Your first planning meeting shapes the funding you receive, so it pays to be prepared. The NDIA wants to understand your goals and how your disability affects daily life.

Bring evidence

Gather reports from your doctors, therapists and specialists. Letters that describe your functional capacity — what you can and cannot do without support — are especially valuable.

Think about your goals

Goals can be short or long term: living more independently, finding work, joining community activities, or improving health and wellbeing. Write them down before the meeting.

Describe a typical day

Be honest about the help you need on both good days and bad days. Many people understate their needs — describe your hardest days, not your average ones.

Consider bringing a family member, friend or advocate for support. The more clearly you can explain your situation, the better your plan will reflect it.