What are Goals under the NDIS?

‘Goals’ are simply the desired agendas NDIS participants want to achieve in their life.

These goals are listed in an NDIS plan along with proposed strategies and supports on how to best achieve them. Goals typically relate to a person’s independence at home and in the community.

Goals are designed to support the individual circumstances and level of needs of the participant and their disability.

The NDIS typically allocates reasonable and necessary funding to support people on their journey.

What are the differences between short term and long term goals?

NDIS plans are typically 12, 24 or 36 month periods.

Short term goals are agendas that are realistic to achieve within a given NDIS’s plan dates, examples include:

Attending a training course
Finding a mentor
Obtaining employment
Going on a holiday
Developing the capacity to walk 500 metres independently

In the event a person does not achieve their short term goals, they can be rolled over to a new NDIS plan. They may also be adjusted or discarded if the person has more meaningful ambitions.

Conversely, long term goals are likely to be achieved over multiple NDIS plans. Long term goals may also be lifelong efforts, examples include:

Maintaining independence at home
Building physical capacity
Completing studies
Attending a sporting event weekly

It is important to acknowledge that a person can change their goals frequently and that factors (such as progressive conditions) are considered.

Is there a minimum or a maximum number of goals an NDIS participant can set?

Typically, when a participant begins their NDIS journey, they will set two core goals.

Technically, there is no limit to how many goals a person may set, however, it is usually encouraged to set a certain amount, this is to ensure that the correct supports level is maintained in order to achieve those goals and to ensure their funding reflects this.

With that said, it’s up to the participant.

At what point of an NDIS journey does someone set their goals?

After applying for the NDIS and being accepted, a person will be allocated a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to meet, within their local area.

This meeting is an opportunity to identify the level of funding required and to establish an NDIS plan which includes goal setting.

It is important to note, a person’s first period on the NDIS could be described as a ‘trial period’ and finding the most ideal supports for a person may take some time.

At what point of an NDIS journey does someone typically review their goals?

As mentioned, NDIS plans are typically 12, 24 or 36 months.

Approximately 2 months prior to an NDIS plan end date there will be a plan review. At this point in time, the participant’s supports and funding is reviewed. This is when goals are reviewed.

The purpose of this meeting is to ideally have a new NDIS plan approved prior to the current one expiring. These meetings may involve medical professionals, NDIS staff, carers, families and disability support organisations.

What supports are available to identify goals that are realistic and within a person’s capacity?

The NDIS is a very evidence-based funding scheme. The supports available are typically, family, support coordinators, NDIS plan managers, clinicians and other stakeholders who the person consents to be involved with this aspect.

In most cases, people would have met with a GP and other medical professionals to obtain a formal diagnosis of their disability. At this point, they may have access to reports and documentation that will help them formalise goals.

In other cases, a person may not have engaged health professionals and will be required to do so.

Put simply, the initial plan is built by an NDIS Planner, who is typically experienced with the NDIS and will guide the participant as necessary. The LAC may also assist the participant to obtain medical reports to forward to the NDIS planner.

Future plans are built by a LAC. At this point, the LAC will have access to reports and data within the NDIS plan. This is greatly advantageous to acquire funding for supports that are reasonable and necessary.

How do people typically achieve their goals and what supports are available?

In an NDIS plan, people list short and long term goals, as well as the strategies on how to achieve them. These strategies are often related to

Evidence-based healthcare providers
Disability support organisations, and
Community services

A collective, holistic approach to support is a great way to get the best services for a participant with respect to what their funding permits.

Goals AAYS have helped people achieve

AAYS is a dynamic organisation, each of us having different backgrounds, experiences and education. It is important to note, all goals are meaningful – whether big or small.

We are proud that we have helped members of the community achieve the following meaningful milestones:

Verbally express themselves
Attend and complete university
Obtain a driver’s licence
Gain employment and no longer require paid support
Increase their independence and reduce the levels of support required
Become more engaged in their ambitions

At AAYS, it’s about the participant’s experience. We are incredibly proud to observe our participant’s achieve a goal and know that we’ve been a part of the team to offer assistance.

The pursuit of goals is just one factor that makes our jobs worthwhile.