Preparing for Your First NDIS Plan Meeting: A Guide for Families

April 20, 2026•2 min read

A little preparation can make planning meetings easier

A first NDIS planning meeting can feel like a lot. Many families worry they’ll forget something important or won’t know how to explain what support is actually needed day to day.

Planning meetings are conversations designed to gather information so a plan can be developed. NDIA guidance encourages discussing goals, daily life, and support needs during the planning meeting.

What happens during planning

You’ll typically talk about daily life, goals, what’s working, what’s not, and what supports are needed. Participants can choose who attends, and interpreters can be arranged if needed.

What the NDIA is looking for

Funded supports must meet “reasonable and necessary” criteria, including being disability-related, linked to goals and participation, value for money, and not a general day-to-day cost or something another system should provide.

A simple prep tool: the 3-column method

1) What is hard because of disability?

2) What is the impact?

3) What support would help, and what does success look like?

What to bring

Reports describing functional impact (OT, physio, speech, psychology), current supports, risk information, school/work notes (if relevant), and discharge summaries (if relevant) can help inform decisions.

Write goals that are specific

Clear goals are easier to link to supports and outcomes.

Plan for funding boundaries

For example, the NDIS may fund the support needed to attend an activity (support worker time) but not the activity’s entry fee or membership cost that everyone pays.

Checklist graphic titled “What to bring to your planning meeting"

Bring what you can. Clear information helps

Questions to ask

Which goals are included? Which supports are funded and in which budget? Is more evidence needed? How will progress be reviewed at reassessment?

Where OptimumCare Plus fits

OptimumCare Plus can talk through community support goals and practical support needs in a calm, person-led way.

General information only: Planning processes and funding vary. Check current NDIA guidance or speak with your planning team.

Rachael M Mwatha

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