How to write your NDIS plan

Living My Life My Way

Under the NDIS

From July 1 the National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out. The NDIS changes the way funding is allocated to participants under the scheme. The dollar amount will be determined by the goals you list in your NDIS plan. The world - 'goals' has some people a bit nervous.

When we think of the word goal we think about what it is we want to achieve. For a child that maybe learning to walk. As participants are being asked about setting there goals and encourage to 'think big'! Some are saying . . .

Hey I like my life! I have a great time with my friends. Things are just find the way the are!

. . . And you know what, that is great because you have very clearly stated you choice and we know what that choice costs. The bad news is you still need to write an NDIS plan when you meet your planner. The funding you currently have was calculated base on what you or your family member could not do. Now funding is allocated on what the want to achieve and how they want to achieve it.

So for you family your NDIS plan is putting on to paper what you do now and how to do it.  Goals are often things we do without thinking about it. For example getting out of bed in the morning an going to work. So that may not sound terribly exciting, but that dose not mean its not a good goal.  Its a goal many people have the only difference is you or your family may need some help to achieve that part of your plan.

So what type of areas should your NDIS plan include:

• Living arrangements and independence
• Help you need at home.
• Schooling, Education and training
• Independent living skills
• Health and well being
• Recreation and sport

You will probable think of others as you go on your NDIS planning Journey. So lets look at what needs to be included in the plan you will take to the NDIA.

• You goals and the steps you will take to achieve them.
• How you achieve these goals now, unless you have new goals and want to dream a bit bigger.
• A list of current service providers and how they currently support you. i.e. Provide personal care and transport.
• A list of providers you now want to engage to support you and your family and/or a self-direction plan.
• A back up plan - what happen if mum or dad gets sick, or a member of your support leaves or the service provider closes its doors?  If all your workers are sick who will get you out of bed?
• The resource you need - this will include 'formal' and 'informal' supports. The formal supports are the things you are asking the NDIA to pay for and the informal supports are the supports that everybody in the community has.  Resources should include transport and equipment, This is the stuff that will determine your NDIA budget.  You would be given x amount of money and be able to spend it how you want.  You need to spend it how you present it in your plan.
• Priority - How important is each goal. If I don't eat I might die. If I don't have help to get out of bed, then I can't get to work. If the NDIA can not fund all your goals it may look at wants most important and be able to suggest informal supports.

So where does my art fit in my NDIS plan?

Many specifics about the NDIS are still unclear and there are variations from state to state around what is covered under the NDIS according to state priorities. Unfortunately funding for professional artists in still unclear. My advice is if you are intending to exhibit or sell your work to list this as a self-employment goal.

Art covers such a broad spectrum. For some people with disabilities it is activity they may take part in at a respite center or art club. Others are interested in learn art skills. Art therapy is very beneficial for improving communication and social outcomes, art maybe a hobby that provides a bit of pocket money or you may be an emerging or professional artist. The type of support you need for each of these activities will vary.

Here's a few examples:-

Goal area:                         Recreation

Goal:                                 To enjoy doing art with other people

Steps:                                To attend art group hosted by my service

                                          provider.

Resource                           Unit price charge by provider

                                           and transport

Priority:                             4 out of 5

Goal area:                          Training and Development

Goal:                                  To learn painting skills across different

                                           media.

Steps:                                 To do introduction to watercolour,

                                           Acrylics I & II and oil painting I and

                                           Expressive water media at Brisbane\

                                           Institute of Art one subject at a time.

How/Who                           One on one support, 5 hours/1 day a

                                           week and Transport, Self managed

                                           package.

Resources:                          5 support hr/week and transport costs

Goal Area:                          Employment

Goal:                                   To establish my own art practise and

                                            sell my artwork.

Steps:                                   Continue to develop professional skills

                                             Attend workshops and training offered

                                             by the community supported by a

                                             support worker.

                                             Exhibit and sell work trough galleries

How/Who                           Mentor and support staff as self-directed

                                            through host provider.

Resource:                            One on one support; personal assistant

                                            and transport including support to

                                            travel interstate - ie pay expenses of

                                            a companion.

Priority:                               After all my daily living needs are

                                            meet.

Planning for the NDIS is a very complex issue and this post only begins to scratch the surface of the documentation the NDIA may need to assess your requirements.  More information can be found on the website.