Your first NDIS planning meeting sets the foundation for your entire plan and the supports you'll receive. Coming prepared makes the difference between getting what you need and settling for less. This guide covers everything you need to know before walking into that meeting room in Perth.
What to bring to your planning meeting
Documentation is your best friend at an NDIS planning meeting. Gather all medical reports, assessments, and therapy recommendations from the past two years. Include GP letters, specialist reports, and any occupational therapy assessments that detail your current needs.
Bring a list of your current supports and services. Write down who provides them, how often you use them, and what they cost. If you're already using assistive technology or thinking about smart home solutions, include quotes and recommendations from your OT.
Pack evidence of your daily challenges. Photos of mobility barriers in your home, receipts for disability-related expenses, and a diary showing how your disability affects your week all help paint a clear picture of your needs.
Questions to ask your planner
Start with the basics about your plan structure. Ask how much funding you're likely to receive in each category and whether supports will be self-managed or plan-managed. Understanding these details helps you make informed decisions about your support mix.
Find out about review timelines. When will your next plan review happen, and what triggers an early review if your needs change? This matters particularly if you're considering SDA housing or major assistive technology purchases.
Ask about local Perth providers and services. Your planner should know which providers operate in your area and can recommend quality options. Don't hesitate to ask about waiting lists or availability issues for specific supports.
Setting realistic goals and expectations
Focus on specific, measurable goals rather than vague aspirations. Instead of "improve independence," say "prepare my own breakfast three times per week" or "travel independently to medical appointments." Concrete goals make it easier to justify the supports you need.
Think about both short-term and long-term objectives. You might need immediate support for personal care while working toward greater independence through assistive technology funding. Balance urgent needs with capacity-building goals.
Be honest about your current abilities and limitations. Overstating your independence might reduce your funding, while understating your capabilities could limit your growth opportunities. Your planner needs the full picture to create an effective plan.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't wait until the meeting to think about your needs. Participants who arrive unprepared often miss out on important supports or accept inadequate funding. Spend time beforehand listing your challenges and researching potential solutions.
Avoid agreeing to supports you don't understand. If your planner suggests specific providers or services, ask questions about quality, availability, and alternatives. Check audit results for any providers being recommended.
Don't rush through goal setting. Take time to think about each goal and how it connects to the supports in your plan. A well-thought-out goal structure makes plan reviews much smoother down the track.
After your meeting: next steps
Review your draft plan carefully before approving it. Check that all discussed supports are included and funding amounts match what was promised. If something looks wrong, contact your planner immediately rather than waiting for your plan to be finalised.
Start researching providers as soon as your plan is approved. Good providers in Perth often have waiting lists, so early contact gives you better options. Look for providers with strong quality indicators and positive participant feedback.
Book your first provider appointments within the first few weeks. This helps you establish routines and ensures you're making progress toward your goals from day one.
Making your meeting count
Your first NDIS planning meeting is your opportunity to secure the supports that will improve your quality of life. Come prepared with documentation, clear goals, and specific questions about your options in Perth.
Remember that this is your plan, not the planner's. Advocate for what you need and don't accept "no" without a clear explanation. If you need help preparing or have questions about specific supports like smart home technology or SDA housing, contact our team for guidance tailored to your situation.