Introduction

Walking into your first NDIS planning meeting can feel both exciting and overwhelming. For many participants in Adelaide, this is the moment where dreams, goals, and everyday needs start to translate into real support. But without preparation, you risk walking out with a plan that doesn’t fully reflect your needs.

Think of it like buying a house, if you don’t bring a list of what matters most, you may end up with something that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

The good news? With the right preparation, you can walk into your meeting confident, clear, and ready to shape a plan that supports your goals. Here’s how.

1. Understand What the NDIS Planning Meeting Is About

The NDIS planning meeting is where you discuss your personal circumstances, daily challenges, and long-term goals with a planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). This meeting decides how your funding will be allocated across three categories:

  • Core Supports – help with daily living and community participation.
  • Capacity Building – therapies, skills development, and support coordination.
  • Capital Supports – assistive technology and home modifications. 

Knowing these categories ahead of time means you’ll better understand the language used and can ask smarter questions during your meeting.

2. Gather the Right Documents

Bring everything that paints a picture of your current needs. Examples include:

  • Medical or specialist reports (GP, psychologist, physiotherapist).
  • Assessments (functional capacity, therapy notes).
  • A list of current supports and their costs.
  • Any evidence of unpaid support from family or carers. 

Additional tip:  Think of your documents as “proof.” The more clear and detailed they are, the easier it is to justify funding.

3. Be Clear About Your Goals

Funding decisions are directly linked to your goals. Without clear goals, the planner can’t connect you to the right supports.

Examples of strong, specific goals:

  • “I want to learn to cook my own meals safely.”
  • “I want to join a community art class to meet new people.”
  • “I want to get job-ready by improving my computer skills.” 

Weak goals like “I want to be happy” don’t give enough direction. The more detailed your goals, the better your plan will reflect your real needs.

4. Prepare to Talk About Daily Challenges

Your meeting isn’t just about what you hope to do,  it’s about what’s currently hard for you. Be honest about where you need support.

For example:

  • Do you struggle with transport because of mobility issues?
  • Do you rely on a carer for personal care tasks?
  • Do you find it difficult to participate in social activities? 

Sharing these challenges makes sure your plan is built around real-world situations.

6. Ask Questions During the Meeting

Don’t be afraid to clarify things. Common questions you might ask include:

  • “What services are funded under Capacity Building?”
  • “Can my funding be flexible across different supports?”
  • “How can I request a plan review if my needs change?” 

Asking questions shows you’re engaged and ensures you walk away with clarity instead of confusion.

7. Think Ahead to Your Plan Review

Your NDIS plan isn’t permanent. It will be reviewed, usually after 12 months. The first meeting sets the tone, so think about not only your current needs but also what might change.

For example:

  • If you want to move out of home next year, mention it.
  • If you think you’ll need more therapy sessions, flag that now. 

Planning ahead makes your NDIS journey smoother and helps avoid big gaps in support later.

Conclusion

Your first NDIS planning meeting in Adelaide is the starting point for your journey with the scheme. Preparation is the key, gather your documents, set clear goals, share your challenges, and ask questions.

At Skye’s the Limit Support Services, we’ve guided many participants through this process, helping them feel confident and supported every step of the way. With the right preparation, your first meeting can set you on the path toward independence, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

📞 Need help preparing for your first planning meeting? Contact Skye’s the Limit today for support tailored to your goals.