My first post here. I've been a long time lurker. Just want to say that its a great space here. Kind of weird to be finally posting for the first time. I feel like I know you all already.
I'm finally posting because I'm in the middle of planning my NDIS journey and starting to think about what goals I should include in my plan. It’s a bit daunting because, if I’m honest, I’m not used to thinking about setting goals for myself. I often feel like it’s not my place to ask for things, which I know is irrational, but it’s hard to shake that feeling sometimes.
For those of you who are comfortable sharing, what kinds of goals have you set in your NDIS plans? I’d love to hear some examples, whether they’re small, day to day goals or bigger, long term aspirations. I’m hoping it might help me get a better idea of what’s possible and give me the confidence to set some goals for myself.
I know exactly what you mean about feeling hesitant to set goals. It took me a while to get comfortable with the idea, but eventually, I realised it’s important to think about what you need and want, even if it feels a bit awkward at first. One of my main goals was to increase my independence with household tasks, which covers a lot of different things like cooking and cleaning. I also have a social goal, which is about getting out more and reconnecting with friends.
I personally focused on what would make my life easier. One of my goals is improving my mobility around the house and I worked with my support coordinator to get the right assistive equipment for that. Another goal I have is around mental health support, like getting regular therapy sessions.
The NDIS is there to help you live a better life, so don’t be afraid to ask for things that will genuinely help you.
There are quite a few options for goals. Sometimes it is easier to break things down. Goals are very individual, you also want them specific enough to benefit you but vague enough to cover quite a few options. Some ideas for areas to think about:
Assistive technology- would trying out different options and working with an OT benefit you in any ways.
Personal care and domestic assistance- are there tasks in your home you could use help in or skills you could develop? Help organising, cooking, cleaning, showering, groceries etc what kind of support would not only help you get them done short term but also help you develop independence.
Community access - what activities do you like to go do, what activities would you like to try? What supports would help you do that? Would you need transport or travel training?
Mobility and physical wellbeing- would assistance with your mobility benefit you? Access to a physio or OT to gain more physical independence, attaining a mobility aid, could you go further with more mobility. Are you recoving from any injuries or looking to improve overall function?
Mental health- are there therapies that you need or feel would help, would more social interactions help? Do you have anxiety or other conditions that would benefit from more ongoing support and education about their management?
Career- are you interested in further study, help finding a job, support with a job you already have?
Look at different areas of your life and try to make goals where they would benefit you in each of those areas. Then try to keep the goal a little bit broad. For example, instead of having the goal “find a job”, have it as “be supported in engaging in activities that will lead to employment”. Its still finding a job but if things pop up that you had not thought about along the way that will help, it is still covered by the goal.
What helped me was thinking less about “big” goals and more about things that would make daily life less stressful. One of my goals is simply to have more support managing my appointments and paperwork. Another is to work on my social skills, because that’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time. Goals don’t have to be huge, they can be as simple as “I want help staying organised” or “I want to feel less isolated”. Hope that helps
One of the things I found useful was thinking about goals that could grow over time. For example, I set a goal about learning life skills. It started small, things like learning to cook basic meals. Over time, that goal has expanded to include budgeting and grocery shopping. You don’t have to have it all figured out from the beginning, goals can be flexible and grow with you.
Imagine your dream life within reason. How would you get there?
Honestly, I made the mistake of leaving my goals too broad in my first plan and I ended up with supports that didn’t quite fit what I needed. My advice? Be specific when it matters but keep it open enough so that you’re not restricted. For example, one of my goals was to improve my physical health, which gave me room to explore different types of therapies. But I also had a specific goal about learning to use public transport independently. It’s all about balance.
Like Emily said though. Its easier to just imagine what you want from life. Look at the bigger picture. If you get stuck, let the LAC help guide you.
