Self-advocacy isn’t about being loud or confrontational. It’s about being clear, confident, and informed. When you know your rights and how to speak up, you can get better outcomes, more appropriate supports, and a plan that truly reflects your needs and goals. Because, here’s the truth: you are the expert on your own life, and the NDIS was built to support you.
Here’s how to advocate for yourself with strength and clarity, every step of the way.
What Does it Mean To Advocate For Your NDIS Plan?
Advocating for yourself means speaking up about what you want, need, and expect from your supports and services. And making sure your NDIS plan truly reflects that.
It’s not about “asking for too much.” It’s about asking for what’s reasonable, necessary, and aligned with your goals.
Whether you’re attending your first planning meeting, choosing a provider, or requesting a plan review, your input isn’t optional or overstepping, it’s essential.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your NDIS Goals
The NDIS is goal-driven. Your supports and funding are based on the goals you list in your plan. That’s why your first act of advocacy is knowing what you want and need.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want to achieve in the next year?
- What do I want more control over?
- What areas of my life feel hard right now?
Your goals might include:
- Living more independently
- Getting or keeping a job
- Building social connections
- Improving communication or mobility
- Feeling more confident and supported in daily life
Write your goals in your own words, expressing how you feel or what you want to achieve. You don’t need fancy language. Clarity is more important than polish.
Step 2: Speak Up in Your Planning or Review Meetings
Your planning meeting is your opportunity to share your feelings and to tell your story. Don’t be afraid to speak up, your story matters. It helps the NDIA understand your daily challenges, what supports are helping, and what you need more of.
How to prepare:
- Bring a list of your goals
- Keep notes or a journal of the supports you use (or wish you had)
- Ask a family member, friend, or Support Coordinator to attend with you
- Bring evidence or reports from therapists, doctors, or support workers that back up your needs
Don’t downplay your struggles. Just be honest. If you need help showering, dressing, or managing your mental health, say it. Your plan is only as good as the picture you paint.
Step 3: Understand What You’re Entitled To
You don’t need to be an expert in NDIS legislation, because your support coordinator will always be there to explain everything to you. But it helps to know your basic rights:
- You have the right to choice and control
- You can choose your own providers
- You can request a plan review if your needs change
- You can appeal decisions you don’t agree with
- You can ask for Support Coordination or Plan Management if you need help navigating your plan
If you’re ever feeling unsure? Ask your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager to explain your options in plain language.
Step 4: Challenge Decisions That Don’t Feel Right
If your plan doesn’t meet your needs, you have the right to ask for changes. This includes:
- Requesting a review of a planning decision (internal review)
- Submitting new evidence or reports
- Seeking help from a disability advocate or appeals support service
- Lodging an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if necessary
This might sound intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Your support coordinator can help you prepare what you want to say, or advocate on your behalf. The sooner you speak up, the sooner things can change. And you don’t have to wait until the end of your plan year, you can request a change of circumstances at any time.
Step 5: Communicate with Your Providers
Advocacy doesn’t stop once your plan is approved. It also means:
- Asking providers to explain things you don’t understand
- Saying no to services that aren’t helping
- Requesting changes to how support is delivered
- Reviewing Service Agreements before signing
- Asking for culturally safe or accessible support
You are allowed to switch providers if something isn’t working. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and understood by everyone on your support team.
Achora: Your Companion & Advocate For Your NDIS Plan
Advocating for yourself within the NDIS isn’t always easy, but it’s powerful. It can lead to more appropriate funding, better support relationships, and a plan that actually helps you live the life you choose.
And the more you advocate, the more confident you’ll become. You don’t have to have all the answers, you just have to start with your voice. Because no one understands your life like you do. And when you speak up, the system has a better chance of working for you, not just around you.
Need help advocating for yourself?
We specialise in helping participants get the most out of their NDIS plans, and ensuring they fit preferences, lifestyles and goals. We’d love to support you on your journey and give you the opportunity to use your voice and share your story.
If you’d like to discuss your options or get help addressing a change of circumstances in your plan, we’d love to hear from you!
