March 21, 2024
by Courtney Dunn
Blog
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2024
March 21st marks a significant day on the global calendar – World Down Syndrome Day. It’s a d...
With recent changes in the NDIS rollout, the NDIA have been using phone interviews to create the First Plan for participants entering the NDIS. This new NDIS phone interview usually lasts for about an hour. The person contacting you may or may not be a planner. They will ask a series of questions and record your answers, allowing the planner to assess your needs for the First Plan. Normally, you won’t see the plan before it’s sent for approval. However, you may request it if you wish, but this has seen mixed results. During the NDIS phone interview it is important to communicate your specific needs. This will assist in the development of a plan that delivers the right support for you.
The NDIS phone interview questions generally follow 7 different categories:
The Basics: This is the basics of the disability. For example, describe the disability and when did it start? From birth, due to an accident, etc.?
Needs Assessment: This is a series of questions on whether the person with disability can perform certain activities or if they are limited. For example, is the individual affected emotionally? In learning new things? Can they maintain friendships? Attend to their own personal care? How does it impact daily activities?
Current Support Assessment: These questions ask the types of formal and informal support you are currently receiving and how it is working for you. These may include current living arrangements, accessibility needs, behavioural needs, therapy, general health, risks/safety needs, communication, transportation (mobility allowance), capacity building and development, continence and other equipment.
Typical Schedule: It is suggested to provide as much detail as possible describing the typical weekly schedule one day at a time for the person with disability. It’s important to be as truthful as possible in the support needed in order to get your required funding package. People have a tendency to give a “best picture” view, but here you want to have the funding needed for the typical days, not just the good days. Don’t forget to include your own needs if you are a carer to the person with disability. This can include your current respite usage and whether it is working for you or not.
Current Funding: If you are currently receiving state funding, compensation, etc. Please provide any necessary evidence and details.
Goals/Aspirations: These provide the backbone of the plan. First Plans generally include 2 to 3 goals. This is what the supports are working towards.
NDIS Funding Type Requests: Do you want a self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed plan? Are you looking for support coordination funding? Please be prepared to explain your choice.
For more information, read click here to download the Getting Ready for Your Planning Conversation Checklist created by the NDIA.
Breakthru are a registered provider for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Our Support Coordination service helps you get the most out of your NDIS plan while ensuring the services you choose deliver on your needs, expectations and goals. Contact the Breakthru team now for help!
