Tip #16 Typical Week?

"Can you tell me what a normal week looks like for you?"

This is a question you might hear from your NDIS Planner, Local Area Coordinator, or during an appeal meeting. It sounds like an easy question, but many people with disability find it hard to answer.

Why? Because for most NDIS participants, weeks aren't the same from one to the next. Some days you might need lots of help, while other days you can do more on your own. Doctor appointments often don't follow a set pattern. Support workers sometimes can't make it. Your energy levels can go up and down without warning.

So how do you explain this to the people who decide your NDIS funding when they want clear, fixed information?

The answer is to keep good records. The Calendary is a helpful tool for this - it's not just a diary but a way to collect proof of what really happens in your life. By writing down what happens each day, you build up a true picture of your needs.

Then, when someone asks about your typical week, you can give them facts instead of guesses: "My records show I usually need help with personal care 12 times a week, and it takes about 20 minutes longer than what I'm funded for. About 1 in 5 of my community activities get rescheduled because of my health issues. And I always need extra rest time after therapy sessions."

This kind of detailed record-keeping turns your everyday experiences into solid evidence that can back up what you need during planning meetings or appeals.

Your "normal" week isn't about having the same schedule all the time—it's about keeping track of how things change. These records speak for you when the system needs proof of your daily life.

One of the most wonderful benefits of the Calendary is that even when you are lost for words, you can always lay out the Calendary on the meeting table and say "see for yourself".