Preparing for the NDIS
What do you envisage as a good life for your child?
Late in 2015 and early in 2016, I attended three webinars about preparing for the introduction of the NDIS, and then in the middle of last month it was announced that the NDIS will be rolling out in Mackay from November 2016!!! I am really excited for the children and families I work with due to the opportunities the NDIS will open up for them.
For eligible participants and their families, the NDIS will provide them with the opportunity to consider what would be ideal for their care and their life, rather than just accepting what is available or working around current systems and services. Through the individual planning process, participants of the NDIS will have independent choice and control over the what, who, how, when and where of their care and supports.
In order to make the most of the individual planning process, it will be important that children and their families can express what they envisage as a good life or ideal life for their child, and how they could organise supports and services to enable them to achieve or work towards that good life – something that may not be familiar to them.Some questions that might help children and families to prepare for the NDIS planning process include (from NDIS website):
Think about your child’s everyday needs – what supports does your child need to do everyday activities?
What would you like your child’s life to be like in a few years? Consider your/ their goals and aspirations, independence, and participation in education/employment or community activities.
What supports are required and available to help meet these goals?
The NDIS website is a wealth of information: there are information and resources for participants and for parents and carers, and there are guides to help you to get ready for the planning process. It is worth having a look: http://www.ndis.gov.au/