Having better NDIS conversations
NDIS Conversations
Conversations are critical in daily life. They enable connection, help us to express ourselves to others, and they’re essential for growth.
When it comes to NDIS conversations –– whether you’re a participant, healthcare professional, support worker, carer, or family member –– the topics can be challenging and progress isn’t always made.
That’s why we’re highlighting the organisation Me Well which, along with a group of people who experience disability, has created a set of Conversation Cards designed to promote positive and useful NDIS conversations.
How conversation cards can help
Navigating the NDIS can be difficult, confusing, and stressful for the uninitiated. And for participants and their families, the experience can lead to feelings of misunderstanding, isolation, and frustration.
Conversation cards can assist in many key ways including:
- Helping participants and their families express themselves in a structured environment
- Better putting into words what a person wishes to express
- Building feelings of trust and safety
- Exploring NDIS topics and deepening an understanding of certain areas
- Reflecting upon past situations where things didn’t go well and discussing how these might be improved in the future
- Establishing common knowledge and clarifying where further understanding is needed
- Developing positive goals and next steps
Key topics to discuss
Within the NDIS, and when it comes to an individual participant, there’s a broad range of topics that can be discussed. For many, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s where we believe the conversation cards can help.
The cards help identify some useful starting points. These include:
- Rehearsing your story – for participants there can be, understandably, a great deal of emotion attached to their story. Practising the story can be helpful so that it can be simply explained to others. Something that’s useful for self-expression and seeking help.
- Establishing goals – goal setting is a critical element of receiving NDIS funding. Deciding on those goals in an open and safe environment will ensure they are the best for that individual.
- Discussing the first plan – to get NDIS funding, an individual must create a first plan –– something that’s established with the NDIS. Conversations can be useful to establish what should (and can) be included.
- Deciding on the best supports – every participant is an individual. What will work for one person, might not work for another. Discussion can be helpful to decide which supports will be the most beneficial.
For more information, find the conversation cards here.
We’re here to help
We’re not just another provider –– it’s our goal to help our participants thrive. That means helping participants establish and reach their goals, use their funds flexibly, and get the most out of their NDIS plan.
Our team is also on hand to answer queries, establish what you can and can’t receive within NDIS funding, and assist in any way we can.
Have a question? Contact us on 1300 60 33 89 or at [email protected] and we can help.