The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has opened doors for people with disability in Australia to be able to live ordinary and independent lives. There are several disability support services that the NDIS can fund so that you can achieve your life goals and live life to the fullest. However, with so much information and guidelines surrounding the NDIS, the actual process can be overwhelming for many. The following is a simplified step-by-step guide to the NDIS:
Step 1: Prepare well.
- Check if you are eligible to access the NDIS here and make an access request.
- Do your research about the NDIS and how disability support in Australia works. You can find information on the NDIS website.
- Start your planning early before your scheduled National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) meeting. Think about your life goals and the support services that you need in order to achieve them.
Step 2: Start the conversation with the NDIA.
- Once you’ve received a letter or call from the NDIA, let them know right away if there’s anything that’s not clear.
- Take note of the caller’s name and contact details so you can contact them again if necessary.
- Ask to schedule a face-to-face meeting with your NDIA planner to be able to discuss disability services in-depth.
Step 3: Make the most out of your NDIS meeting.
- Ask someone you trust to attend the meeting with you and take notes.
- Bring all your supporting documents and list of disability services that you are already receiving.
- Write down questions in advance.
- Communicate all your goals and needs clearly to your planner.
Step 4: Carefully read your NDIS plan.
- Read your NDIS plan carefully when it arrives
- Take note and tell the NDIA if something is incorrect or missing and how you’d like it changed.
- Inform your existing service providers (if you have one) that you have received your NDIS plan so that they can continue delivering the services under your plan.
Step 5: Find a trusted NDIS service provider.
- Research on several service providers near you and the services that they offer.
- Ask for and compare quotes for their services.
- If you need multiple services, consider getting a support coordinator that can also be funded by the NDIA.
Step 6: Organise and finalise your service delivery team.
- Make your needs heard and be clear about what you want to achieve and how you’d like your services to be delivered.
- Set-up and double check your service agreements with your providers.
- Make sure that you completely understand the information written in your service Agreements before you sign and that you are happy with the conditions.
Step 7: Track your progress
- Track all the supports you are receiving for future reference. Write them down in a diary
- Inform the NDIS if you’re unhappy with any of the supports you are receiving.
- or if you encounter any life changes that will affect your supports for a plan review.
Step 8: Reflect and prepare your annual plan review.
- Reflect on whether your current goals have been met.
- Write down your new goals for the future.
- Make a list of any changes that have happened in your life during the past year and what adjustments in your supports are necessary.
Zeal Disability: Helping You to Get the Most Out of Your NDIS Plan
Quality disability care services are within reach! Zeal Disability, your reliable NDIS service provider, offers comprehensive services to so you can achieve your NDIS Plan goals – Group/Centre Activities, Participate Community, Household Task, Innov Community Participation, Assist-Travel/Transport, Assist-Personal Activities, Accommodation/Tenancy, and Household Tasks.
Get the most out of your NDIS plan by inquiring from us now! Let us talk about the disability support services in Melbourne that are available to you.