NDIS Basics: How to Plan Your Supports Using Goals

Start with your goals (and what “good support” looks like)

Planning works best when your supports clearly connect to your goals. Before you choose services, take time to write down what you want your life to look like in the next 12–18 months. For example: “I want to manage my morning routine independently,” “I want to increase community participation,” or “I want help to build daily living skills.” Your plan should show supports that help you make progress toward these outcomes—not just services you receive.

When thinking about good support, ask: does it help you be more independent, safer, and more connected? Good support is usually goal-focused, respects your preferences, and is delivered in a way you can understand and control. It also includes clear measures of progress—such as improved confidence, fewer incidents, more involvement in activities, or better use of assistive technology.

If you’re comparing providers, consider making a simple checklist and asking direct questions. A provider who supports good planning should be able to explain: how they will work toward your goals, what they will do day-to-day, how they will monitor progress, and what happens if things aren’t working. You can use My Care Finders to compare options and narrow down providers that match your needs and style of support.

For participants using plan management, keep your funding and choices in mind. If you want more control over provider payments, you may choose a plan manager using MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au). This can help you stay organised, while you focus on outcomes.

Key takeaway: If you can’t link a support to a specific goal and explain how it will help you get there, it may not belong in your plan.

• Write your goals in plain language (what, why, and how you’ll know it’s working).
• Choose supports that build independence and reduce barriers in your daily life.
• Check that supports are measurable, timely, and tailored to your preferences.
• Compare providers using consistent questions (approach, progress tracking, and flexibility).