Growing up with the NDIS.

It might sound strange but there are a lot of things to consider if your child has a disability. Sometimes early intervention might be enough. If your child doesn't continue on to a NDIS plan, there are mainstream, and community supports available to help.

The pathway to getting a NDIS plan involves a formal diagnosis when aged six or older, and that diagnosis needs to meet the age, residence, and disability requirements in the NDIS Act 2013. In the intake interview with an NDIS Planner/LAC (local area coordinator/my NDIS contact) you will discuss the needs and goals around which the plan will be built. The disability support needs, remembering that the goals need to relate to the disability.

Once you have the plan, depending on how the funding is set up, it will be either self-managed, plan managed or agency managed. If it is plan managed, you'll need to get a plan manager. Like First2Care.

They will pay the invoices related to the plan and give you budget support. Don't be afraid to ask your plan manger for answers if you are trying to understand the NDIS plan. In the coming months we will break everything down in more detail. To help you get a better idea of what it means if your child is growing up in the NDIS. From Early intervention to getting an NDIS plan with a formal diagnosis. From that first plan to when they reach their teenage years. Because, yes, they are still children but their disability doesn't mean that they will skip being teenagers. Then we'll dive in to when they transition to adulthood.

Another change, a lot to consider too. Leaving school, possible employment opportunities, living on their own instead of with their family/primary carers. Then finally what they would do if something happened to you. Is there a care plan, is there someone who will take care of their needs?

We are sharing this to let you know what its like from the point-of-view of another parent/primary carer, having a child with a disability. We are hoping to share that there is a way to navigate the NDIS and perhaps remove some of the uncertainty in these life stages. Because having a child is a journey, growing up is an adventure and having a disability doesn't change this. A disability might create a few more bumps and waves to deal with. This isn't about the disability, this is about the way to grow up and giving them a childhood while navigating the complexities of the NDIS. By hopefully, helping you see how the NDIS can help you.