As an NDIS participant, periodic plan reviews can seem overwhelming, but they are an essential step in ensuring that your support package remains relevant to your needs and goals. To help you navigate this process with confidence, we have created a comprehensive checklist that will guide you in preparing for your NDIS plan review. This checklist focuses on gathering and evaluating the necessary documentation, goal-setting, and advocating for appropriate funding and support to ensure that you continue receiving personalised care through Kismet's network of trusted providers.

By following our expertly-crafted checklist, you will be well-equipped to actively participate in your NDIS plan review process, ensuring that your disability support needs are addressed and enabling you to live your life to the fullest. Keep reading to gain valuable insights, tips, and resources that enable you to understand the review process, maximise outcomes, and unlock your full potential with Kismet by your side.

1. Gather and Organise Key Documentation

Before your NDIS plan review meeting, it is essential to gather and organise all relevant documentation that showcases your disability support needs and progress with your current plan. This will help you effectively communicate your concerns and requirements during the review process. Important documents to collect include:

• Current NDIS Plan: Keep a copy of your existing NDIS plan, highlighting the funding and support received, and any necessary adjustments you may require.
• Reports from Support Providers: Obtain recent progress reports from your current support providers, detailing the services provided, your achievements, and any challenges faced.
• Support Recommendations: Gather any recommendations or assessments from allied health professionals, including occupational therapists or physiotherapists, to support your case for additional or updated services.
• Evidence of Funding Utilisation: Compile records of your current plan's funding allocation and usage, demonstrating responsible use of resources and justifying any requests for increased support.

2. Reflect on Your Progress and Achievements

Before your plan review, take the time to reflect on your progress and achievements with your current NDIS plan. This exercise will help you identify areas where you have experienced success, areas where you may require additional support, and any adjustments to your goals or plan moving forward. Consider the following:

• Personal Achievements: Review previously established goals and evaluate your progress. Celebrate the milestones you have reached and identify areas where you may have encountered challenges.
• Current Supports: Evaluate the effectiveness of your current support providers and explore whether their services continue to meet your unique needs and goals.
• Changing Needs or Circumstances: Reflect on any changes in your life since your last NDIS plan, including severity of impairment, daily living needs, or availability of informal support networks, and assess whether adjustments need to be made in your upcoming plan.

3. Set and Prioritise Your Goals for the Next Plan Period

Establishing clear goals is crucial for guiding your NDIS plan review and ensuring that your objectives are communicated effectively to your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). As you prepare for your review meeting, consider the following when setting your goals:

• Build on Existing Successes: Look at the progress made with your current plan and set achievable, measurable goals that build on those achievements.
• Identify Areas of Need: Determine areas that require additional support or attention, and establish realistic objectives to address these needs.
• Prioritise Your Goals: Develop a prioritised list of goals for the next plan cycle, highlighting the most critical objectives in relation to your overall well-being and independence.
• Be Specific and Action-Oriented: Ensure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), as this will help your planner or LAC understand precisely what you require moving forward.

4. Develop a Pre-Plan Review Tool to Visualise and Organise Your Goals

To streamline your planning process and prioritise effectively, consider using a visual tool or template to summarise your goals and objectives. This resource can be referenced during your NDIS plan review meeting and can help you clearly communicate your needs and priorities. Consider including the following:

• Comprehensive Goal List: Incorporate your prioritised goals for the next plan period, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Associated Support Services: Outline the specific support services that will assist you in achieving each goal, including therapy, equipment, or community support programs.
• Funding and Resource Requirements: Provide an estimate of the funding and resources that would be needed to achieve your identified goals and access the necessary supports.

5. Brush Up on NDIS Terminology and Evaluation Criteria

Understanding the language and criteria used by the NDIS is crucial in effectively advocating your case during the review process. Familiarise yourself with common terms and concepts, such as "reasonable and necessary," "support budgets," and "core and capacity-building supports," to assist in providing a clear and persuasive argument for plan adjustments. The NDIS website offers valuable resources that can help you navigate this language and stay informed [https://www.ndis.gov.au/].

6. Practice Your Communication and Advocacy Skills

Being able to effectively communicate your needs, goals, and desired outcomes during the NDIS plan review process is key to getting the most out of the planning meeting. Consider enlisting the support of a friend, family member, or support coordinator to practice discussing your goals, challenges, and achievements prior to the meeting. This exercise can help build confidence and reduce anxiety surrounding the plan review process.

Ultimately, effective preparation for your NDIS plan review is paramount in ensuring that you receive the appropriate supports, tailored to your specific needs and goals. By following these guidelines and staying organised, you can approach your review with confidence, all while being supported by Kismet's exceptional network of providers.

Conclusion

Thorough preparation is crucial in ensuring a successful NDIS plan review, helping you communicate your needs effectively and secure appropriate funding and support for your unique circumstances. By gathering essential documentation, reflecting on your progress, setting clear goals, and developing strong advocacy skills, you can approach the plan review process with confidence, poised to make the most of your NDIS journey.

Kismet understands the importance of a personalised and responsive NDIS plan and aims to make this process as smooth as possible for you. Let our network of trusted support providers and extensive resources assist you in maximising your plan benefits and achieving your goals. Contact us today to learn more about the comprehensive services we offer and let Kismet be your partner in unlocking your full potential.