As the NDIS roll out for adults in South Australia approaches, it’s important to start preparing now for your or your loved one’s entry into the scheme. With the NDIS to expand to 460,000 participants nationwide by 2020, the NDIA has started implementing a number of strategies to help streamline intake and improve processes.
One change was to encourage participants to have their planning conversations over the phone rather than face-to-face. People are entitled to ask for a face-to-face meeting, however given the large number of plans that need to be developed, the NDIA has limited capacity to meet participants in person. A growing number of planning conversations are being facilitated by Local Area Coordinators (LACs).
It is likely that a large number of Bedford employees, members and residents will have their planning conversations over the phone with an LAC.
Given the likelihood of a planning session taking place over the phone, it is important that you have taken the time fill out the Bedford NDIS Planning Workbook - our tailored, step-by-step manual that will help you prepare for and get the most out of the NDIS. In many cases, planners already have access to information about participants' existing funding arrangements when they begin a planning conversation.
Remember, when families are contacted for an NDIS planning conversation, they are allowed to request a time that is more suitable. They are also able to request that a Bedford staff member support them during this call. A participant may be the primary contact instead of their parent or carer, so it is important they are aware they may be contacted.
Once a planning conversation takes place, the participant will receive their NDIA plan. Bedford will not be automatically notified, so it is essential that families let Bedford know that they have commenced their plan.