What are NDIS Goals?

NDIS goals are the key things in life that you want to use your funding to try and achieve.

As you transition through significant life stages, like leaving home, entering the workforce, and completing your education, your goals will naturally evolve. 

Why do NDIS Goals Matter?

Your goals are the cornerstone of your NDIS. They serve as the foundation for all the assistance you receive.

Your NDIS funding can only be allocated to support services that are in line with your goals.

What To Consider When Coming up With Your Goals

When you are developing goals, it can be useful to make a list of all the things you enjoy, what you'd like to change about your life, and what you’d ultimately like to achieve. You can use this list to start developing your goals.

If you're having trouble putting together your list, consider having a conversation with a friend, family member, local area coordinator or a support coordinator. Service Providers like Focus Care have support coordinators who can help guide you through this part of the process.

Engaging in dialogue with others can often help provide perspectives and insights that might not have occurred to you.

What Makes A Good NDIS Goal?

Everyone's NDIS goals are different and it's impossible to say for certain what makes a good NDIS goal. However, there are several basic elements that can contribute to making a good NDIS goal:

• Build Your Goals Around Outcomes: A strong NDIS goal directs its focus toward the end result that you're after. Instead of focusing on the required supports, channel your thoughts into thinking about what results you want to achieve with NDIS assistance. For instance, a goal like "improving my communication" is more outcome-oriented than "receiving speech therapy," which is more focused on the support you might be interested in.

• Keep it Flexible: Although it's important to get the right balance between specificity and flexibility in your goals, it's essential to realise that a broader goal offers greater flexibility in how your funding can be used. Keeping your objectives broad allows you to allocate a wider range of supports to that overarching objective.

• Focus on Capacity Building: Effective goals should be aimed at enhancing your capabilities and, if possible, addressing areas where you have disability specific barriers. One of the central purposes of the NDIS is to build independence and promote greater social and community involvement, so you should try to link your goals to this.

• Make your Goals Personal: Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when coming up with your goals, is to make them personal to you. The best NDIS goals are those that pave the way for you to work towards your personal aspirations.

Short Term, Medium Term and Long Term Goals

Goals come in two varieties: short-term and long-term. Strive to incorporate a balance of both types within your NDIS plan.

Short-term Goals

Short-term goals encompass objectives that can be accomplished within a span of 12 months, which is the typical duration of NDIS plans.

Medium and Long-term Goals

A medium-term goal is something that takes 2 to 3 years to achieve.

On the other hand, a long-term goal is something that you will have to work towards for more than 3 years.

How Many NDIS Goals Should I Have?

People often ask, "What's the ideal number of goals to set in my NDIS plan?" While the answer to this question varies for each person, as a general guideline, 2-3 short-term goals and an equivalent number of medium to long-term goals is usually a good number of goals to include.

What Are Some Examples Of NDIS Goals?

NDIS goals can be physical, social, or independence focused.

• Physical goals: NDIS goals can be physical, such as "I want to be able to get out of bed by myself," or "I want to be able to go swimming by myself."

• Social goals: Social goals include things like "I want to make some new friends," or "I want to manage my emotions better so I can become more involved in my community."

• Independence based goals: Independence based goals can be things like, “I want to build my confidence with shopping by myself," or "I want to be able to live on my own and reduce the number of support workers I need." You could also have a goal around economic independence, such as getting a job so you can pay your own costs of living and are not so reliant on community services.

What About a Child's NDIS Plan?

Goals are also an integral and important part of a child's NDIS plan. Like in adults' support plans, goals serve as a roadmap for the supports and services a child will receive through the NDIS. Just like with adult participants, setting goals for children helps define their needs, aspirations, and desired outcomes. They will provide a clear direction for the type of support, therapies and interventions that will be beneficial for the child's development, well-being, and overall quality of life.

What Should a Child's NDIS Goals Be?

A child's NDIS goals should be tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and developmental stage. The goals should focus on enhancing the child's capabilities, promoting their independence, and improving their overall quality of life.

They could focus on things like, improving speech clarity, increasing participation with peers, improving fine motor skills, transitioning to a new school, taking part in community activities or managing emotions more effectively.

The Next Step - Preparing for your Planning Conversation

Once you have come up with your goals, it's important to prepare for your NDIS planning meeting by gathering comprehensive information about your current situation, the challenges you face and the support you require to reach your goals.

How can Focus Care Help?

Focus Care is a registered NDIS provider and we offer a wide range of services and other supports, including support coordination services to help you get the most out of your NDIS Plan.

When it comes to your care, your choices are our focus. With a person-centred approach, we take the time to get to know you and understand your goals.

Focus Care’s NDIS support coordinators have worked with participants throughout Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter region, Melbourne, and the Sunshine Coast to get the maximum benefits from their NDIS plan. We would love to help you too.

Our friendly support team is always on-hand to have a chat about your needs. When you’re ready to talk, just reach out.