Starting your NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) journey can feel both exciting and
overwhelming. As a new participant, the first year is crucial to understanding how the system
works and making the most of the support available to you. This guide will walk you through
what you can expect in your first year with NDIS, helping you feel more prepared and confident
as you embark on this new chapter.
1. Your Initial NDIS Plan Meeting
The first step in your NDIS journey will likely be a planning meeting with your Local Area
Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS planner. This meeting is essential for setting up your first plan and
determining what supports you’ll need. During this session, you’ll discuss:
● Your current situation and how your disability impacts your life.
● Your goals—whether they are related to employment, independence, or simply
improving your day-to-day life.
● Support needs—what services and assistance you’ll require to meet your goals.
It's a good idea to come to this meeting prepared with documentation about your disability and
any previous supports you’ve received. Writing down your short-term and long-term goals
beforehand can also help guide the conversation.
2. Receiving Your First Plan
Once your initial plan is created, it will outline the types of support you’re eligible for and the
funding allocated to each category. This plan typically lasts for 12 months and will cover
supports such as:
● Core Supports for day-to-day assistance.
● Capacity Building Supports to help you achieve long-term goals, like improving skills
or gaining independence.
● Capital Supports for equipment or modifications to your home or vehicle.
You’ll have the flexibility to choose how you manage these funds, whether you want to
self-manage them, use a plan manager, or let the NDIS manage them for you.
3. Setting Up Your Support Network
Once your plan is in place, you’ll need to find the right providers and services to meet your
needs. This might involve researching and contacting local NDIS service providers who can
deliver the supports in your plan.
If you’ve chosen to use a Plan Manager, they will take care of paying your service providers,
ensuring your NDIS funding is being spent according to your plan. They can also provide advice
on how to stretch your funding further and help you understand the system better.
Your Local Area Coordinator can also help you navigate this step, suggesting reputable
providers and helping you connect with them.
4. First Year Adjustments
As you start receiving support, you might find that your initial plan needs adjustments. This is
entirely normal. Many participants find that as they begin using the services, they gain a clearer
picture of what’s working well and what might need tweaking.
It’s important to communicate with your plan manager, LAC, or NDIS planner if you feel your
needs have changed. You can request a plan review at any time if you believe your
circumstances have significantly altered or if your current plan no longer suits your goals.
5. Preparing for Your First Plan Review
Towards the end of your first year with the NDIS, you’ll have a plan review. This is your
opportunity to assess how your plan has worked for you, and make changes where necessary.
In preparation for your plan review, consider:
● Have you met your goals? Reflect on what progress has been made and whether your
supports helped you achieve your objectives.
● Do you need new supports? Maybe you’ve discovered additional needs that weren’t
addressed in your initial plan, or your circumstances have changed.
● How has your funding been used? You’ll need to demonstrate how you’ve used your
NDIS funding, which will help inform any adjustments for your next plan.
A successful review sets the tone for your second year with the NDIS, ensuring you’re
well-supported and can continue moving towards your goals.
6. Building Confidence with the NDIS
The first year of NDIS is all about learning—understanding how the system works, navigating
the supports available, and refining your plan to best suit your needs. It's a time for growth and
adjustment, and while it may feel daunting at first, with the right support and preparation, you'll
be able to confidently navigate the NDIS.
As you become more familiar with the system, your confidence will grow, and you’ll be better
equipped to make informed decisions about your support network and how you want to manage
your funding.
Comments