Anyone started with the NDIS?

[Former-Member]

I'm only returning to say that they very much were @eth  and me needing assistance to access the community and socialise was not. It wasn't taken into account regardless, and it wasn't because the person in the office who wrote my plan knew that my area doesn't offer that type of services. 

[Queenie]

I’m up for my first review next month and basically have to justify funding still. Apparently I have to do this every twelve months until I’m aged 65.

[eth]

Sorry @Queenie I only just saw your post here.  I am already anxious about my first review too, due at the end of June.  We really shouldn't have to prove ourselves over and over again.

[eth]

@saturnzoon this is the thread I mentioned.  It's a bit long now but there's a lot of useful information if you have the patience to read it.

[saturnzoon]

Thanks @eth my 12yr son has had the NDIS since 2016, he was in the first group so I know how it all works because he has Autism/ADHD, the process was easier, but with MH it's a lot harder as I already got rejected in 2017 they said there wasn't enough evidence from my psychiatrist, he was hopless when he filled it in, so then I did the review last year in August and when I contacted them, they said they couldn't find any paperwork on my review so that's why I have to do the whole thing again.

There really hard on people with MH and a majority get knocked back, so I have a worker this time that is helping me, it makes it hard for me when I have a memory problems and don't remember events in my life.

[eth]

Hi @saturnzoon  sounds like you need a disability advocate in your corner.  They are free and in every state to my knowledge.  https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/program-services/for-people-with-d...

or

http://da.org.au/

They were a huge help to me.

[eth]

Hi @Queenie   How are you going getting ready for your review?  I'd be very interested to hear what you are doing to prepare for it.  e.g. new reports? listing new goals? demonstrating progress or lack of it? etc.  I get a bit overwhelmed about it already and figure I should start preparing in advance, especially if new reports are needed.  Do you have anyone helping/guiding you with the process?

[Queenie]

Hi @eth I’m taking an NDIS coordinator from one of the organisations I’m involved with into the review. I also have new reports as well as a list of what worked well, what didn’t and what changes I’d like to see. I’m aiming for the same plan but with support coordination. Having to source your own supports was very stressful and as a result, I didn’t spend much of my funding.

[eth]

Sounds like you're really well prepared @Queenie .  I've found having a coordinator of supports very useful most of the time.  Also have a plan manager as there's no way I could control the approval and payment of invoices, especially the part where you have to get the money from NDIS.  My plan manager has been invaluable.

I'm thinking maybe I should start requesting reports from clinicians already as they sometimes take a while to do.  Also Endeavor Foundation has a booklet to prepare for your review that I will use, might be handy for you too.

[Queenie]

Hey @eth my review ight have to be postponed. I am not well and am awaiting to hear approval for admission into hospital. I almost got sectioned under the Mental Health Act the other night (I don't understand why as I'm not dangerous just frightened).