Plan Reviews, Part 1 of 3

Whether you have been through the plan review process several times before or this is your first plan review, it can be tricky to work out what you need to do before you have your plan review meeting. So, we have put together some tips regarding what to focus on before your next review.

Majority of participants who receive NDIS funding will have a plan review every 12 months*, and this can roll around very quickly!

It is helpful to think of plan reviews as opportunities, not tests or assessments. The plan review process can help you to think about how your supports are working for you and whether you are making progress towards your goals. It is likely that your NDIS plan will change over time, and this is because your needs will change over time. Having a plan review allows you to identify what is working well, and what isn’t so that you can advocate for the changes to establish the right plan for you.

Tips numbers one, two and three for your review are to PREPARE!

Great preparation increases your chances of receiving a plan that you are happy with (note that we said increases, unfortunately there are no guarantees).

To kickstart this process, there are some things that you can think about and consider in the lead up to your plan review:

· What worked well in your plan?

· What didn’t work well?

· What progress have you made towards your goals?

· Do you want to continue to pursue the same goals in your current plan or would you like to make some changes?

· Is there someone new who can help you pursue your goals?

· Do you need NDIS support in the future?

· Are you happy with how your plan funding is managed or would you like to change this?

· Do you need assistance in preparing for you plan review from a support coordinator? Because guess what, you can access a support coordinator through your ‘core’ funding even if you don’t have specific support coordination funding!

There are also some formal preparations that you will need to make for your plan review, primarily organising reports from your providers/support system. A written report includes a detailed review of how your current plan has helped you to make progress towards your goals. They should also identify any future progress that still needs to be made and how the service provider can assist you, or how additional services may assist you. Some people you might like to collect reports from include:

· Therapists i.e., occupational therapists (this is a BIG one), physiotherapists, speech pathologists

· Your support coordinator (if you have one)

· Any other providers i.e., support workers or carers

It is important to approach your providers at least six weeks before your plan review date to request your reports, as this allows the provider enough time to write and review the report if necessary.

The reports should implement the 'correct NDIS language' that relates to your progress in achieving your goals. A small tip, get a Support Coordinator to read through all reports and make amendments on the wording where needed. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written report! It may be the difference between getting the plan you want and the plan you don’t.

If you have time, you can also consider meeting with your providers. This may be helpful in reviewing how the last year has gone and discussing what different or additional supports you will need to reach your goals for the next year.

Once you have collected your reports, there are some other things you should take along to your NDIS Plan Review:

· A copy of your NDIS Plan

· If you have a decision maker, you should take them to your meeting

· You can also organise to take a family member, support worker, support coordinator or a friend who knows you well and can help you in the review meeting

While it may seem daunting, remember that the plan review exists to help you get the supports you need to achieve your goals – whatever they may be! Best of luck with your next plan review!

*You can request a plan duration of up to three years. If your support needs are unlikely to change, a longer plan duration allows you to get on with life and avoid the frequent plan reassessment reviews and meetings. If you are a parent or guardian organising an NDIS plan for a child under the age of seven, a 12-month plan is appropriate due to the major changes in development that occur in early childhood.

If you need any further information, we have a support coordinator on staff who is happy to answer any questions.