How to Prepare for Your First NDIS Planning Meeting: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Carers

Starting your journey with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to your very first NDIS planning meeting. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or navigating the system for yourself, knowing what to expect (and how to prepare) can make all the difference.

At Easy Community Services, we support individuals and families in Brisbane and surrounding areas to feel confident and informed from day one. In this guide, we walk you through exactly how to prepare for your first planning meeting—step by step.

✅ What Is an NDIS Planning Meeting?

Your NDIS planning meeting is a conversation with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). It’s where you’ll:

• Discuss your goals

• Talk about your daily life and support needs

• Decide how your NDIS funding will be allocated

The outcome of this meeting is your NDIS Plan, which determines the services and supports you can access.

📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare

1. Understand the Purpose of the Meeting

Before anything else, know this:
The planning meeting is about you. It’s designed to understand your life, your challenges, and your goals—so the NDIS can fund supports that truly help.

🔹 Tip: Think of it as an opportunity to advocate for the services that will improve your quality of life or that of your loved one.

2. Gather Key Documents

To ensure a smooth meeting, collect:

• Recent medical or therapy reports

• Assessments or letters from health professionals

• Your NDIS access decision letter

• Any past support plans (if applicable)

🔹 Include documents that clearly show support needs, diagnoses, or challenges with daily tasks.

3. Think About Your Daily Life

Reflect on:

• What a typical day looks like

• What tasks are difficult or require support (e.g. showering, cooking, transport)

• What has helped in the past

🔹 Be honest—even if something feels small, it matters.

4. Set Clear, Personal Goals

Your NDIS plan will be built around your short and long-term goals. Common examples include:

• Gaining more independence at home

• Participating in community activities

• Improving communication skills

• Building social connections

🔹 Write down 2–3 key goals that reflect what’s most important to you.

5. Know Your Support Preferences

Think about:

• What kind of support you want (in-home, community-based, therapy, etc.)

• Whether you’d prefer to manage the plan yourself or with help

• If you’d like a Support Coordinator to assist you

🔹 Easy Community Services offers support coordination and tailored services across Brisbane—ask us how we can help.

6. Bring a Trusted Support Person

You don’t have to do it alone. Bring:

• A family member, friend, carer, or service provider

• Someone who understands your needs and can help communicate them

🔹 We often attend planning meetings with our clients to advocate and explain support options clearly.

🗣 Questions You Might Be Asked

Here are some common questions you may hear in your first planning meeting:

• What are your daily routines and where do you need help?

• What are your goals for the next year?

• What supports do you already receive?

• What would help you live more independently?

🔹 Preparing answers in advance builds your confidence and ensures your needs are heard.

🌟 How Easy Community Services Can Help

At Easy Community Services, we specialise in:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)

• Short-Term Accommodation (Respite)

• Daily Living Supports

We work closely with individuals and families to prepare for NDIS meetings, ensure your goals are clearly expressed, and support you every step of the way.

📍Based in Brisbane, we proudly deliver NDIS-approved, person-centred care that reflects your unique needs.

💬 Final Thoughts

Your first NDIS planning meeting is a big step—but you don’t have to face it alone. By preparing ahead and surrounding yourself with the right support, you can walk in feeling informed, confident, and ready to build a plan that truly works for you.

📞 Need Help Preparing?

Let’s make your first NDIS experience a positive one.

Contact Easy Community Services today to:

• Book a free planning session consultation

• Get help gathering your documents

• Learn how we can support your goals