIS glossary to help you get started.
Research, research, research
Get as much information as you can in advance – this way you’ll be better prepared to deal with any challenges and also to take full advantage of the opportunities of the NDIS. It also might help to talk to other people who have already been through the process.
Get all your documents ready
Before your first meeting get all the documentation you have together so you can streamline the process with your planner. This will help you to explain who you are and what you need. Try to collect all your medical, education and health documents and put them in one place so you have everything ready when you need it.
Take someone with you
You don’t have to go this process alone. Take someone along to your meeting – someone who know you well. Maybe a family member, friend or advocate. They’ll help make sure you don’t forget anything during the meeting – and they can help you remember what happened later.
Look after yourself
It’s stressful going through something for the first time. And because the NDIS is new, there have been quite a few teething problems. You should know this will be a time consuming, often bewildering and sometimes frustrating experience. Look after yourself while you are going through it – and reach out for help if you need it.
