Tip #20 Words Disappear

When you sit in an NDIS plan meeting pouring your heart out about your needs, challenges, and goals, something crucial happens: words disappear. You speak, the planner types, but what ends up in your plan often bears little resemblance to what you actually said.

It's not necessarily malicious. The simple fact is we speak much faster than anyone can type. While you're detailing how your disability impacts your daily routine, the planner is condensing, summarizing, and inevitably, losing valuable information.

This disappearance of words has real consequences. Details about your specific support needs might vanish. Nuances about how your condition fluctuates could evaporate. Important context about why certain supports have or haven't worked in the past might never make it into your plan.

The solution? Provide your information in writing before the meeting even happens.

Many participants now prepare what's called a "Lived Experience Statement" – a document that clearly outlines your disability, its impacts, your goals, and support needs. This isn't just another form; it's your voice preserved exactly as you intend it.

By submitting your statement beforehand, you ensure:

• Nothing gets lost in translation
• Your exact wording is considered
• You have evidence of what you communicated
• Planners can focus on asking clarifying questions rather than typing

While verbal discussion remains important, having your needs documented in your own words creates accountability. If something crucial is missing from your final plan, you can point to your written statement as evidence.

Remember: in the NDIS system, if it's not written down, it might as well have never been said.