When it comes to getting the most out of your NDIS plan, setting clear goals is one of the most important steps you can take.
Your goals help shape the supports, services, and Assistive Technology (AT) that may be included in your plan. They provide a roadmap for where you want to go and help the NDIS understand how funding can support you to achieve greater independence, participation, and quality of life.
In our previous blog, Your NDIS Plan – Planning to Plan, including incorporating AT Solutions, we explored how preparing for your planning meeting, considering your day-to-day routines, and identifying areas where support is needed can help lay the foundation for a successful plan.
Once you've done that groundwork, the next step is turning your needs and aspirations into meaningful goals.
Why Goals Matter
Your NDIS funding is designed to support outcomes, not simply purchase equipment or services.
Whether you're seeking therapy, support workers, home modifications, or assistive technology, decision-makers need to understand how those supports will help you achieve your goals.
This is particularly important when requesting Assistive Technology. Rather than focusing on the equipment itself, it's important to think about what that equipment will enable you to do.
For example, instead of saying:
"I need a power wheelchair."
Consider framing the goal as:
"I want to independently access my local community, attend appointments, and participate in social activities with less reliance on others."
The wheelchair then becomes the tool that helps achieve that outcome.
Think About What Matters Most
Everyone's goals are different.
For some people, the priority may be participating in school, work, or community activities. For others, it may be improving comfort, reducing fatigue, increasing safety, or becoming more independent at home.
Some examples of meaningful NDIS goals might include:
- Participating in social and community activities.
- Increasing independence with daily living tasks.
- Improving mobility and access to the community.
- Supporting participation at school, university, or work.
- Building physical strength and endurance.
- Reducing reliance on family members or carers.
- Maintaining comfort, health, and wellbeing.
The clearer you can describe the outcome you're trying to achieve, the easier it becomes to identify the right supports.
Make Your Goals SMART
A useful way to structure goals is by using the SMART framework.
Goals should be:
- Specific – Clearly describe what you want to achieve.
- Measurable – Include a way to track progress.
- Achievable – Be realistic and appropriate to your circumstances.
- Relevant – Align with your lifestyle, priorities, and support needs.
- Time-Bound – Include a timeframe where possible.
Example
Less effective goal:
"I want a wheelchair."
SMART goal:
"Within the next six months, I will independently access my local shopping centre and attend weekly community activities using appropriate mobility equipment."
This approach focuses on the outcome rather than the product itself.
Consider Both Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Your NDIS plan should support both immediate needs and future aspirations.
Short-Term Goals
Short-term goals are often focused on current challenges and can usually be achieved within the duration of your plan.
Examples include:
- Improving participation at school.
- Accessing community activities more regularly.
- Developing confidence using new equipment.
- Improving seating, positioning, or pressure care.
Long-Term Goals
Long-term goals look ahead and support bigger life aspirations.
Examples include:
- Living more independently.
- Pursuing employment opportunities.
- Increasing community participation.
- Transitioning into adulthood or independent living.
- Maintaining mobility and function over time.
Considering both short-term and long-term outcomes can help ensure your supports continue to meet your needs as circumstances change.
Connecting Goals to Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology can play a significant role in helping people achieve their goals.
Whether it's a wheelchair, communication device, seating system, walking aid, standing frame, or environmental control system, the most effective AT solutions are those that directly support meaningful outcomes.
When an AT recommendation is linked to a clear goal, it helps demonstrate:
- Why the equipment is needed.
- How it will improve participation and independence.
- Why it represents value for money.
- How it supports long-term outcomes.
This connection is often a key factor when funding decisions are being considered.
Keep a Record of Your Progress
One of the simplest ways to support future NDIS plan reviews is to document how your current supports and equipment are working.
Consider keeping notes about:
- Activities you can now do independently.
- Challenges you still face.
- Situations where equipment has improved participation.
- Areas where additional support may be needed.
This information can be invaluable during plan reviews and when discussing future funding requirements with your therapist or support team.
Working with Your Support Team
You don't have to navigate goal setting alone.
Your therapist, Assistive Technology Assessor, support coordinator, and family or friends can all help translate your daily challenges into meaningful goals and identify supports that align with your NDIS plan.
Together, they can help ensure that funding requests are focused on outcomes that genuinely improve your everyday life.
Putting Goals at the Centre of Your Plan
At its core, the NDIS is designed to help people achieve their goals and live the life they choose.
By taking the time to define meaningful goals, think about both current and future aspirations, and connect supports to real-world outcomes, you create a stronger foundation for your NDIS plan.
The right goals don't just guide funding decisions — they help ensure every support, service, and piece of Assistive Technology works towards what matters most to you.
