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There’s a LOT of information out there about the NDIS. And trying to understand it all, can feel like an information overload. Luckily, there’s a simple solution – Local Area Coordinators. What exactly is a Local Area Coordinator Local Area Coordinators (LAC) act as a bridge between you and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). They can help you understand how NDIS processes work, what kind of supports are available and where to start. An LAC can help you: Understand and access the NDIS; Learn about your current situation and the information necessary to create your plan; Ensure that you find and start receiving the supports and services that are in your plan; and Review and make changes to your plan (if needed). If you’re not eligible for a NDIS plan, you can still speak to an LAC about supports available in your community. LAC and the NDIA LAC’s are not part of the NDIA. Instead, they operate under the NDIA’s Partners in the Community Program. This partnership program helps to deliver Early Childhood Early Intervention services for children aged 0-6 and LAC services to people aged seven and older. The NDIA can’t conduct every planning meeting themselves. So, part of what an LAC does is share some of the load – that way people aren’t rushed through the system. Many people will actually have their first planning meeting with an LAC, not a NDIA planner. Although LAC’s can’t approve NDIS plans, they can make recommendations in line with NDIS legislation. Get prepped for your planning meeting Your planning meeting is very important as it can help determine the funding outcome of your NDIS plan. Whether your planning meeting is with an LAC or NDIA planner, being prepared for the meeting can help you to build the plan you need. Your LAC will likely spend between 1 to 2 hours helping you develop your NDIS plan. During that time, they will talk with you about your disability and the supports you may need. Be sure to bring any supporting documents like reports or recommendations from specialists, have a clear idea of what your goals are, and any other relevant information. You can even download our pre-planning checklist to get you started. What happens next? When your NDIS plan has been approved, you’ll be contacted by your LAC for a meeting either over the phone or in person. They can assist you to understand and implement your plan by helping you choose and connect with service providers. The role of an LAC is more significant during the planning phase of your NDIS plan. Once you’ve been approved, and you’ve begun your NDIS journey, your LAC will take a step back. If you need ongoing support, there are other options like Support Coordination and Plan Management. Plan Managers (like us!) offer financial and administrative support to help you maximise your NDIS journey. At First2Care, we will always put your needs first to ensure you maintain choice and control over your NDIS plan, without having the stress of managing your plan finances yourself. You’ll be able to access a greater network of service providers (both NDIS register and unregistered) and you can be confident knowing we’ll process all your invoices and payments within two business days. To have Plan Management included in you NDIS plan, speak with your LAC during your initial planning meeting. If your plan is already in place and you would like to transition from either Agency or Self-Management, contact our friendly First2Care team. They can help you to seamlessly make to move to Plan Management. 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.

Getting from A to B might sound easy, but for some people it’s not. Not having the right means of transport or the ability to pay for a taxi regularly or having to rely on family or friends to get around, can be frustrating. Having accessible transport (whether you’re in the driver’s seat or not) can provide you with more freedom and independence. What are Vehicle Modifications? Vehicle modifications are pretty much exactly what you might think – changes to a vehicle or the installation of equipment to help you safely access the car as either a passenger or the driver. Vehicle modifications fall under the NDIS Capital Supports category and is considered to be Assistive Technology. Vehicle modifications can help you to: Access the vehicle with or without a wheelchair Carry a wheelchair in or on the vehicle without lifting Be transported safely while seated in a wheelchair Drive the vehicle with specialised controls or other adaptions To have vehicle modifications funded by the NDIS, it will need to be determined to be ‘reasonable and necessary’. Vehicle modifications and the NDIS As with any NDIS funding, there are certain considerations that must be had based on the effectiveness of the vehicle modifications. The NDIA will consider things like: Whether the vehicle is more than five years old and over 80,000kms (under that, the vehicle is generally considered suitable to modify); If modifications have been assessed and recommended by a qualifies occupational therapist; If modifications will be specified and installed by a qualified supplier following the state or territory regulations; If the vehicle is participant owned or owned by another person but has access for their transport needs; and Whether the participant or other person can afford the ongoing vehicle running costs which include registration, regular insurance, fuel, repairs and maintenance. For the NDIA to consider funding vehicle modifications that put the participant in the driver’s seat, the participant will need to have a valid driver’s licence when funding is requested, or be assessed as having the capacity to obtain a valid licence by: An evaluation by a medical practitioner using the national ‘Assessing Fitness to Drive’ medical standards A driving assessment by a driver trained Occupational Therapist A driving assessment by the state licensing authority The NDIA also may fund: Driving assessments for obtaining a valid license Driving lessons where lessons are required to use a modified vehicle Additional insurance costs like additional insurance premium due to the modifications (NDIS will pay the difference for the modifications only) Cost of engineering certification and other checks for initial registration Cost of removal and/or reinstallation of existing modifications on to a new vehicle (if it’s considered practicable and value for money) The NDIA will assess the modifications on their value for money. They will consider whether the vehicle modifications are the best option for achieving the participants driving and transport needs, if there is a less costly alternative, and the suitability of the vehicle. The NDIA generally will not fund: Purchase of a motor vehicle; Regular insurance, registration or running costs; Non-standard items, like auto docking where the person or their attendant is able to manually dock; Driving supervision in order for a participant to accrue hours to pass a driving test; and Major modifications (over $10,000) to a vehicle if it has been less than 8 years since the most recent vehicle modifications funding (unless the participant’s circumstances and needs have significantly changed). Vehicle modifications are expected to suit participants’ long-term needs. Generally, the NDIS will not approve further modifications on the same vehicle, unless there are exceptional circumstances or significant changes to participants’ needs. 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.

Looking for a home that suits your needs and gives you more independence? Specialist Disability Accommodation could be the right move for you. Specialist Disability Accommodation… what is it? Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) approved accommodation for participants who require specialised housing options. SDA can be a house, apartment or unit, or another type of building. Often SDA homes will be shared between participants, with a maximum of five participants. Although there are options to live by yourself or with people without a disability. Who can access SDA? SDA homes are not available to all NDIS participants. In fact, the NDIA have estimated that about 6% of participants are actually eligible. Those who are eligible, are usually participants with very high support needs or an extreme functional impairment. SDA can unlock better housing opportunities for participants living in large residential centres, group homes, or aged care facilities and nursing homes. Eligibility requirements Other than having very high support needs or an extreme functional impairment, the NDIA wants to ensure you have considered all other housing options, like home modifications, assistive technology and Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports, before going down the SDA path. If you have done this and you have trouble getting in and out of bed, getting dressed, moving around, preparing meals, or accessing the community, SDA might be an option to explore. What’s the cost of SDA? The amount of SDA funding that is included in your plan will take into consideration the type of accommodation you require, the number of people you will live with, the location and any other features. The funding you’ll receive, can cover the cost of the housing, including outgoing maintenance costs. However, SDA is not totally free. Just like with other rental options, you’ll need to pay a reasonable rent contribution. The NDIA can guide you through this process. Accessing SDA Accessing SDA can be a bit of a complicated process. The first step is to discuss your current situation and supports with your NDIA planner at your planning meeting. This gives them the opportunity to review your needs, including the potential of SDA. If it’s determined that you may require SDA support, the NDIA will assess your needs. When approved, SDA will be added to your NDIS plan. Then the NDIA can help you meet your accommodation needs by searching for appropriate SDA in your area (or if that is not an option, they will help you to search outside your area to find something suitable). 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.

Do you have an NDIS plan that’s not quite right for your support needs? No need to worry, there’s a simple solution. If you’re unhappy with your NDIS Plan and feel that it isn’t providing the support you need, you don’t need to wait for your next review. Instead, you can request an early plan review. Requesting an early review Two of the most common reasons that a participant might want to request an early plan review are if: You don’t believe your plan will adequately fund the supports you need Your circumstances have changed and you need significantly more (or less) support than you were funded for Whatever your reason for wanting an early plan review, make sure to do your research prior to contacting your Local Area Coordinator (LAC). An early review could just as easily result in a positive outcome for you, as it could result in a negative outcome with either the rejection of your request or the reduction of your current funding. Doing the research and gathering the necessary documents before requesting an early review, can help you to feel more confident throughout the process. In some cases, your LAC might be able to make on the spot adjustments to your plan. However, in most cases the review will be submitted to the NDIA. Types of reviews There are four types of reviews under the NDIS: 1. An internal review is when you think the NDIA’s decision about your NDIS plan is incorrect, either because you need more funding or because you’ve been unsuccessful in applying for the NDIS previously. You will need to provide further evidence to support your claim in the meeting so the NDIA can review the new information and make an informed decision on the outcome of your request. It’s important to note that this process can take a few months to complete. While the review is being conducted, if you already have a NDIS plan, you can use the current funding that you have until your review is complete. 2. An external review is only possible when you disagree with the outcome of the internal review, and you want to challenge the decision made by the NDIA. To do this, you’ll need to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 28 days of receiving your internal review result. The evidence you supplied will then be reviewed by the AAT, before they give a result outcome. 3. An unscheduled plan review is when your funding needs to be reviewed due to a change in your circumstances. If you have any changes in your circumstances, you are legally obligated to tell the NDIA. Some of those changes might be that: Your disability needs change Your informal care arrangements change significantly You have applied for, received, or are entitled to compensation for injury When you submit a request for an unscheduled plan review, the NDIA will review your request and, if your request is approved, they will review your plan. If they don’t accept your request, you can request an internal review, followed by an external review if needed. 4. A scheduled plan review is typically held every 12 months or 24 months depending the circumstances. This is a pre-scheduled review that’s completed at the end of your plan period. In this review, you can discuss how your plan has helped you work towards your goals and what you hope to achieve in your next plan. Writing a request for a review The ‘NDIS Reviewable Decision Form’, is the best way to request a review of your NDIS plan. It’s important to take your time when filling out the form. Focus on clearly and concisely stating what concerns or changes you would like to be made to your NDIS plan, and detail why you disagree with the NDIS’s current decision. There are several ways that you can submit your request: Talk to someone directly by visiting an NDIS office Call: 1800 800 110 Email: enquiries@ndis.gov.au Post: Chief Executive Officer National Disability Insurance Agency, GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601. Requesting Plan Management If your early review is to request Plan Management, you can speak to our friendly team at First2Care. We can help guide you through the process, providing you with any information you might need, including our easy-to-download First2Care Referral Form that you can take with you to your review. First2Care is a registered NDIS service provider with over 30 years of experience in financial management. Our Plan Managed participants have more choice and control over their plans, the service providers they employ and the pursuit of their goals. While we reduce the financial and administrative stress that can come with managing an NDIS plan, you can focus your attention on achieving your goals with confidence. For more information on the timeframe of planning reviews, you can download and view the NDIS Participant Service Charter with timeframes listed on page five of the Service Charter. 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.

Sometimes finding the right support for your needs can feel complicated, time consuming and even a little overwhelming. Under the NDIS, participants have more choice and control than ever before over who provides support and how to access it. But sourcing and managing multiple providers and services may not be something you want to do. This is where Support Coordination can help. What is Support Coordination and how can it help? Support Coordination can be included as part of an NDIS plan to help participants maximise their funding and achieve their goals. There are three levels of Support Coordination, each providing a different amount of support. They are: Support connection – a short term assistance to help you source providers that meet your support needs, with you maintaining the responsibility of coordinating support and selecting your providers yourself. Coordination of supports – a longer term assistance which is maintained throughout your plan, to provide support through connecting you to and coordinating all your supports. Specialist support coordination – a specialist support for more complex situations, often more along the lines of case management. A Support Coordinator can help you to improve your knowledge and understanding of the NDIS. They help to build your skills, reach your goals, live with more independence, grow relationships, connect with your community and maintain choice and control. To do this, your Support Coordinator can: Help you understand and implement your NDIS Plan, and navigate the NDIS portal Connect you with support providers and services that can help you to achieve your goals Negotiate with your support providers on what services they will offer, how much it will cost from your funding, and organise service agreements Connect you with local places where you can meet people and be active in your community Write reports to the NDIS about your progress, including any needs you may have that are not being met or regarding funding needs Help you prepare for your plan reviews and organise reports from your service providers What are the benefits of having a Support Coordinator? A good Support Coordinator can help to you maximise your NDIS funding, ensuring that you get the most out of your NDIS Plan. They can support you in making decisions regarding the services you receive. Having a Support Coordinator that you can trust to uphold your wants, needs and decisions can be a huge benefit in helping you to build your capacity and achieve your goals. How to access funding for Support Coordination At the moment, Support Coordination is available to all NDIS participants as a temporary measure due to the current pandemic, COVID-19. This temporary measure allows NDIS participants to access Support Coordination using their Core Budget. Let’s break this down: If Support Coordination is already included in your NDIS Plan, you are can use your Core budget to access additional hours of this service if your Capacity Building funding for Support Coordination run out. If Support Coordination is not already included in your NDIS Plan, you can use your Core budget to access this service. What are some important questions to ask Support Coordinators? Choosing a Support Coordinator is a big decision. A mistake that some participants make, is hiring a Support Coordinator straightaway. Taking the time to make sure the Support Coordinator is the right fit for you is important. As is finding a Support Coordinator that you trust, and who has the skills and knowledge base to support to achieve your goals. Here are 10 key questions to consider asking prospective Support Coordinators: How long have you been offering Support Coordination as a service? How well do you know the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA’s) systems and requirements? Have you worked with people similar to me before? (Goals, interests, family or living situation, age, disability type, support needs, etc.) How much success have you had helping people achieve their goals? Are you able to provide some examples? What ideas do you have around how we would achieve my goals? How well do you know the supports and services in my local area, and the providers and services that I’m thinking of using? What success have you had in negotiating service delivery, agreements and prices on behalf of other participants? Are you experienced in, and know the requirements for applications and documents within the NDIS? What are your prices? How will you charge me? What is included? What is your notice period for ending our service agreement, should I wish to change to another Support Coordinator? How your Support Coordinator can work with your Plan Manager? More and more NDIS participants are choosing to engage a Support Coordinator to help them with the management of their providers and services, alongside a Plan Manager to help them with the financial and administrative tasks associated with their NDIS Plan. Support Coordination and Plan Management are both excellent tools to manage your NDIS Plan, while ensuring you maintain choice and control. At First2Care, we aim to work closely with your Support Coordinator so that you live the life you want to live with confidence, knowing that you have the support you need to the most of your NDIS funding. 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.

Communication is a big part of everyday life. And speech and language skills can be an essential tool for learning, understanding and communicating your wants and needs. Some people may experience challenges with speech and language, which can make it difficult for them to communicate effectively. Speech pathology can assist those wanting to develop their speech and language skills and their confidence in communicating with others. What is the role of a Speech Pathologist? Speech pathologists (also known as speech therapists) are a university qualified health professionals with expertise in communication using speech and language. It’s important to know, there is a difference between ‘speech’ and ‘language’. Speech is how we say words, and language is about how we use those words to communicate. Speech pathologists aim to provide assistance with verbal and non-verbal communications through speech, communication, listening, understanding, and social skill development. How can a Speech Pathologist help me? If you experience challenges with communication, a speech pathologist can work with you to offer a range of supports for a variety of challenges related to communication and the use of language. Some areas that a speech pathologist can work with you on are: Unclear speech – exercises to improve the quality of voice and/or voice retraining Stuttering – speech techniques to join words together and strategies for managing situations and anxiety that may cause a stutter Swallowing or chewing difficulties – exercises to help strengthen tongue, mouth and throat muscles and guidance on easy to swallow foods Speech sounds – techniques to create sounds and exercises for sounds that are difficult Communication Assistive Technology – assistance finding the right Assistive Technology (AT) or aid and instruction on how to use the AT Language and literacy – using the right word at the right time and assistance with reading and writing skills Speech pathologists will typically conduct as assessment of your abilities and develop a program to help increase skills in speech, language and communication specific to your needs. If assistance is needed with swallowing or feeding, they can provide the appropriate exercises and techniques. Speech Pathology, the NDIS and funding Speech pathology can be funded under the NDIS as long as it is considered to be reasonable and necessary, and the support is being provided by a trained professional. Under the NDIS, speech pathologists with appropriate skills and training can provide services to NDIS Participants. Some of the services provided by speech pathologists and supported under the NDIS may include: Risk assessment, intervention and development of management plans for participants with swallowing difficulty in supported independent living (SIL) Assessment, prescription and education to families, carers and teachers for AT to assist with communication Assessment of therapy programs to help participants with goals their around communication and cognitive development Speech pathology falls under the NDIS funding support category known as Capacity Building Supports. The amount of NDIS funding that a participant may be eligible to receive is determined by the impact of their disability on a day-to-day basis, their current level of abilities and capacity, the support networks they have in place, and their goals. An example of a speech pathology related goal might be: I would like to communicate clearly and with more confidence with my family, friends and the wider community. For the NDIS to consider funding things like speech pathology, they will consider the goals you outlined in your Planning Meeting or Plan Review. This is why it is so important to know your goals and be prepared during these meetings. Speech Pathology and Plan Management While all speech pathologists must be university qualified, they don’t all need to be NDIS registered to provide you with the tools and techniques you need. If you NDIS Plan is Agency Managed (meaning your funding is managed by the NDIS) then you will only have access to NDIS registered service providers. If you are Self or Plan Managed, then you have access to both registered and unregistered service providers, which gives you greater choice and control over which service providers you choose to engage. 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.

Physiotherapy can provide a positive outcome in personal, social, educational and employment aspects of your life. Whether you need short-term or long-term support, engaging a physiotherapist can be a great help to your health and wellbeing, as well providing you with the tools you need to achieve your goals. What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is a therapy and rehabilitation practice that works to improve a person’s ability to move and function. Physiotherapists in Australia must be university qualified and are required to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA). Their expertise are in anatomy and physiology of the body, which involves assessment and treatment. Physiotherapy can benefit people who may require treatment for things like physical disabilities, stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, and neurological disorders. Physiotherapy and accessing NDIS funding Physiotherapy can be covered by the NDIS to help provide individualised care, health and wellbeing management, while helping participants achieve their goals. Funding for physiotherapy will be assessed based on your goals and what is determined to be reasonable and necessary by the NDIA. If NDIS funding for physiotherapy has been included in your NDIS Plan, it will be allocated to ‘Improved Daily Living’ under the Capacity Building Supports category. For the NDIA to consider funding physiotherapy, supporting documents will need to be provided alongside any goals you may have. Your supporting documents should include an evidence-based report from a professional physiotherapist, relate to your goals and showcase how physiotherapy will help you to reach these goals over a 12-month period. The report should include: A breakdown of how many hours of support is needed to meet each goal within the 12-month plan Information on how the diagnosis impacts your daily life and how therapy can help overcome these barriers How the support would be considered reasonable and necessary How it provides value for money Any previous strategies implemented and their outcomes (for an annual plan review) Along with your therapy funding request, you should also consider any potential extra funding you may need, including things like physiotherapist travel time, report writing, and equipment fitting. Can physiotherapy make a difference? A physiotherapist can make a huge difference in the lives of people with disability. They can work with you to develop the right type of treatment plan and support that can improve quality of life and independence. They can help you to work towards and achieve occupational, recreational and social goals to develop new skills and abilities or maintain existing ones. What support can a physiotherapist provide? Physiotherapists can assist people with disability to engage with their community and become more independent. Some of the treatments a physiotherapist may be able to provide are: Pain management Movement and postural skills Coordination and mobility Breathing exercises Muscle strengthening Home exercise programs Support to take part in leisure, sport and recreation Advice on the management of specific conditions Recommendations for equipment and mobility aids that may increase function and enhance your independence They may also be able to provide further assistance with: Helping with getting out of bed, showering, bathing, dressing and eating Moving around the home and within the community Doing daily jobs, sports and activities Manage pain and chronic conditions Weight control Choosing and learning to use new equipment and mobility aids i.e walking frames, orthotics and wheelchairs Physiotherapy and Plan Management The NDIS is all about providing you with choice and control over your life and your supports. If you have been provided with funding for physiotherapy in your NDIS Plan, the physiotherapists you can access will depend on how your plan funding is managed. If you are Agency Managed by the NDIA then you will be limited to physiotherapists who are registered as NDIS providers. If you are Self or Plan Managed, then you will be able to access both registered and unregistered service providers and ultimately have more choice and control over who you would like to engage as your physiotherapist. 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.

It’s probably safe to say that no one loves assessments. But sometimes they can be incredibly beneficial. In the case of OT Functional Assessments, they can provide crucial information regarding your support and funding needs to the NDIA. What is an OT Functional Assessment? An Occupational Therapy (OT) Functional Assessment is all about helping you achieve your goals. The assessment works to determine your current level of functioning, what your strengths and weaknesses may be, how you manage on a day-to-day basis and to identify any challenges or gaps that may need to be addressed. It can provide recommendations of the supports and services you may need, not only with an OT but also in other areas like speech pathology or psychology. Following the functional assessment, your Occupational Therapist (OT) can make recommendations to increase your independence through therapy goals like developing or enhancing skills, assistive technology or environmental changes, and working towards goals including social and community participation. What do OT Functional Assessments involve? Depending on the complexity of your situation and the number of hours included in your NDIS Plan, OT Functional Assessments may be completed across more than one session. They can be done at home, in a clinic, another environment within the community, by phone or via video chat. The OT doing the assessment will take into consideration your age, disability and any other important factors. The OT will explore your: Management of daily tasks (showering, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, sleep, nutrition etc.) and if there are any challenges that may be impacting your ability to complete these tasks Home management skills (meal preparation, shopping, cleaning, laundry, household budgets and bills etc.) and any challenges within your current living situation and supports Community management abilities (accessing shops, banks, attending medical or health related appointments etc.) and how you manage this with driving, public transport or supported transport access Work and study abilities and whether there are any challenges you experience or short- or long-term goals you would like to set Recreational and social engagement skills (exercise, craft, art, music etc.) and how your ability to engage may be impacted, as well as whether you want to engage and your confidence in engaging socially in the community Once your OT has discussed your current situation with you and identified any areas that may be challenging, your OT may ask to observe you completing certain tasks to help them make the right recommendations for you. When the assessment process is completed, you OT will finalise the Functional Assessment report with a summary of your current functional abilities and recommendations for ongoing support, therapy or Assistive Technology (AT) that may increase your independence and help you to achieve your goals. The OT Functional Assessment will be shared with the NDIA for consideration of ongoing NDIS support funding at your Plan Review Meeting. When to get an OT Functional Assessment Having an OT Functional Assessment can be the key to securing the funding you need to live your life and achieve your goals successfully. But when should you have the assessment? You can have an OT Functional Assessment done before your initial NDIS Planning Meeting as a new NDIS Participant, or after you have already received your NDIS Plan. If you do opt to have an OT Functional Assessment before your initial Planning Meeting, it’s important to know that while the assessment can help you secure the funding you may need, it can also be pricey. If you don’t have the financial capacity for an OT Functional Assessment, it’s important to assess all aspects of your life, your capacity and to define your goals in preparation for your Planning Meeting. For example, if your goal is to live independently, you may need help with cleaning, meal preparation, getting in and out of bed, and doing the laundry etc. Be sure to clearly outline your capacity to your NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) so that your NDIS Plan can reflect your support needs. Remember to bring any supporting documents or reports from your current Support Providers to your Planning Meeting. You can also request to have funding for an OT Functional Assessment included in your NDIS Plan during that initial Planning Meeting. If you opt to have an OT Functional Assessment after your initial Planning Meeting has taken place (or after your Plan Review if this is not your first NDIS Plan), the assessment can be used at your next Plan Review Meeting to show your NDIA Planner or LAC the ongoing support you need for your next NDIS Plan. In some circumstances, it may occur that you haven’t received the funding support you need in NDIS Plan. If this is the case, having an OT Functional Assessment can be used as evidence to support your next NDIS Plan. However, if there is a significant difference in your current NDIS Plan funding and the funding support you actually need to achieve your goals, you can request an early review of your NDIS Plan. Ultimately, having an OT Functional Assessment can be a really important tool for you and for the NDIA, to ensure that you receive that support you need to achieve your goals. 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.

Finding the right care and support for your child to learn, grow and thrive can sometimes be stressful and a little overwhelming. An important first step can be knowing what services are available, how to access them and how the NDIS can help. What options for disability services are available? There are a number of options that can be explored when it comes to figuring out the right disability services for your child. These services can help by providing specialist supports and resources for your child and family to help them reach their full potential. One of the top options, you can take as a parent is to consider Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) if your child is aged between 0-6 years old. ECEI can include therapies to develop your child’s motor, social, communication and behavioural skills to minimise the impact of their disability and the need for ongoing support. Other options can be explored by contacting your General Practitioner (GP) or health professional who might be able to refer you to a disability service provide or searching for local providers yourself. Service providers may be able to help with: Life skills development (training to use public transportation and general mobility, daily living skills, self-esteem, home and community safety, and the use of Assistive Technology) Multidisciplinary services (speech and language pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, behaviour intervention and support, social work and psychology) Daily living support (personal care, in-home assistance, social and communication support to help your child undertake daily living activities). Community access support (group and one-on-one social support, companionship and recreational activities to build social independence). Case management (liaison with support providers, coordination of service delivery and skill building to help you and your child exercise choice, create a stable home environment, live as independently as possible). Goods and equipment (medical aids and equipment to help increase mobility, communication, independence in personal and health care). Respite services (in-home, host family, centre-based and vacation care). If you child is old enough, talk with them about the care options available and work together to decide what the best option is for them. This can help build your child’s confidence and capacity to make important life decisions in the future. Transitioning to the NDIS When your child turns seven, if they need long-term support, they can apply for access to the NDIS. To access the NDIS, you’ll need to ensure your child fits the NDIS eligibility criteria. If they are eligible, you’ll be contacted by the NDIS to schedule a Planning Meeting. This meeting is an opportunity for you and your child to be able to discuss their support needs and most importantly, their goals. The NDIA is big on goals. Which means it can be a good idea to talk with your child before their planning meeting about what their short, medium and long-term goals and what steps need to be taken to achieve those goals. That way you, your child and the NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will have a clear idea of what your goals and support needs are in your Planning Meeting and your child will be more likely to receive an NDIS Plan that suits their funding needs. While having clear goals in mind is very important, it’s equally important to have reports and documents detailing your child’s disability support needs to support the goals they would like to achieve. You can request these kinds of reports from your child’s current Service Providers. Another option is to consider a Functional Assessment which you can do before the Planning Meeting or request to have funding included in your child’s NDIS Plan for a Functional Assessment to be completed after the Planning Meeting. In your Planning Meeting, your NDIA Planner or LAC may also ask: How well your child usually manages their daily activities How much support your child needs for certain tasks What current informal (family and friends) and formal supports (community and service providers) your child currently accesses How well this support works for your child and family. Under the NDIS, you and your child will have greater choice and control in planning and coordinating disability services and how NDIS Plan funding is spent. You’ll need to consider what is important to you, your child and family to ensure you choose the disability services that are right for you. Choice and Control for your child It’s important to involve your child, when cognitively competent, in discussions that may affect their life. By helping your child participate in these discussions and decisions it can help them feel more confident to express their needs, ensure that they know what is happening and why and help them to make the right decisions for them now and in the future. Some ways that you can involve your child in the planning process around disability services and the NDIS are: Help them understand their role in planning by explaining the importance of their opinions and how that may shape and influence decisions about their life. It’s important to also talk with them about some of the decisions they may not be ready to make on their own and why. Be open about how the planning process works and any obstacles or limits that may prevent the implementation of their ideas. Keep your discussions relevant by asking questions and offering choices that are age appropriate in an informal, create or fun way. Give your child some control over when and where you have a discussion and ask ways to help them feel more comfortable. Also, you could list some topics you’d like to talk about and let them choose which one they want to talk about first. Consider different ways of communicating whether that be a brainstorming session, interactive websites, games or apps that help children express their thoughts and opinions, the use of videos, images, actions and storytelling. Allow your child time to participate perhaps by talking with your child over more than one session, taking time to listen to what they would like to say and acknowledging the effort they’ve made. Families of children with disabilities face many decisions about care, supports and treatment plans. Where possible, shared decision-making helps ensure disability services and programs reflect the needs of your child. 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.

Applying for an NDIS plan can not only be a time-consuming process but a thought consuming one as well. Which means, you may have not yet considered how you can implement your NDIS plan if it is approved, and who can help you to make the most of it. Get to know your plan The first thing to do if you’ve been approved for an NDIS plan, is to read through it carefully to ensure you understand the support that is being provided. An NDIS plan is divided into three sections: About Me My Goals My Supports In ‘About Me’, information that was provided in your planning meeting about where you live, the people who support you and what your daily life looks like will be listed. The next section, ‘My Goals’, will list all the short and long-term goals you discussed during your planning meeting that you want to work towards over the next 12 months of your plan and beyond. ‘My Supports’ details your informal supports (e.g. family and friends), any mainstream supports you may have (e.g. doctors), and the funded supports that the NDIS can cover. These supports are divided into three categories: Core, Capital, and Capacity Building Supports. Core Supports help with everyday activities and community access. Capital Supports fund Assistive Technology (AT) and/or Home Modifications. Capacity Building Supports help to build skills and independence in daily life, and help you pursue your goals. Plan Management support is allocated under this support category under Improved Life Choices. If you need assistance to understand your NDIS plan, you can speak with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or your, Support Coordinator, Early Childhood Partner or Plan Manager if these have been funded in the plan. What if you’re unhappy with your plan? When you’ve reviewed your NDIS plan in detail, you should have a better understanding of the funding that has been allocated to you and how you can use that to support your goals. If your circumstances have changed or you are unhappy with your NDIS plan, you can request for this to be reviewed. The cover letter approving your NDIS plan has information about what to do in the case of a change of circumstances or if you would like your plan decision reviewed, as well as how to contact the NDIS to request a review. Managing your plan online As plan managers, we manage all the processing and invoice claims for you, which means you won’t have to worry about paying the service providers who support you. However, it’s still a good idea to link your myGov account with the NDIS myplace portal. To connect the two platforms, you’ll need to go to the myGov website with your username and password or create a new account if you don’t already have one. Once you’ve logged in to myGov, you can link your myGov account with your NDIS participant profile in the myplace portal. Once they have been linked you’ll be able to access your NDIS plan securely on the myplace portal by using the activations code in your approval cover letter. Having access to your NDIS plan in myplace can provide you with extra details about your plan that weren’t included in the copy you received in the mail. Implementing your plan When it comes to implementing your plan, there are plenty of people who can help you to make informed decisions to assist you in making the most your plan funding. You can speak with your LAC, Support Coordinator (if included in plan), Early Childhood Partner (if plan is for a child under seven), or your Plan Manager (if included in plan). Your LAC, Support Coordinator or Early Childhood Partner can help you to understand your plan and to connect you with service providers that can provide you with the support you need to achieve your goals. A Plan Manager manages financial aspects of your plan by processing and claiming invoices on behalf. If you choose First2Care as your Plan Manager, we can help you to understand your NDIS plan, funding and budgets, and work with you to ensure you have the right team in place to make the most of your funding. Connect with service providers When you have an understanding of your NDIS plan and how you can implement it, you can connect with the relevant service providers to deliver the supports you need to achieve your goals. Where to find service providers: Speak with your Support Coordinator or Early Childhood Partner (as mentioned above) Review the NDIS myplace portal for a list of service providers (NDIS registered only) Ask for recommendations from people you know Attend disability-focused events Join Facebook groups and other online groups Search through provider finder platforms (e.g. Clickability) Search online If you have any questions about your plan, how to manage it, what to do next or anything else NDIS related that you have questions about, you can speak with our First2Care Support Team or Case Managers, your Support Coordinator or Early Childhood Partner, or your LAC. 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.

While the NDIS is here to help, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming or difficult to understand. This can lead to some mistakes with your NDIS plan, supports or funding during your NDIS journey. But with a few helpful tips, these mistakes can easily be avoided, leaving you to live your life with confidence. Being unprepared Preparation is the key to success with the NDIS. But where should you start? A great place to start is with the types of questions you may be asked during your planning meeting or plan review meeting. Some of the type of questions your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA Planner are likely to ask questions are: About you and your current supports (both informal and formal) How your disability is impacting you Your short and long-term goals (if this isn’t your first plan, they may ask about some goals you’ve achieved or been working towards in your previous plan and any challenges you faced) How you want your NDIS plan to be managed (we think Plan Management is the way to go!) Whether you may need Support Coordination included in your plan Whether you’re new to the NDIS or have been with the NDIS for a while, always be prepared with any supporting documents from your health professionals (like GP’s and service providers or other relevant information at your initial planning meeting or plan review meeting. Thinking you don't have choice and control Your plan, your life. The NDIS is designed to help you live your life with choice and control. So, if you feel like you are not getting the support you need and deserve from a service provider then you are totally within your rights to engage a service provider who will give you what you need. And this is true even if you have a service agreement in place. You are not locked in to an agreement with a service provider just because you have a service agreement. If the provider doesn’t meet your needs and you are wanting to make a change, you can terminate the contract. You can ask your service provider about their notice period (two weeks is a common notice period) or if you have funding for a Support Coordinator, they can assist you with this as well. Underspending or overspending on your funding Your NDIS funding is there to support you through your NDIS plan and journey. But too often, NDIS participants are either underspending or overspending on their funding. This is where having a plan manager can really help. With a plan manager (like First2Care), your NDIS funding will be managed to ensure you are using your funding effectively while maintain choice and control over how your funding is being used. The best way to manage your spending is to think about the supports you need in terms of hours. How many hours of support do you need each day or each week? And how much funding have you been allocated for those supports? If you’re with First2Care Plan Management, our Client Managers can break this down for you. If your Client Manager notices you are underspending or overspending on your funding, they will discuss strategies and options with you to help get your budgets back on the right track. Assuming your supports will automatically renew One thing that many people may not realise is that when you start a new NDIS planning period, your supports don’t automatically renew. Which means, with each NDIS plan you will need to reach out to your service providers and organise a new service agreement. Although it may seem a little inconvenient, it can be a good time to reflect on the supports and services you’ve previously engaged and make sure they are still working for you. It also might be a good opportunity to request any adjustments to your service agreement. Holding on to questions you need answers to There is so much information out there about the NDIS, that trying to find the information that just relates to you can be tough. The easiest way to filter through that, is to ask questions. There are plenty of people available to help you throughout your NDIS journey, like your LAC, your Support Coordinator, your Plan Manager, disability advocates etc. You can also search google, our First2Care blog, Facebook groups and forums. If you have questions – just ask. 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.

Plan reviews typically happen between every one to three years depending on your situation. And they can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re not prepared. Understanding how the process works and what you need to organise before your meeting can help you feel more confident in your plan review. Know what to expect Prior to your plan review meeting, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner should contact you to check in and book the plan review meeting date. They may ask you some questions about how your current plan is going and if any circumstances have changed during the planning period. During your plan review, your LAC or NDIA planner will discuss things like: What worked well in your plan? What goals did you achieve? What didn’t work as well? Is there any change in your circumstances? What questions do you have about how your plan is managed? Would you like to change how you manage your funding? What are your new goals for your next plan? Knowing what to expect in your plan review meeting can be a huge help in understanding the process and feeling more confident going in. Reflect on your current plan In the lead up to your plan review consider your current plan: What worked well in your plan What didn’t work well Have you achieved your goals or made progress towards achieving them Which goals you need to continue to work on and which goals you need to change Who can help you achieve your goals in the future Will you need NDIS support in the future Would you like to change how all or some of your plan funding is managed It’s not necessary to choose new goals with each plan review but your plan, supports and services should be help you make progress towards achieving your short and long-term goals. Be prepared The key to feeling confident going into your plan review meeting is preparation. We know we’re not the first people to say it, but it pays to be prepared when it comes to the NDIS (literally). Making a note of your plan review date in a calendar (on your phone, computer, a physical calendar… or all of the above) is a great start to being prepared. You should be notified of your plan review meeting date about a month or six weeks before. However, if you know your meeting should be coming up soon and you haven’t been contacted you can reach out to your LAC or NDIA planner to confirm. Be sure to contact your LAC or Support Coordinator to ask if any service provider progress reports are required for your plan review. You can also speak directly with your providers and ask them for this so that you can be sure to have them available for your review. These reports typically outline the support provided, your achievements, challenges and any recommendations the provider suggests moving forward. Consider your goals Alongside ‘being prepared’, ensuring that you have a clear idea of your short and long-term goals is very important. Before the meeting, reflect on the goals in your current plan and whether they still apply to you. You may have achieved some of those goals, or they may no longer be important to you. If that’s the case, you can discuss changing your previous goals with your LAC or NDIA planner during the planning meeting. Know your rights Not only should you feel confident in your plan review meeting, but comfortable as well. Which is why you can choose to have your plan review meeting face-to-face, over the phone, or even via a video call – whichever option is the right one for you. You can invite a family member or friend, support coordinator, disability advocate or other supports along with you to the meeting. Often plan reviews are held each year, however if you have support needs that are unlikely to change you can discuss with your LAC or NDIA planner the option of having a longer planning period. NDIS participants can request planning periods of up to three years. These longer-term plans are designed for participants who are: In a stable situation with their support needs unlikely to change Confident in using their funding to achieve their goals Focused on longer term goals such as learning new skills, employment or becoming more active in the community. If you would like to discuss a longer planning period with your LAC or NDIA planner, you should consider: Any life changes you’re expecting to make over the next three years (e.g., leaving school, starting or leaving work or a change in your living situation) How connected you are with your social and community supports Your goals and preferences around plan duration. As always, if your circumstances change at any time during your plan period, your LAC or planner can help you review your support needs and undertake a plan review if required to ensure your plan suits your new situation. Remember, your plan review meeting gives you an opportunity to let the NDIA the positive ways that your plan has supported you and helped you work towards your goals, as well as any challenges you’ve faced that could be improved with your next NDIS plan. 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.