Tip #19 The NDIS Language

Have you ever sat in an NDIS planning meeting feeling like everyone's speaking English, but somehow you still can't understand a word? Perhaps the NDIS or one of their partner organisations phone you to explain what your new Plan can be used for but you have no idea what they are saying. You're not alone!

Here's a fun fact that might make your eye twitch: NDIS planners get several weeks of intensive training followed by mentoring before they're let loose on the system. Meanwhile, participants and families? They get thrown into the deep end.  

One example of NDIS confusing speak is the classic question: "How is your plan managed?" The options are Agency, Self, or Plan. That means the question and answer could be, "How is your plan managed?" "It's Plan managed."

For those of us old enough to remember the Abbott and Costello "Who's on First?" routine, it sounds eerily familiar: "How is your plan managed?" "It's Plan managed." "Yes, I know it's a plan, but how is it managed?" "No, it's PLAN managed." "THAT'S WHAT I'M ASKING YOU!"

And just when you think you've mastered that concept, try finding "Plan Management" in your actual plan. Go ahead, look for it! Oh wait, it's not there. Because in typical NDIS fashion, Plan Management isn't called Plan Management in your plan – it's called "Improved Life Choices." Yes, you read that correctly.

So how exactly are you supposed to know where to find your plan management funding if it's mysteriously hidden under "Improved Life Choices"? It's like looking for milk in the supermarket and finding it labeled as "Enhanced Bovine Secretions."

My advice? Don't be hard on yourself. It's them, not you, making it hard to understand.