Anyone started with the NDIS?

[eth]

I had a big cry after an anxiety attack about all this stuff today.  I need to learn to be proactive more and advocate for myself.  Sil was doing a lot of that for me but has now gone back to work. She does help me know what has to be done, but is trying to get me to do more for myself.  Just another scary part of all the change that is overwhelming me.  I feel like I'm in at the deep end, waving my arm for help.

[Shaz51]

Hugs @eth xxxx 

[The-red-centaur]

I just got knocked back from the ndis myself.

[eth]

Thanks @Shaz51 and back atcha xoxo

@The-red-centaur you can ask for a 'review of a reviewable decision' (internal review) and submit more evidence if you choose to.  Reports need to prove your disability is permanent and that you have severe and enduring functional effects from it. For the review your reports etc have to be viewed by 'a fresh set of eyes' in the NDIS.  You can also get a Disability Advocate to help you (google them, they're in every state).  I did those things.  

[STORMGRL101]

How long after the  ndis planning meeting did anyone get their package?? This wait is making me super flat and anxious. I need the ndis so I can get some more support but can’t do anything until I get my package and It’s affecting my mental health badly. 

[eth]

Hi and welcome @STORMGRL101 Sorry to hear you're having a frustrating time with NDIS.  I don't know of anyone who hasn't.  If I can help feel free to ask me questions.

My plan came through only a few days after the planning meeting but that might be because I had a Disability Advocate (google them, they're free in every state) and a legal aid solicitor and had been ready for a hearing at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal before the NDIA conceded and accepted me.  If I was you I'd be ringing the NDIS at least weekly to ask what's happening.  I totally understand how it can be affecting your mental health.  It took me 1 1/2 years to get accepted and it was a total roller coaster of emotions all the way.

For anyone else still following - My coordinator of supports (CoS)  is coming on Thursday thanks to my sil calling her.  It turns out she's only doing 1 hour a week with me, despite being funded for 50 hours of CoS.  To me it makes more sense for her to do more time setting things up for me and less later on once I have supports in place.  I wasn't prepared for how much I need to manage things myself.  I thought that's why CoS and plan manager were approved.  The saga continues.  Hopefully after this next session with the CoS I'll actually have some contact with potential support workers.  

[Queenie]

Hello @eth and everyone,

I have a meeting with the LAC this Friday. It appears during this transition period into the NDIS in my area, the LAC is still at the temporary NDIA offices until the carer's organisation takes over the role by year's end. I have to go in and search for providers and stuff. I hope it goes okay. I get a lot of anxiety regarding NDIS stuff. 

[eth]

Hope it goes well for you @Queenie.  Keep telling yourself 'this is the good part.  I will have more support and therefor more freedom'.  That's what I'm trying to do.  But I've been having really high anxiety about it too.

My LAC only did the planning meeting before I got my plan.  Then after the plan came through I was referred to another organisation for coordination of supports.  Seeing the CoS again today. Really hoping to get some supports happening.

[eth]

Appointment with CoS went well.  I now have 2 support workers (SWs) booked to do alternate Sunday afternoons with me.  That's the only time slot that was available.  So the hourly rate will be a bit higher.  I'll get to do a meet and greet with them and the CoS sometime before then.  Also did a Service Agreement and consent form with her.

Also have a couple of messages from potential SWs on the Hireup page.  I'll get back to them after my weekend away.

So ....... progress.

[CheerBear]

@eth great to hear you have some support in place. You're doing so well working through it all.

I have some news to share. I've just opened a letter that says that my Access Request for the NDIS was successful! It was a bit of a headache and some stuffing around but it feels like it was worth it now. I'm so, sooooo relieved! 😁🎉