The NDIS was established to provide vital support and resources to empower individuals with disabilities in our communities to lead their best lives. Your individual plan is designed to reflect your unique needs and goals, with the ultimate outcome of making your best life a reality. However, this journey, particularly incorporating Assistive Technology (AT) solutions, can present challenges. Here are key insights and tips to navigate the process successfully.
This may sound simple but so often it can be easy to get caught up in the ‘everyday’ of life that we fail to set time aside to plan for the ‘plan’.
Taking a moment to reflect on your current needs and envisioning your daily goals can make a significant difference. This thoughtful approach ensures a more productive meeting with your plan provider, preventing uncertainties afterward. Planning to plan keeps the vision of your goals and needs at the forefront when determining necessary supports, optimising the use of available resources, especially in the realm of Assistive Technology, and anticipating future needs.
Consider your daily routine when contemplating your needs and goals. Reflecting on what 24 hours in your life looks like can help to clarify where in your day and over which environments you could use assistance. Visualise your day like a clock face, pinpointing moments when support is valuable - this method may unveil equipment that serves multiple purposes. Consult with AT specialists to explore equipment possibilities, potentially saving money in your plan as well as freeing up storage space at home. By comprehensively addressing daily needs, your NDIS plan can efficiently allocate AT funding, with the added benefit of reducing the necessity for frequent plan reviews.
For instance, a versatile activity chair that has a high-low feature as well as tilt can be used lowered for a floor activity with friends, being raised to sit at the dining table with the family, accessing the basin sink in the bathroom through anterior tilt, and resting in the day with posterior tilt.
The right AT can make a significant difference to your daily life. Equally so, inappropriate choices may be of little benefit and use more valuable resources in replacements.
Keeping your desired outcomes in focus will ensure you are making choices aligned with specific goals, and less likely to be distracted by accessories that you may not need. Clearly understanding the intended functions of the AT ensures the appropriate level of robustness of your choices. Your supporting therapist and AT specialist are invaluable at this stage to ensure you keep your focus on achieving your goals. The product specialists at Astris PME strive to support therapists and clients in making informed choices.
When considering your NDIS plan, Plan to Plan, think 24 hours, and be clear about your outcomes.
For assistance, the team at Astris PME is readily available. Contact them on 1300 131 884 or email clients@astris-pme.com.au.
