Is a review of my client's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan warranted due to its suboptimal alignment with her needs?

From the Research

Review of NDIS Plan

To determine if a review of the client's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan is warranted, several factors must be considered:

• The client's current needs and whether they are being met by the existing plan
• Any changes in the client's circumstances that may require adjustments to the plan
• The level of satisfaction with the current plan and any perceived barriers or enablers to effectively utilising the NDIS 1

Barriers to Utilising the NDIS

Research has identified several barriers to utilising the NDIS, including:

• Limited understanding of the NDIS process 1
• Language use and capacity assumptions 1
• Unrealistic goals and progress, and difficulty utilising plans 1
• Administrative burden and bureaucracy 2, 3
• Cultural/socioeconomic and geographical factors 2, 3
• Lack of awareness of the NDIS among package holders and carers 3
• Emotional burden of the NDIS planning process 3

Need for Review

Given the potential barriers to utilising the NDIS, a review of the client's plan may be necessary to ensure it remains aligned with their needs. This is particularly important in regional, rural, and remote regions of Australia, where there may be limited access to services and supports 2, 3. Additionally, the NDIS planning process has been found to be complex and bureaucratic, which can create barriers to access for people with disability and their families 2, 3. A review of the plan can help to identify any areas where the client's needs are not being met and make necessary adjustments to ensure they are receiving the supports and services they require.

Key Considerations

Some key considerations in determining whether a review of the client's NDIS plan is warranted include:

• The client's level of satisfaction with their current plan
• Any changes in the client's circumstances that may require adjustments to the plan
• The presence of any barriers to utilising the NDIS, such as limited understanding of the process or administrative burden
• The availability of services and supports in the client's region 2, 3
• The need for ongoing development and evaluation of the NDIS to ensure it is meeting the needs of people with disability and their families 4