Goal-setting is an important part of the NDIS. Setting clear goals as part of your plan meetings means you’re more likely to get the funding you need for supports to help you achieve your goals.
We explore what goals are, why they’re important, and how you can set and track goals to help you make the most of your NDIS Plan.
Whether you’re preparing for your first NDIS plan meeting or have a plan reassessment coming up, this information will help you feel empowered to set the right goals for you.
What are NDIS goals?
NDIS goals are like roadmaps that guide you towards what you want to achieve. Each goal is a statement of intention that provides a clear direction and purpose, helping you stay focused.
These goals give the NDIS information about what’s important to you and what you want to do in life. For an NDIS Plan to be approved, it must include at least one goal. Each goal should include details about the supports that will help you achieve the goal.
NDIS goals should be specific, measurable and usually time-bound which means you’re aiming to achieve each goal in a certain time, such as three months.
“Not having goals is like being at the helm of a boat without a rudder. There is nothing to guide us in the direction we want to go. Working towards a goal that we have thought through and set based on our passions and what we want to achieve is empowering.” – Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, Leap in! Brand Ambassador.
Goals and your NDIS Plan.
Once your NDIS access request is accepted, you’ll begin to prepare for your first NDIS planning meeting. This is where the NDIS gathers information about you, your goals and any supports you receive to determine what to fund in your plan.
If you already have a plan, reviewing your goals and existing supports is a key part of preparing for your plan reassessment (when you get a new plan).
The better prepared you are going into your NDIS plan meeting or plan reassessment, the higher the chances you will get the right supports for your needs.
Services and supports included in your NDIS Plan may help you pursue your goals and overcome any barriers encountered along the way.
How to get your NDIS goals funded.
- Be clear and specific: Ensure your goals are well-defined and aligned with the NDIS eligibility criteria. Clearly identify goals you want to accomplish and how the supports will benefit you.
- Provide relevant evidence: Include supporting documents, such as medical reports or assessments.
- Understand your funding category: Familiarise yourself with NDIS budget categories and what’s covered under each. Ensure your goals fall within the appropriate category to maximise your chances of approval.
- Work with a support coordinator: Their expertise can help you navigate the NDIS process and support goal setting.
- Be prepared for planning meetings: Prioritise and communicate your goals clearly during planning meetings. Be ready to discuss how the proposed supports align with your needs.
- Explore alternative options: If an initial request for funding is not approved, explore other options, such as Capacity Building funding or support from other government schemes.
- Review your plan regularly: Ensure it accurately reflects your changing needs and goals.
- Seek advocacy support if needed: If you encounter difficulties with getting your goals funded, disability advocacy organisations or support groups may be able to assist.
Every support purchased with NDIS funds must meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria. For more information, read our article Reasonable and necessary: What it means plus a handy checklist.
Types of NDIS goals.
Most NDIS Plans will have goals that are short-term and medium or long-term. Often the type of goal and the length of time you’ll need to achieve it depends on your age and where you’re at in life.
Short-term goals.
These are goals that you can achieve in a few weeks or a few months. Short-term goals help you make progress and build momentum. If you can achieve your goals in under 12 months, then they’ll be short-term goals.
NDIS goals examples: short-term goal.
This year, I want to learn to use public transport by myself, so I can go to the library or out with friends and not rely on my Mum
In the next three months, I want to learn how to shop for, prepare and cook three different meals so I can cook them for my family.
Medium to long term goals.
Longer term goals require more time and effort to accomplish, spanning several months or years. It’s important to identify the steps towards pursuing medium or longer term goals. Breaking larger goals into short-term goals makes them feel more achievable.
NDIS goals examples: medium or long-term goals.
By Christmas next year, I’d like to have completed my TAFE certificate and be working in a job I enjoy so that I can pay my own bills
In two years, I want to live independently in an apartment and be confident to manage my household tasks, personal care and finances.
SMART Goals.
The SMART goals process is helpful for people on the NDIS as it allows for clear, measurable and meaningful goal setting. The SMART method has five characteristics.
Specific: Clearly define your goal and focus on the desired outcome
Measurable: Work out how to track your progress so you can demonstrate where you started and how you are improving
Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and achievable for you
Relevant: Align your goals with your interests, needs and aspirations
Time-bound: Set a specific timeframe for achieving your goal.
Example of a SMART goal.
By December next year, I will be living independently by developing essential life skills, finding an apartment and accessing necessary support services.
Steps for setting NDIS goals.
Step 1: Think about what’s important to you and how you would like your life to look in the future. For example: “I like participating in activities at my local community centre.”
Step 2: Work out what you might like to improve on or achieve in relation to what’s important to you. If connection with other like-minded people is important to you, you might say “Be more active in my community by attending social activities.” Goals should be written in your own words.
Step 3: Break down each goal into steps. Up to four steps for each goal can be included in an NDIS Plan.
Step 4: Write down the supports you need. Consider any challenges you face and the types of support that may help. Supports may be funded by the NDIS or provided by your family or other organisation.
This information can be shared with your NDIA planner or local area coordinator at your NDIS plan meeting.
8 NDIS goal setting tips.
- Be realistic. It’s easier to stay motivated when your goals are achievable
- Give yourself a timeframe for achieving each goal
- Set goals that align with your interests and strengths
- Break goals into smaller steps
- Reach out to friends, family or support workers for input
- Get a goal buddy, a friend, family member or support worker who can help keep you accountable (plus it’s more fun!)
- Be flexible and open to adjust your goals as circumstances change
- Use the Leap in! app to keep your goal information in one place and in a format that’s ready for your NDIS plan meeting or plan reassessment.
Where to get help with NDIS goal setting.
Having a knowledgeable guide who understands the NDIS can greatly simplify the goal-setting process and provide valuable assistance.
The right person will be able to explore options with you, make suggestions and help you determine the right goals based on your values, strengths and aspirations.
Local area coordinator (LAC): A LAC can help you create and work towards your goal, make decisions and access the supports you need. They can talk to you about goals and write them down in your own words.
Support coordinator: Can help you identify and describe your goals and the steps to achieve them. They can also explain how to use the supports in your plan and assist with service agreements and bookings.
Allied health professionals: Can provide reports on goals you’ve achieved, identify barriers and how they can be overcome; and conduct assessments to identify your abilities, strengths and areas for improvement. They can also help you break goals into smaller, actionable steps.
Friends and family: People who know you well can provide insights on your strengths, interests and potential areas for growth which can be helpful when setting goals.
Other people in your support network: Talking to other people on the NDIS about their goals, how they record and track them can provide a unique perspective.
Top tip: The Leap in! app is the perfect partner for NDIS goal setting and tracking. It allows you to record your goals somewhere that’s always available and accessible – and track progress along the way.
What to do if your goals change.
Identifying if your goals have changed is an important step in ensuring your plans and aspirations remain aligned. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to work out if you need to change or update your goals.
- Have my circumstances changed?
- Have my interests changed?
- Does looking at my goals make me feel overwhelmed?
- Are barriers or challenges preventing me from making progress towards my goals?
- Do people I trust think that my goals are unrealistic or need tweaking?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to change your goals. Goal updates are a natural part of personal growth and development so don’t be concerned if your goals change. They’re your goals after all!
How to change your goals with the NDIS.
You can change your NDIS goals at any time without changing anything else in your NDIS Plan. The NDIS will update your plan with the new statement of goals and aspirations and send you a varied plan within seven days.
However, if you change your goals and need different supports as a result, you’ll need to ask the NDIS for a plan variation or reassessment which could result in a new plan.
Check out My circumstances have changed: What next? for details.
Reviewing your goals.
Being prepared or your plan meeting or reassessment is the best way to ensure you get the supports you really need.
Spend some time reviewing your goals, current supports and ideal future supports. The Leap in! app has a dedicated section where you can add all the information needed for your meeting so you feel organised and confident.
Some questions to ask yourself:
- Do my goals still meet my current aspirations?
- Do I need to adjust any of my goals due to changes in circumstances or priorities?
- What are the actions or habits that helped me to achieve my goals?
- How close am I to achieving each goal?
- Am I spending all of my NDIS funds?
- Could my NDIS funds go further?
- What barriers are in the way of achieving my goals?
Celebrate your successes.
Celebrating goals is important for confidence and motivation. It reminds you of your capabilities and can give you a big boost.
It’s important to stop and acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they are. Do something you enjoy, grab your goal buddy or friend and spend some time celebrating you!
Get your Free goals ebook!
Keen to put this information into practice? Leap in! has a free ebook designed to help you set and achieve your NDIS goals.
You’ll find information on goal setting for different stages of life including:
- Early childhood
- School-aged children
- Teenagers and young adults
- School to further education and work
- Home and living goals
- Social and community participation goals
- Employment-related NDIS goals.
The ebook, Understanding goals and achieving outcomes with the NDIS: A practical guide for success answers all your goal related questions.
We hope you find it helpful.