Each new year provides an opportunity to reassess our lives and set positive new year’s resolutions – and that makes it a great time for NDIS participants to think about creating fresh NDIS goals that tie into these intentions.
Carefully considered NDIS goals can help people with disability maximise NDIS opportunities and live with greater independence, confidence and fulfilment.
As they help give NDIS participants the best chance of achieving their desires – by aiding them to overcome disability-related issues that are in the way of chasing their dreams – they can make a substantial positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Crucially, NDIS goals form an integral part of a NDIS plan and are key to the allocation of your NDIS budget and supports.
So, set yourself up for a fabulous year ahead and maximise your NDIS opportunities with our essential NDIS goal setting insights.
Setting goals: the big picture
When it comes to setting NDIS goals, NDIS participants – or their caregivers – need to first contemplate what they’re aiming to achieve with NDIS support.
These goals can be physical / skills based, or social or emotional (ie building resilience and confidence to allow for greater independence). For example, some NDIS goals could be:
- I want to be able to eat meals without assistance.
- I want to improve my family relationships and feel safe to share my needs.
- I want to feel more confident to secure a part-time job.
- I want to participate in a social activity in my community.
These goals can be short (6 to 12 months), medium or long-term (2, 3 or 4 years), depending on how big the goal is and how long it may take to reach it. It’s smart to list a mix of these.
An important note
If you’re finding setting NDIS goals stressful, don’t be alarmed; this is normal for many people, especially those experiencing mental health conditions.
At LifeLift, our psychologists and wider team frequently work with NDIS participants to support the NDIS goal setting process and make it easier.
Seeking help is critical because NDIS goals can make a big difference in creating a positive outlook and an inspiring, motivating future vision to aim for.
Keys to setting great NDIS goals
- Goals that are outcomes-based but are flexible and not too specific (ie that don’t state exactly what therapy/intervention you want) are ideal.
This is because it provides flexibility in NDIS funding and the supports that may be provided to reach your goal, or your child’s goal. An example is, “I wish to be able to dress myself so I can be more independent” vs “I wish to see an OT to help me put on my clothing more easily.”
- It may sound obvious, but your goals need to be specific to you and to achieving what you want for your life. Getting input from others is important, as long as they know you well and support your Seeking professional advice, such as from your counsellor or psychologist, can be powerful and help you through the challenges and limiting beliefs that goal setting can bring up.
- An excellent starting point is to ask questions ie.
- “What activities do I want to participate in that I’m not currently because of my disability?”
- “What do I enjoy doing that I’m not doing at present due to my condition?”
- “What skills do I need to build to pursue my goals?”
- “What are my strengths and how can I harness those in my life?”
- “What could I get better at that would increase my confidence and independence?”
- If you are creating goals for a NDIS participant who is under 18, ensure you sit down with them and seek their input as goals that are meaningful to the person pursuing them are more likely to be achieved.
It may also be helpful to talk to their teachers, therapists, their GP and other specialised caregivers.
LifeLift: your NDIS goal setting partner
LifeLift’s dedicated and empathetic team is always available to support NDIS participants to create NDIS goals that deliver enhanced quality of life and renewed passion to reach fresh heights.
Our psychologists and counsellors understand all facets of the NDIS and living with a disability and are trained to provide proven therapies to NDIS participants of all ages.
Our therapists are passionate about supporting mental health and wellbeing and assisting people to pursue their goals with positivity.
Contact us now and set your NDIS goals with ease so you can make the most of the year ahead!
