Starting your NDIS journey can feel like a big step, but preparing well can make the whole experience smoother, calmer and more empowering.

 

The NDIS is designed to put you at the centre of your life, so the more clearly you can communicate your needs, routines, goals and supports, the more accurate and useful your plan will be.  This article walks you through the key things to think about before your planning meeting, using guidance from the Baptist Care SA NDIS Pre-Planning Guide.

 

Why preparation matters

Your NDIS plan is built around your goals and the support you need to reach them. Preparing helps you understand what’s working well, what’s challenging and what you’d like to change in your daily life. It also helps the NDIA understand who you are, how you live and what matters to you — not just your disability.

 

Start with the basics about you

Before your planning meeting, gather key information about yourself, including:

  • personal details
  • your disability or disabilities
  • your NDIS number (if you have one)
  • details about the people who support you, such as carers, nominees or family members.

This helps the planner or Local Area Coordinator understand your support network and who you trust to be involved.

 

Think about your daily life

Take some time to reflect on what your everyday life looks like:

  • What routines do you follow?
  • What activities do you enjoy?
  • What do you find difficult or need help with?
  • What supports do you currently use?

The Pre-Planning Guide includes space to record information about your health, wellbeing, daily routines, interests, strengths and support systems. This helps you paint a clear picture of what life looks like for you right now.

 

Identify what’s important to you

Preparing for the NDIS isn’t just about challenges — it’s also about what matters most.

Think about:

  • the people who are important in your life
  • what you value
  • the environments and routines that help you feel safe and comfortable
  • how you prefer to communicate and make decisions.

These insights help ensure your plan reflects you, not just your diagnosis.

 

Get clear on your goals

Goals are at the heart of your NDIS plan. Start by thinking about:

  • what you’d like to improve in your daily life
  • what you’d like to do with more independence
  • something new you want to try
  • changes you’d like to make in the next year or over the next five years.

The guide helps you break your goals into short-term (the next 12 months) and long-term (up to five years) and match them with the supports you might need.

 

Consider what might change

Life changes — finishing school, starting work, moving house or shifts in health — can all affect your support needs. Thinking ahead helps you prepare for upcoming transitions and identify the supports you might need if life takes a new direction.

 

List any barriers and what might help

If you’ve been held back by confidence, communication challenges, transport, mobility or other barriers, write these down. Identifying what gets in the way helps your planner understand where additional support could make a difference.

 

Gather your documents

Bringing the right information to your meeting makes the process much easier. You may need:

  • medical or diagnostic reports
  • summaries from current service providers
  • legal documents
  • proof of identity
  • information about any aids or equipment you use
  • your MyGov login
  • your bank details (if you’re considering self-managing your plan).

These documents help the NDIA understand your needs and confirm your eligibility.

 

Decide how you want your plan to be managed

You can choose to have your funds:

  • self-managed
  • plan-managed
  • agency-managed
  • or a combination.

It’s helpful to think about which option feels right for your situation, knowing you can always ask questions during your meeting.

 

Bring someone you trust

You don’t have to attend your planning meeting alone. A family member, friend or support person can come with you to take notes, help explain things or advocate on your behalf.  The guide includes space to record who you want at your meeting.

 

How Baptist Care SA can support you

Preparing for the NDIS is easier when someone walks alongside you. At Baptist Care SA, we take the time to understand your strengths, goals and daily life so your planning meeting truly reflects who you are. 

Our NDIS Pre-Planning Guide can help you prepare for your meeting with the NDIS.  We can help you work through your NDIS Pre-Planning Guide gather documents and feel confident about what to expect. We’re here to help you build a plan that supports you to live well and move toward the life you want.

Find out more here.  

 

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