An NDIS Plan Manager’s top tips for goal setting!
March 5, 2021
Because everyone’s journey with the NDIS is different, setting goals that are suited to your individual needs is super important! After all, without solid goals in place to work toward, how will you track the progress you are making?
Part of your ‘My Goals’ section of your NDIS plan, your goals are one of the most important aspects of your plan. Not just because they define what funded supports you will have access to, but because they outline what you want to achieve.
But don’t be concerned if you find yourself struggling to write your goals down – this is totally normal. Writing goals doesn’t always come naturally for everyone. Luckily, you have access to NDIS Plan Managers, like at Disability Plan Services, whose job it is to help people set goals and make the most of their plan funds.
Plan Managers are experts in all things NDIS. We help people just like you to set SMART goals when creating your plan.
- S = Specific, sensible and significant
- M = Measurable, meaningful and motivating
- A = Achievable, agreed, attainable.
- R = Relevant, reasonable, realistic, and results-based.
- T = Time-bound: An endpoint for reaching the objective or objectives.
Setting SMART goals is a good way to help ensure your goals are achievable within a realistic timeframe and that they are aligned with your needs.
An example of a SMART goal for someone who wants to lose weight may be….
“I want to lose 5kg over 6 months by not eating after I’m full and exercising 5 days a week.”
Our NDIS Plan goal setting tips
When setting your goals with your Local Area Coordinator or other NDIS representative, consider our top tips to help create the best possible plan for you.
- Consider what is important to you – what do you enjoy doing now and what do you want to try in the near future? It’s important to include any hobbies or activities you enjoy and outline any supports you may currently be receiving or need in order to continue those activities.
- Look at your current situation – are you happy where you’re living? Do you like your job? Do you wish you could travel to your community activities more independently? If something just isn’t quite sitting right with you, consider what you might want to change and the support you may need to make that happen.
- Don’t just think about your life now – think about your future too. Are you currently studying or do you want to enroll in any further education? Higher education is a great stepping stone to a meaningful career or a way to learn more about topics that you find interesting. If studying isn’t for you, maybe you want to travel in the future or adopt a pet – the world is yours so dream big!
- Are you able to financially support your hobbies? If you’re currently working or want a job, what type of supports do you need to find and keep employment? Whether it’s assistance with traveling to and from work or on-the-job supports, the NDIS can help provide you with the supports you need to find and keep employment.
Because everyone has different goals, it’s impossible to compare yours with someone else. Where you might wish to move out of the home with friends, someone else might want to stay at home with their family but need some home modifications to help with getting around.
You have the opportunity to change or update your goals at your plan review which usually occurs every 12 or 24 months, depending on your preferences and requirements. If you think you may be on track to achieve your goals ahead of time or perhaps your circumstances have changed and you wish to amend your NDIS goals, you can request an early review.
If you’re looking for help to set your NDIS plan goals or want to learn more about how your goals affect your plan funding, check out some of our other blogs!
To get in touch with the team at Disability Plan Services, call us on 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au. Our team are experienced NDIS Plan Managers and know how to make the most of your funding.
Gold Coast’s best NDIS plan management option!