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Family involvement in NDIS plan creation

When creating your NDIS plan, it is up to you to decide if you want to include your family or friends in your decision making. You have the same rights as others to make choices and decisions that affect your life including the right to:

    • Make decisions about your goals in your NDIS plan
    • Choose the supports and services that help you reach your goals and objectivities
    • Choose who will provide those supports and services.

Your family cannot make decisions on your behalf once you turn 18 years old and they are not allowed to contact the NDIS unless you give them permission. They are also not allowed on your behalf to sign service agreements with the NDIS service provider you choose.

Your family and friends usually want what is best for you, but sometimes this might make you feel upset or angry. You can let them know that while you understand and appreciate their concern about your decision-making, you would like to make your own choices. It might help if you explain that you have done your research and assure them that if you need their help you will ask.

Sometimes your situation may change and you may not be able to make decisions or you would like some advice. In these situations, there are people who you can contact to help guide you to make decisions that are best for you.

Who can I contact outside of my family to help with my NDIS plan?

Other people outside your family can help you if you find that you are having difficulty making decisions related to your NDIS plan or about how to choose an NDIS service provider. Sometimes you might simply like to talk to someone who can help you explore other available options.

Local area coordinators

Local area coordinators (LACs) can help you to:

    • Develop your NDIS plan
    • Set up your account on the Government portals
    • Give you information about community and other services (e.g. health and education services) that may help you reach your NDIS goals and objectives.

Support coordinators

Your NDIS plan may include a budget for a support coordinator. A support coordinator will help you to understand your plan and assist you to build your skills and access the supports and services that you require. Support coordinators can also help you choose and negotiate with a service provider, link you with community support services or help you deal with other government services.

 

Plan managers

Your NDIS plan may include a budget for an NDIS plan manager. Plan managers deal with service providers on your behalf. They receive and pay invoices to your NDIS provider and send reports showing where your money has been spent and how much is left in your budget. Some plan manager also offer advice about providers and services you can access or budgets and may help you with navigating NDIS service agreements.

 

Independent advocates

Independent advocates can help you if you are having a dispute with the NDIS or NDIS service providers. They also offer you support if you are having disagreements with your family about your NDIS decisions.