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Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

How to Get the Most Out of Your NDIS Planner in 2025

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be overwhelming, especially with new changes on the horizon. The recent NDIS Amendment Bill brings a range of updates designed to make the system more supportive and personalised for participants. These reforms are aimed at simplifying processes, providing more flexibility in funding, and ensuring that participants receive the right support at the right time.

The role of an NDIS planner is more important than ever in this evolving landscape. An NDIS planner helps you navigate the complexities of your plan, ensures your funding is used effectively, and works with you to align your support with your personal goals. A well-informed and proactive relationship with your planner can make all the difference in achieving successful outcomes.

In this post, we will guide you on how to make the most of your NDIS planner for a successful 2025. Whether you’re focusing on therapy planning, managing your funding, or exploring new opportunities, these tips will help you maximise your NDIS plan and work effectively with your planner.

Role of NDIS Planners in the New System

The NDIS Amendment Bill introduces several reforms aimed at improving support for participants. These changes mean your NDIS planner’s role has also evolved to focus more on personalised assistance, giving you a stronger foundation for managing your plan.

Post-amendment, NDIS planners are now expected to provide more tailored support, helping participants make informed decisions about their funding and therapy options. Your NDIS planner is there to assist you in understanding the intricacies of your plan and navigating the best ways to manage your resources, ensuring you receive the services you need. This shift towards a more individualised approach means that working with your NDIS planner in 2025 could be the key to unlocking better support and more effective therapy planning.

NDIS planner working with an NDIS participant on a zoom call

Questions to Ask Your Planner 

To get the most out of working with your NDIS planner in 2025, it is essential to ask the right questions. The recent changes to the NDIS are designed to put participants in greater control of their plans, but this requires being informed and proactive. Asking the right questions ensures that you and your planner are on the same page and that your therapy planning is well-targeted, effective, and aligned with your needs and goals. By understanding what to ask, you can help your planner advocate for the best possible support and make sure that your funding is allocated to achieve meaningful outcomes for your therapy journey.

Here are some questions you can consider:

  • How can I ensure my therapy services are funded adequately?”
    Understanding your budget for therapy services, such as Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology, is key to making the most of your plan.
  • What flexibility do I have in using my funding for new therapy approaches?”
    The recent changes mean there may be new ways to use your funding to try innovative therapy approaches.
  • How can I achieve my desired therapy outcomes?
    Being clear about the outcomes you wish to achieve will help your planner structure your funding accordingly, ensuring you are on track to meet your personal development goals.

In 2025, it’s more important than ever to maintain an open dialogue with your NDIS planner, particularly about budgeting and setting clear objectives for your therapy journey. Open communication helps ensure that your planner fully understands your needs and can advocate for the best possible support on your behalf. When you take the time to communicate openly, you also give your planner the opportunity to adjust and fine-tune your plan as your needs evolve. This level of transparency can make the difference between a plan that simply meets your needs and one that truly empowers you to achieve your goals. By being proactive and maintaining ongoing discussions, you can ensure that your therapy services remain well-funded, flexible, and aligned with your evolving circumstances. Remember, your planner is there to help you navigate challenges, and clear communication will enable them to provide the most effective support possible.

Tips for Effective Collaboration with Your NDIS Planner

A good relationship with your NDIS planner is one of the most powerful tools for successful therapy planning. Your planner is not just an administrator but a partner who can help you navigate the complexities of the NDIS and ensure you get the support you need to thrive. Building a strong, collaborative relationship with your planner can make all the difference when it comes to turning your therapy goals into reality. By working closely with your planner, you can optimise your plan, make informed decisions, and adapt your strategies as your needs evolve. Here are some tips for working effectively with your planner:

  • Maintain Regular Communication: Schedule regular check-ins to provide updates on your progress and discuss any changes to your needs. Keeping your planner updated ensures they have the information required to advocate for your best interests.
  • Be Transparent About Your Goals & Challenges: The more your planner understands your personal aspirations, therapy progress, and any hurdles, the better they can support you. Being honest and clear will enable your planner to align the plan with your goals.
  • Embrace Collaboration: Treat your planner as a partner in your therapy journey. Listen to their insights and combine their expertise with your understanding of your personal needs to create a plan that genuinely works for you.

By focusing on these key aspects of your relationship with your NDIS planner, you can build a more effective and supportive partnership. Remember, your planner is there to help you navigate not only the administrative side of the NDIS but also to help you reach your full potential. A collaborative and transparent relationship ensures that your plan is continually evolving to meet your needs, empowering you to achieve the best possible outcomes from your therapy journey.

elderly woman in an occupational therapy session

Leveraging the NDIS Reforms for Better Outcomes

The NDIS Amendment Bill has introduced changes that are meant to make the system more adaptive and responsive to individual needs. These reforms are designed to enhance the flexibility of funding, simplify administrative processes, and ensure that participants have greater control over their supports. By working closely with your planner, you can navigate these changes effectively and use them to your advantage. This collaboration is key to ensuring that the new amendments translate into real, tangible improvements in your therapy and support services. By collaborating closely with your planner, you can make the most of these reforms for a better therapy experience, unlocking opportunities for innovative approaches, enhanced services, and more personalised care.

For example, the reforms may bring more flexible funding arrangements or additional initiatives designed to enhance your access to necessary services. To take advantage of these changes, make sure to:

  • Stay Informed: Keep up with updates related to the NDIS to understand new benefits and how they apply to your situation. You can stay up to date from the NDIS directly, or via relevant blog posts on our website
  • Work with Your Planner: Use the new initiatives and funding arrangements to personalise your therapy plan further. Talk to your planner about how these changes can be incorporated into your plan to make it more effective.
  • Plan Strategically: Make sure to align your therapy planning with the new opportunities available in 2025, whether it’s trying a new approach to therapy or securing funding for additional services.
Telehealth

Working effectively with your NDIS planner is essential to getting the most out of your NDIS plan in 2025, especially given the recent changes brought by the NDIS Amendment Bill. By being proactive, asking the right questions, and maintaining a strong partnership with your planner, you can maximise your therapy planning and achieve your goals.

Take charge of your therapy journey, collaborate closely with your planner, and use these recent reforms to make meaningful strides toward your personal development goals in 2025. Remember, your NDIS planner is there to support you—and together, you can create a plan that works for you.

The NDIS is a powerful tool that can open doors to new opportunities, but it requires an active and engaged approach to truly harness its potential. Your planner is more than just a guide; they are your ally in navigating this complex system. By maintaining regular check-ins, setting clear objectives, and being transparent about your aspirations and challenges, you give your planner the tools they need to advocate effectively on your behalf. As you move forward, don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, and explore new options that may be available to you under the recent reforms.

Ultimately, the key to success lies in your willingness to take an active role in your plan, continuously reassessing your needs, and making adjustments as necessary. The NDIS is designed to be flexible and adaptable, and with your planner by your side, you can make sure that your support evolves alongside your life circumstances. Whether it’s accessing new therapies, finding innovative ways to use your funding, or setting ambitious personal development goals, your collaborative relationship with your planner will be instrumental in making your aspirations a reality in 2025 and beyond.

Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

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