New-format NDIS plan released this week

The NDIA has announced a pilot which will use independent health professionals with experience in disability to undertake functional assessments, so that participants are able to access and use appropriate supports through the NDIS.

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson, said the new-format plan would provide participants with easier-to-understand information, which will assist participants to implement their supports.

"The NDIA has engaged extensively with NDIS participants, their families and carers to identify areas for improvement to enhance the participant experience with the ground‑breaking NDIS," Ms Henderson said.

"From this week, NDIS participants will be able to access a plan that is easy-to-read, shows how their NDIS funded supports contribute towards achieving their goals and provides a single point of contact to assist participants to implement their plan.

"Importantly, the new-format plan takes a holistic view of a participant's needs and circumstances, and shows how their goals are linked to the support they need — whether that be informal, community and mainstream supports, or NDIS funding.

"The new-format plan is another example of the Federal Government's commitment to improving the experience of NDIS participants.

The new plan is now available to participants who receive their first plan or have a plan review. Some of the improvements to the new plan include:

  • change in the overall design
  • greater emphasis on an individual circumstances
  • a simpler layout and clearer definition of supports funded in the plan
  • clear information on where and how to get help
  • available to participants in braille, hard copy and on the myplace participant portal.