A Step-by-Step Guide to Including Exercise Physiology in Your NDIS Plan: Goals, Planning Meetings, and Getting Started
Starting an NDIS plan can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re asked to think about goals, prepare for planning meetings, and understand how different supports fit within the NDIS.
With clear steps and the right information, the process can feel more manageable. This article explains how an NDIS plan is created, how goals are set, what to expect during planning meetings, and how Exercise Physiology fits within this process.
Step 1: Understanding What an NDIS Plan Is
Your NDIS plan brings together:
Your goals and priorities
The supports funded to help you work towards those goals
How your funding is managed
NDIS plans are designed to reflect your individual needs and circumstances. Plans can change over time as your goals, supports, and situation evolve.
Check NDIS webpage for more information on How to Create your Plan: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan
Step 2: Thinking About What You Want to Work Towards
Before setting goals, it can help to reflect on your daily life and what you would like to improve, build, or maintain.
You may want to think about:
Activities that feel challenging or tiring
Skills you would like to build or strengthen
Areas where you would like greater independence
How you participate in work, school, or the community
These reflections help form the foundation of your NDIS goals.
Step 3: Setting Goals for Your NDIS Plan
NDIS goals describe what you would like to work towards now or in the future. Goals may relate to:
Daily living and independence
Health and wellbeing
Education or employment
Social and community participation
Goals are most effective when they focus on outcomes and function rather than specific services. Goals can be broad or specific and may change over time. Some goals may involve NDIS-funded supports, while others may be supported by family, friends, or community services.
Examples of NDIS goals include:
Building independence to complete more daily activities independently
Improving health and wellbeing to support future social and recreational participation
Check NDIS webpage for more information on Setting goals: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/setting-goals
Step 4: Preparing for Your NDIS Planning Meeting
A planning meeting is a conversation about your life, goals, and support needs. Preparing ahead of time can help you communicate what is important to you.
You may wish to:
Write down questions you would like to ask
Gather reports or information that explain your support needs
Bring letters or documents you’ve received from the NDIA
Decide who you would like to attend the meeting with you
You can bring a family member, friend, advocate, or support person to your meeting if you choose.
Check NDIS webpage for more information on Preparing for your planning meeting:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/preparing-your-planning-meeting
Check NDIS webpage to access Planning Meeting Checklist:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/planning-meeting-checklist
Step 5: Attending Your Planning Meeting
Your early childhood partner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or NDIA planner will talk with you about:
Your daily life and living situation
The supports you currently use
What you would like to work towards
How different supports may help build your capacity
You may be asked about:
Your personal details
Your community and mainstream supports
How you manage everyday activities
The goals you would like to achieve
Step 6: Receiving and Using Your NDIS Plan
Once your plan is approved, it will outline:
Your funded supports
How your funding is managed
The length of time the plan covers
Timeframes:
According to the NDIS website, the most time it will take for the NDIA to approve your plan is 56 days. The NDIA will also make time to have a meeting with you to start your plan (if you want to) within 7 days. Your plan will be available on the NDIS myplace portalabout 24 hours after it has been approved. You will also receive a printed copy of your plan either in person or in the mail in your preferred format or language
Check NDIS webpage for more information on Receiving your approved Plan:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/receiving-your-approved-plan
Step 7: Reviewing and Updating Your Plan
As your needs and goals change, your NDIS plan can be reviewed. This may include:
Reflecting on what has been helpful
Identifying new or changing priorities
Gathering updated reports or assessments
Preparing for a plan review meeting
This process helps ensure your plan continues to reflect your life and goals.
