Understanding the New I-CAN v6 Support Needs Assessment
- First2Care Team
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The way NDIS plans are made is changing. From mid-2026, a new approach to assessing support needs will be introduced as part of the new framework planning reforms. The goal is to make planning fairer, simpler and more consistent for everyone.
A key part of this change is a new assessment tool called the Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs, version 6, also known as I-CAN v6.
What Is I-CAN v6?
The NDIS has shared with us that I-CAN v6 is a person-focused, strengths-based assessment. It looks at how you live your day-to-day life and what support helps you do the things that matter to you.
Instead of relying mostly on reports from different health professionals, the I-CAN tool uses a structured conversation to understand your support needs in real life. It focuses on what you can do with the right supports in place, not just on limitations. The assessment looks across 12 life domains:
Mobility
Domestic Life
Self Care
Community, Social & Civic Life
Communication
Learning & Applying Knowledge
General Tasks and Demands
Life Long Learning
Interpersonal Interactions & Relationships
Behaviours of Concern
Mental & Emotional Health
Physical Health
Each domain is broken down into sub-areas that help assess what support you use now and what you might need to reach your goals.
How the I-CAN v6 Works
A trained and certified assessor leads the I-CAN assessment. During the session, you talk about your daily life, what you can do on your own, and where support makes a difference. Your responses are recorded as “I-CAN statements,” which describe what you can do and with what level or type of support. The statements are then scored based on how often support is needed and how much support is required.
Assessors are trained to guide these conversations respectfully and at your pace. You can also bring family members, carers, or other support people with you. The aim is to make sure your plan reflects your experiences, priorities, and what matters to you.
How This Fits Into NDIS Planning
Under the new planning approach, I-CAN v6 is used as the main support needs assessment. It is combined with a separate questionnaire about your personal and environmental circumstances. Together, these help build a fuller picture of how you live and what supports you need. This information is then used to help shape your NDIS plan and budget in a more consistent way.
What This Means for You
The NDIS says, for many participants, I-CAN v6 is expected to reduce the need for multiple external reports and shift the focus to everyday real-life experiences.
While the rollout will be phased, it’s worth learning about I-CAN now so you’re comfortable with what to expect at your next review or planning meeting. As a participant, you can prepare by thinking about how you spend your day, where you need support, and what goals matter most to you.
For more information, you can read the NDIA’s full update on Update - A new way of planning.
