A short list, worked through in advance, makes a planning or support conversation calmer and much more useful.
Use as much or as little of this as helps. It is written for someone getting ready for a conversation about their plan or supports. You can print it or copy it into your own notes.
Before the conversation
- Find out who the conversation is with, when it is, and how long it will be.
- Decide who you would like to come with you, if anyone.
- Ask for any access or communication needs to be met, such as an interpreter, extra time or a quiet space.
- Write down what you would like to get out of the conversation, in one or two sentences.
What to gather
- Your current plan, if you have one.
- Notes on how your week goes now, including what works and what does not.
- Any reports or letters from people who support you that you would like to share.
- A list of the supports you currently use and how often.
- Details of anything you have needed but could not get.
What to think about
- What are my goals now? Have they changed?
- What has gone well since my last plan or conversation?
- What has been hard, and what has caused it?
- What is coming up in my life that could change the support I need?
- What would I like to keep exactly as it is?
Questions you might ask
- Can you explain that in a different way, please?
- How does this support link to my goals?
- What happens next, and when should I expect to hear?
- Who do I contact if I have questions afterwards?
- What can I do if I disagree with something?
You can pause
It is fine to ask for a break, to ask for something to be repeated, or to say you would like time to think. You do not have to decide everything on the spot.
During the conversation
- Say what matters most to you first.
- Ask for anything unclear to be explained in plain language.
- Take notes, or ask the person with you to.
- Before finishing, check what has been agreed and what happens next.
Afterwards
- Write down what was agreed while it is fresh.
- Note any dates, actions or documents you were asked to provide.
- Follow up in writing on anything you were promised.
- Tell someone you trust how it went.
More help
If you would like to understand the plan you are preparing for, read understanding your NDIS plan. If you would like someone alongside you, support coordination at WSS is one way to get it, or you can make an enquiry.
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About the author
WSS Resources Team
Western Sydney Services.
