We all have goals we want to achieve, but sometimes everyday life or limited finances can get in the way. Luckily, with an NDIS plan, you could start working towards the goals that you’ve been dreaming of in no time.
Goals and the NDIS
There is a strong emphasis on setting personal goals when applying for the NDIS. In fact, your NDIS plan is partially built around the short and medium to long-term goals you set during your planning meeting with your Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) planner.
Why are goals so important?
By considering the things you want to achieve with support from the NDIS and other supports and services, your NDIS plan funding could help move you towards the future you envision for yourself. Setting goals gives you the opportunity to have more choice and control over your life.
How do I set my goals?
During your planning meeting, your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or NDIA planner (depending on who you meet with) will ask you what your goals are and if you have any unmet needs in your current life that could be addressed. Although you can set your goals during your meeting, a little preparation beforehand could help you get the funding you need.
Usually your NDIS plan will have two short-term goals and up to five medium to long-term goals. Your short-term goals are goals you would like to achieve in the next 6-12 months and your medium to long-term goals are goals you would like to achieve over the next two – five years.
The NDIS want you to be outcome orientated, rather than focusing on a specific service. While that might seem a little odd, it will give you more choice and control over your NDIS plan funding. This is because every dollar in your NDIS plan needs to be used in a way that links to your NDIS goals. Your goals need to be inclusive enough that you can use the different types of services that could help you to achieve the goal.
Example
If you were to write the goal ‘my goal is to engage a Speech Pathologist’, then your funding can only be used for that goal. However, if your goal is ‘to improve my communication at home and within the community to become as independent as possible’ you can use your funding to engage a Speech Pathologist (as planned), but you can also use that funding to engage any other supports and services you might need to achieve this goal.
Get support from a Plan Manager
Throughout your NDIS journey, your First2Care Plan Manager can help you to maximise your funding, help you to better understand what your entitled to spend your funding on, and make sure you’re not over or underspending on your budget. If you’re unsure whether you can engage a support, your Plan Manager will be able to let you know.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.