Whether it is your first NDIS meeting or another plan review, there can always be the worry and stress of how much funding your child will get. Will you get a good NDIS coordinator? Will they get the funding they need?
While the process can be stressful, we have put together some tips to help you feel prepared and make the meeting run smoothly, improving your child’s chances of getting a good plan that meets their needs.
1. Goals
The NDIS is based upon providing choice and control through a client-centred, goal-based model. Hence, the goals in your plan are essential to ensuring your child has the funding they need. Your NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will determine the funding required based upon the goals you have listed in their plan. You will set your child’s goals for the next 12 months with the LAC during your meeting.
Some tips to setting goals in your plan are:
- Use different time frames, such as short term, medium-term and long-term, for your goals and be realistic as to what your child can achieve in that time
- Be specific – use clear and direct language to communicate your goals for the next 12 months and what you might need to achieve these goals.
- Keywords to use when writing your goals could include:
- increasing independence
- improving skills
- building relationships
- promoting confidence.
- If there are specific equipment or services you would like, outline this clearly in your goals. For example, “I want equipment to assist my child in sitting at the dinner table for mealtimes”.
Provide a copy of your goals to your LAC in writing.
Some examples of goals included in an NDIS plan are:
- I would like my child to increase their fine motor skills to complete writing activities.
- I would like my child to build their social skills to make friends and maintain social relationships.
- I would like appropriate equipment and tools to improve my child’s sensory processing skills at home and preschool.
2. Reports
Before your meeting, organise reports from all your child’s current health professionals and Paediatrician. Ensure you give them at least two weeks before your appointment to put together a report outlining previous goals, progress towards the goals, goals for the next year and their recommendations for funding. Reports don’t have to be pages and pages long but just a concise and comprehensive overview of how each service supports your child. If you are yet to commence therapy, a report from your Paediatrician outlining your child’s needs and the support they require would be appropriate.
3. Know the Language
NDIS uses specific language to determine whether they will fund items or services. It is essential that when requesting funding, you can justify how your requests meet all of the criteria. Using the same language when communicating with your LAC may assist in obtaining the funding your child needs; includes:
- Reasonable and Necessary
- Parental Responsibility
- Lifelong Disability
For more information regarding NDIS funding criteria, visit the NDIS website.
4. Write a list or keep a diary in the weeks leading up to the meeting
Writing a list or keeping a diary in the weeks leading up to the meeting can be a helpful way to record specific examples of difficulties in your child’s behaviours. The NDIS coordinator may ask for specific examples of how your child’s difficulties impact their daily life. Another idea is to video record any specific behaviours your child presents with to provide the coordinator with a clear depiction of your child’s needs.
5. Assistive Technology
The NDIS has three funding budgets – Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports. Assessment and intervention therapy services are funded under the Capacity Building Supports budget.
If your child requires any low-cost Assistive Technology such as gross motor, fine motor, or sensory items, this can be funded under the Core Supports budget. In this case, you can request a budget of up to $1000 to fund the purchase of such items.
If your child requires any higher-cost Assistive technology such as a wheelchair, rails or splint, then this would be funded under the Capital Supports budget. You will need an Assistive Technology report for the item you are requesting completed by the prescribing health professional for such items.
It can be helpful for the coordinator if you have an idea of the items you may require before your NDIS meeting. If you are unsure, consulting with your child’s health professionals may assist in understanding any items that could support your child.
Navigating the NDIS can be a daunting process. But with these tips, you should feel prepared for any meeting and help your child get the best services they deserve. Of course, if you have more questions or concerns about navigating this complex system on your own, we are here to help!
Our team of experts is ready to partner with you from start to finish to ensure that all aspects of your child’s plan run smoothly.
So what do you think? Do these top tips sound helpful? Let us know – we would love to hear from our readers and answer any questions.
