Plan Review Ready: How to Prepare and Get the Most Out of Your NDIS Meeting
The NDIS plan review is an essential part of your journey with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This process ensures your plan continues to meet your changing needs, goals, and aspirations. Whether you're a participant or a parent supporting a participant, the review offers an opportunity to adjust funding, refine supports, and advocate for the best outcomes. Preparing thoroughly is key to getting the most out of your meeting and setting yourself or your loved one up for success.
In this blog, we’ll explain what an NDIS plan review is, how to prepare effectively, and what to expect during and after the review. We’ll also touch on your rights to appeal decisions if needed.
What Is an NDIS Plan Review?
An NDIS plan review is a scheduled meeting between a participant (or their representative) and an NDIS planner to assess whether the current plan is still suitable. This review ensures the participant’s NDIS funding aligns with their goals, support needs, and circumstances.
There are two main types of plan reviews:
Scheduled plan reviews: These occur at the end of your current plan’s duration, often annually.
Unscheduled reviews (aka: Change of Circumstances): These can be requested at any time if your needs or circumstances change significantly.
Plan reviews are crucial because they allow adjustments to reflect changing life circumstances, progress toward goals, and emerging aspirations. It’s an opportunity to ensure the plan provides adequate disability support to enhance the participant’s quality of life.
Steps to Prepare for Your NDIS Plan Review
1. Gather Supporting Information
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful NDIS review. Collect documentation from a variety of sources to demonstrate the participant’s needs, progress, and future aspirations:
Session notes from current providers such as therapists, support workers, and coordinators.
Reports from allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, or physiotherapists.
Mainstream records from schools, workplaces, or medical professionals.
Specialist recommendations for any new or ongoing supports.
Ensure these documents highlight how the participant’s disability impacts their daily life and the supports required to achieve their goals.
2. Reflect on Current Goals
Spend time reviewing the goals outlined in the existing plan. Ask yourself:
Have these goals been achieved, or are they still a work in progress?
Are there new challenges or opportunities that have arisen since the last plan?
Do these goals still align with the participant’s priorities and aspirations?
For example, if the participant aimed to improve communication skills last year but now wishes to focus on building social connections, the plan may need to be adjusted accordingly.
3. Consider Future Aspirations
Think about where the participant wants to be in the next year or beyond. Future aspirations may include:
Increased independence in daily activities like cooking or using public transport.
Developing new skills, such as starting a hobby or enrolling in a course.
Expanding social networks or engaging more in the community.
Pursuing employment or volunteer opportunities.
Clearly articulating these aspirations helps the planner understand the participant’s long-term vision and ensures the plan includes funding for necessary supports.
4. Identify Support Needs
Take stock of the participant’s support requirements across all areas of life:
Daily living skills: Assistance with personal care, cooking, or cleaning.
Therapy needs: Ongoing or new services, such as physiotherapy or speech therapy.
Equipment or technology: Tools like wheelchairs, communication devices, or home modifications.
Social participation: Support for joining groups, attending events, or building friendships.
Having a clear understanding of these needs makes it easier to justify funding adjustments.
What to Expect During and After the Review
During the Review
The review meeting typically involves the participant (and their representative if applicable), the NDIS planner, and possibly a support coordinator or advocate. Here’s what you can expect:
Review of the current plan: The planner will assess how the existing funding has been used and whether it has been effective in achieving the goals.
Discussion of needs and goals: This is your opportunity to explain how circumstances have changed and what supports are now required.
Evidence review: The planner may ask questions about the reports and supporting documents you’ve provided.
It’s important to speak clearly and advocate strongly for the participant’s needs. If necessary, a support coordinator or advocate from services like Jango Community Services on the Gold Coast can help guide the discussion.
After the Review
Once the review is complete, the planner will draft a new plan based on the information provided. You’ll receive a copy of the plan for approval, and changes to funding or supports will be implemented.
If you’re satisfied with the plan, the new funding arrangements will take effect. However, if you feel the plan doesn’t adequately address the participant’s needs, you have the right to contest the decision.
Contesting the Plan Decision
If the new plan doesn’t meet your expectations, you can request a review of a reviewable decision. This involves:
Submitting a request for review within 28 days of receiving the plan.
Providing additional evidence to support your case.
Engaging an advocate or support coordinator to help present your appeal effectively.
The NDIS aims to work collaboratively with participants to resolve disputes, so persistence and preparation can lead to better outcomes.
Tips for a Successful Plan Review
Be prepared: Organize all documents and reports well in advance of the meeting.
Communicate effectively: Clearly articulate needs, goals, and aspirations during the discussion.
Engage support services: Consider working with organizations like Jango Community Services for advocacy or support coordination.
Follow up: Stay proactive after the meeting to ensure the plan meets expectations.
Conclusion
The NDIS plan review is more than just a procedural meeting—it’s a chance to ensure the participant’s needs and goals are fully supported. By preparing thoroughly, gathering evidence, and reflecting on both achievements and future aspirations, you can advocate for a plan that enhances independence and quality of life. Remember, services like Jango Community Services are available to guide you through the process and support you every step of the way.
Taking the time to prepare will help you make the most of your NDIS meeting and set the participant on a path to success.
