My successful NDIS journey by Clive Kempson

In May 2018 I made an online enquiry through the NDIS website. I gave my details, filled in some personal information and answered a few questions. At this time, I also subscribed to the NDIS newsletter, which I am glad I did, it proved to be very informative and detailed local NDIS forums.

I booked a session in September, where we received an explanation of how the process worked and how to start. I had already completed this process, but it was good to understand where it was heading.

I soon discovered that each step progressing through the NDIS process is excruciatingly slow and I learned to manage my expectations. In a phone call I made to complain, I was told that there are so many people on the list that progressing through takes time.

My experience so far was; the NDIS went live in my area in September 2018, I emailed them again in October and received a reply early November. The email advised me that they have not forgotten me. I felt like I was no further forward.

I finally attended a planning and information session in early January 2019, which I found valuable and the staff approachable. It gave me more information and clear advice and helped me complete my paperwork.

After a few weeks I had a call from my local area coordinator (LAC) asking me to provide my medical evidence. I was very thorough when submitting the medical information about my stroke and ongoing deficits to the NDIS. I was told the more evidence of my stroke and how it had affected me the better. I had to buy a very big envelope!

The next call I received was from my assigned LAC to arrange a meeting to discuss my requests and requirements in mid-February. I was anxious thinking about what I would ask for. I had set short-term and long-term goals which really helped me decide and NDIS has literature on each stage of the process online and in hard copy.

Finally, I met with my NDIS planner. He was very approachable and willing to listen and was impressed with the amount of research that I had done. Because I had set clear goals, it helped me to write an extensive list of things to discuss and ask for.

The meeting lasted just over an hour, at the end he explained the next steps. He would write up a plan for me and submit it directly to the NDIS for approval. He also explained that NDIS can approve everything he submits or change it as they feel is required.

Here are my top tips:

• Give more information than you think they will need
• Be very clear with your short and long-term goals, you can use the goal setting tool in Enableme
• Ask for what you need now and what you think you may need in the future

As an example, I don’t think I currently need a cleaner, but I included it on my list as that need may change.

Do not be afraid to request whatever you feel will make positive impact on your life. Remember this plan is about helping you - your planner will be able to advise you what can and cannot be funded.

Three weeks after meeting with my NDIS planner I received a message on MyGov to advise me my plan was available for download and to expect a call to go through it with him.

In that meeting we talked about each part of my plan, about service providers including which ones are funded, and how best to manage them. I was given the choice of whether to manage the service providers myself or have NDIS manage them for me.

I now have my funding, which I chose to self-manage!

I hope this information helps – Clive.