How We Support Australian Families Navigating The NDIS
It’s no secret that navigating the NDIS can feel like stepping into a system built more for paperwork than for people. Even though we work within the system, that doesn’t mean we endorse every part of it. We know it’s flawed. We know it’s confusing. We’ve been on the other side of phone calls that go unanswered, plans that don’t make sense, and funding decisions that feel more like numbers than people.
At Achora, we are passionate about leading the charge for support that is centred around humanity, compassion and truly makes a difference. We want to ensure the NDIS feels personal for families, not isolating. If you feel lost, overwhelmed or frustrated by the NDIS, we hope these tips can be useful to you.
Supporting Families Navigating the NDIS System and Their Emotions
There are some common emotions felt by most navigating the NDIS. It’s not fair to think that a system that is built to help, can actually cause more challenges than solutions. But, that doesn’t have to be the case.
If you have the right support, the right team, the right plan you can make the system work for you, not against you. Acknowledging that these emotions are valid is the first step, but adding humanity goes a long way. Here’s how we:
1. Overwhelm and Confusion
The intricacies of the NDIS often make it difficult to understand eligibility, manage the factors of your plan, and coordinate services. From deciphering funding categories to managing endless paperwork and appointments, it can feel like you need a degree just to understand your plan. And for families already carrying so much, this added pressure is more than just frustrating—it’s exhausting.
What might help:
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- We don’t expect you to understand every NDIS acronym or rule. That’s our job. Working with experts who can explain, guide and answer your questions – that also have your best interests at heart – is key.
- Break things down into smaller steps — focus on one section at a time instead of trying to understand the whole plan all at once.
- Connect with other families or disability support groups — sometimes the most helpful advice comes from people who’ve been there themselves.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for things to be explained more simply — everyone has a right to understand their own plan. And any plan manager or support coordinator who truly cares, will make the time to cover all bases and provide enough information and resources to ensure you are confident moving forward.
2. Frustration and Distrust
You’ve likely heard stories—or lived them—about delayed services, unsupported reviews, or even poor provider practices. When trust in the system is shaken, it can feel like no one is truly advocating for your family.
What might help:
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- Keep a journal or log of interactions with providers or the NDIA. Document any missed services, miscommunications, or great outcomes. This helps with plan reviews, keeps providers accountable and gives clarity when things go wrong.
- A trustworthy provider will explain what they’re doing, why, and how. If you’re not getting that, ask for regular check-ins and clear reporting — it’s your right to understand what’s happening.
- Work with providers who treat your family like humans, not files. Look for those who prioritise relationships, not just results. It’s okay to ask: “Who will be working directly with us — and can we meet them first?”
3. Anxiety and Fear
What if the funding is cut next year? What if we lose access to the supports that have finally started making a difference? For many participants and families, the uncertainty is a constant, silent companion.
What might help:
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- Start working with your team to prepare reports 2–3 months before your plan ends. Track goals, outcomes, and supports you’re using. This reduces the fear of surprises and gives you time to advocate properly.
- Focus on what’s working: hone in on the support strategies, providers, or therapies that are actually helping. Build strong relationships around those and document their value.
- Don’t do it alone — if you’re afraid of a plan cut or review, ask your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager to advocate on your behalf. You can also bring trusted family members, therapists, or GPs to planning meetings for added support.
Navigating The NDIS Together
At Achora, we believe support shouldn’t be centred around spreadsheets, but conversations. Here’s how we bring humanity back into the disability support experience:
Listen First, Action Next
Before any paperwork, before any referrals, we listen. We take the time to understand your story, your goals, and your family’s unique challenges. Because behind every plan is a person—and that person deserves care that reflects who they are.
Build Relationships, Not Transactions
Support should never feel like a box-ticking exercise. Our participants are our community. If we know someone has a challenging day ahead, we wait all day to hear the outcome. If someone is close to achieving a goal, we feel triumphant for them. We check in, we follow up, we feel their outcomes as if they are our own.
We’re Here In Every Moment
Whether you’re facing a plan cut, an achievement, or a change in care needs, we don’t disappear. We respond. We advocate. We problem-solve. Because that’s what communities do for each other.
Support That Makes A Difference Starts With Coordinators & Plan Managers
At the end of the day you deserve support that uplifts, not just administrates. You deserve to feel like a person, not a number. And most of all, you deserve a companion in this system who leads with empathy. If navigating the NDIS has left you feeling cold, let us show you what it means to be truly supported. Get in touch. Let’s take this journey together.