What Happens in an NDIS Plan Review?

A plan review is an opportunity—not something to dread. Whether it’s scheduled or requested, this is your chance to ensure your NDIS plan still meets your needs. It’s like giving your support system a tune-up—checking that everything’s running smoothly and adjusting anything that’s not quite right.

NDIS plans are tailored to your goals and current situation. But life isn’t static. Maybe your health has changed, maybe you’ve moved house, started studying, or gained new skills. Your NDIS plan should reflect where you are now—not where you were last year. That’s why reviews are so important.

There are two main types of reviews: scheduled and unscheduled.

• Scheduled reviews usually happen near the end of your plan period (usually 12 or 24 months).

• Unscheduled reviews can happen any time you feel your plan no longer meets your needs. These are called “change of circumstances” reviews.

Here’s what typically happens during a plan review:

• You’ll meet with your LAC (Local Area Coordinator), support coordinator, or a planner from the NDIA

• You’ll talk through how your current plan has gone: what worked, what didn’t, and what gaps need filling

• You’ll be asked about any recent life changes—health, living arrangements, work or study goals, and personal achievements

• Your provider reports, receipts, and notes will be reviewed to show how funding was used

The goal isn’t to trip you up. It’s to ensure your funding reflects your current and future needs.

Top tips to prepare:

• Keep a diary or journal of how you’ve used your supports. What’s made a difference? What felt unnecessary?

• Ask your providers for updated reports. These help show your progress and justify continued or new funding.

• List your goals—big and small. Whether it’s attending a community class or building your cooking skills, goals matter.

• Reflect on what’s changed. Have you needed more support than expected? Or perhaps you’ve become more independent in some areas?

• Include informal supports too—are family or friends doing more (or less) than before?

It’s also important to be honest about what hasn’t worked. Maybe you tried a service that wasn’t helpful, or you had difficulty accessing a program. Your feedback matters and helps shape a better plan moving forward.

Your review is also a good time to advocate for new supports. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with another condition or started working toward a new goal—like employment or independent living—your plan can (and should) reflect that.

Here are a few examples of what might come out of a review:

• More hours for in-home support

• Funding for allied health (OT, physio, or psychology)

• New assistive technology for communication or mobility

• A shift in focus from daily living to capacity-building activities

The process isn’t always quick—but being prepared helps you feel more confident and in control.

If your review results in a plan that doesn’t feel right, you can request an internal review or even go to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). You have rights—and you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

At Alula, we support participants in preparing for and attending their plan reviews. We can help you:

• Gather reports and documentation

• Reflect on your goals

• Draft personal statements or progress summaries

• Attend meetings with you (or on your behalf, if appropriate)

We believe reviews are a moment of empowerment—not anxiety. Done well, they give you the clarity and resources to take your next steps with confidence.

If you’ve got a review coming up (or think it’s time for one), we’d love to help you get ready. Let’s make sure your NDIS plan keeps pace with your life.

What is Life Skills Development?

Life skills are the foundation of independence. They’re the everyday abilities that help us navigate life—from brushing our teeth to budgeting, from catching the bus to making a grocery list. 

For NDIS participants, building life skills can be a transformative part of their journey toward more autonomy, confidence, and connection. At Alula, we offer support that’s tailored to each individual, focusing on real-world application and empowerment. 

Common life skills we support include: 

• Communication and interpersonal skills: expressing needs, making requests, and navigating social settings 

• Personal hygiene and health routines: from brushing teeth to preparing balanced meals 

• Money management: budgeting, shopping, and understanding the value of money 

• Time management and organisation: using calendars, setting reminders, or creating visual schedules 

• Using public transport and navigating the community 

For some participants, learning these skills starts small. Maybe it’s choosing what to wear in the morning or participating in a group cooking activity. For others, it may be about gaining the confidence to travel independently or prepare a weekly meal plan. 

At Alula, we celebrate every step forward. We offer structured yet flexible support that adapts to each participant’s learning style and goals. We work at your pace—and we bring positivity, patience, and encouragement along the way. 

Life skills support isn’t just about the tasks. It’s about building confidence. When someone can prepare their own lunch or book their own appointment, it’s not just convenient—it’s empowering. 

We believe that with the right support, everyone can learn and grow. And we’re here to help you do just that. 

Supporting Kids with Additional Needs in the Classroom

Heading back to school can be exciting—but for families supporting a child with a disability, it can also be challenging. New teachers, new routines, and busy environments can make it harder for kids to settle in. The good news? With the right supports in place, your child can thrive in the classroom, socially and academically. 

The NDIS can help support your child’s education in a number of ways. While it doesn’t fund the school itself (as education is a state responsibility), it can provide: 

• Therapy sessions to build social, emotional or behavioural skills 

• Support workers to help before, during or after school routines 

• Funding for assistive technology, such as communication devices 

• Transport to and from school, especially if public transport isn’t an option 

For example, if your child has difficulty regulating emotions or needs support with transitions, they may benefit from regular sessions with an occupational therapist or psychologist. These services can be funded through your child’s plan under the “Improved Daily Living” or “Improved Relationships” categories. 

Alula works with families to integrate this support into their existing routines. We can liaise with your child’s teachers and school support staff (with your permission) to ensure everyone is on the same page. We also offer training and coaching for parents who want to feel more confident navigating school challenges. 

Here are a few tips to make the school transition smoother: 

• Start a visual schedule. Let your child know what to expect each day with a simple chart or calendar. 

• Practice the routine. In the weeks leading up to school, try dressing, packing lunch and leaving at the same time each morning. 

• Create a calm-down plan. Talk with your child about what they can do when they feel overwhelmed at school. 

• Celebrate the small wins. Progress might look different for every child, and that’s okay. 

School should be a place of growth and possibility. At Alula, we believe every child deserves the chance to feel included, valued, and supported.

What’s the Difference Between Core and Capacity Building Supports?

When you first receive an NDIS plan, it can feel like reading a foreign language. There are categories, codes, and funding terms you’ve never heard of before. Two of the most important—and sometimes confusing—terms are core supports and capacity building supports. 

Let’s break them down. 

Core Supports Core supports are designed to help you with everyday activities and current needs. These are the essential supports that help you live as independently and safely as possible. They include things like: 

• Personal care (showering, dressing, hygiene) 

• Transport (getting to and from appointments or community events) 

• Help with household tasks (cleaning, shopping, cooking) 

• Consumables (continence products, low-cost assistive technology) 

Core supports are flexible. If you have funding under this category, you can often choose how to use it depending on what you need most day-to-day. 

Capacity Building Supports Capacity building supports are all about the future. These services help you learn new skills, become more independent, and work towards your longer-term goals. They might include: 

• Support coordination 

• Employment-related supports 

• Improved daily living (life skills training, therapy) 

• Social and community participation (helping you engage in social or group activities) 

• Improved relationships (behavioural support planning) 

Unlike core supports, capacity building funding is often more structured—you need to use it for its intended purpose. 

So, what’s the difference in real life? Imagine you want to cook more meals at home. Core support might pay for a support worker to help you cook dinner. Capacity building support might fund a life skills class where you learn how to plan meals, shop on a budget, and cook independently over time. 

Both types of funding are essential—and together, they help you meet your goals and live with greater autonomy. 

Still unsure where a service fits? At Alula, we help our participants understand their plan and get the most out of it. Whether it’s helping you access therapy, book transport, or learn a new skill, we’ll guide you through the categories and advocate on your behalf. 

You deserve to feel empowered and informed about your NDIS plan. We're here to make that happen. 

Support Workers or Cheerleaders in Disguise?

Support workers are the heart of what we do at Alula. They might assist with day-to-day tasks like helping someone shower, drive to appointments, or prepare meals—but their impact goes far beyond the checklist. They’re motivators. They’re companions. They’re the steady, positive presence in someone’s week that helps build confidence, autonomy, and connection. 

If you’ve ever spent time with a truly great support worker, you’ll know what we mean. They show up with empathy, reliability, and purpose. They don’t just provide care—they foster growth. 

The relationship between a participant and a support worker can be life-changing. At its best, it’s built on mutual respect and understanding. Here are just a few ways a good support worker can make all the difference: 

• Noticing your strengths and building on them. A great support worker sees potential and takes time to help you develop it—whether it’s learning to cook your favourite meal or mastering public transport. 

• Offering a listening ear and genuine encouragement. Some days, you just need someone who listens. Support workers often become trusted companions, offering not just physical support, but emotional steadiness. 

• Helping set and achieve personal goals. Whether it's building a daily routine or preparing for a job interview, they help map out steps and walk beside you. 

• Empowering you to take control. Good support is never about doing things for someone—it’s about doing things with them. The best workers support independence, not dependence. 

At Alula, we recognise that support isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we work hard to match participants with support workers who suit their unique personalities, needs, and goals. Because when you feel safe and understood, you thrive. 

We also understand that relationships take time to build. It’s why we prioritise consistency—familiar faces, familiar routines, and familiar voices. When participants are supported by someone they trust, they’re more likely to try new things, take healthy risks, and build lasting skills. 

So, what makes someone an exceptional support worker? It’s not a single qualification or trait. It’s the way they show up—consistently, kindly, and with curiosity. It’s someone who asks, “How can I help you live your life, your way?” and listens for the answer. 

Our Alula team is full of people like that—cheerleaders in disguise. The ones who are quietly celebrating your small wins. Who believe in your progress even when you’re having a tough day. Who’ll hold space for you while also gently nudging you forward. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with someone who truly sees you—not just your list of needs—we’d love to show you. Let’s have a chat about how we can help.

3 Common Myths About the NDIS (And the Real Story)

If you've ever felt unsure about what the NDIS covers—or whether you’re even eligible—you’re not alone. Misinformation can stop people from getting the help they need. Let’s bust some of the most common myths we hear: 

Myth 1: “You can’t get NDIS funding unless you have a physical disability.” 

Reality: The NDIS supports people with a wide range of disabilities—including psychosocial, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities. Mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or schizophrenia are all valid reasons to seek support if they impact your daily function. 

Myth 2: “If you don’t use all your funding, it’ll be taken away next time.” 

Reality: While unused funds don’t roll over, your future funding is based on need—not whether you used every cent. Focus on using your supports in a way that works for you, not just using them for the sake of it. It should be a conversation between your support provider, plan managers and the team around you. 

Myth 3: “You’re stuck with the provider you started with.” 

Reality: Choice and control are core principles of the NDIS. You have the right to change providers at any time if you’re not happy. And you don’t need to give a reason—your comfort and confidence come first. 

The bottom line? The NDIS is there to serve you. If something feels confusing, it’s OK to ask questions. Support coordinators and advocacy services can help you navigate the system and understand your rights. 

Confused about what’s fact and fiction? Let’s talk it through.

What is In-Home Support and How Can It Help You?

Everyone deserves the right to feel safe, supported, and comfortable in their own home. That’s where in-home support comes in—it’s not just a service, but a step toward living life on your terms. 

In-home support under the NDIS is flexible and tailored to individual needs. It might include: 

• Personal care: Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, or toileting 

• Meal support: Preparing meals together or on your behalf 

• Medication reminders: Helping manage daily meds safely 

• Household tasks: Cleaning, laundry, and other essential chores 

• Routine support: Getting ready for the day, evening routines, or community preparation 

So, who can benefit from in-home support? 

• Participants with physical or mental disabilities who prefer to remain in their home 

• People recovering from hospital stays 

• Those who live alone and need regular check-ins 

• Families needing extra help with day-to-day tasks 

What’s great about in-home support is that it promotes independence. With the right support, you can learn to manage tasks on your own, feel safer at home, and reduce stress for you and your family. 

Many NDIS participants find that having consistent support from familiar faces builds trust and comfort—and makes a real difference to their wellbeing. 

Want to know how in-home care might work for you? Let’s have a chat.

Coping with Routine Changes During School Holidays

School holidays (22 June–7 July) are almost here, bringing a welcome break for many—but also a few challenges. For individuals with disabilities, changes to daily routines can be overwhelming, especially when structure and predictability help them feel safe and in control. 

Disrupted routines don’t have to mean stress. With a little planning, they can even be an opportunity for growth and flexibility. Here are some tips for managing the shift: 

1. Plan Ahead 

Start talking about what’s coming up. Knowing in advance that school will be on break or services might operate differently can ease anxiety. Visual calendars or social stories can help children understand changes. 

2. Keep Some Structure 

Try to maintain a few key elements of your usual routine—like wake-up and meal times. Familiar anchors can offer a sense of normality even if everything else feels different. 

3. Create a Holiday Schedule 

Make a loose daily plan that includes both activities and downtime. Don’t over-schedule. Keep it simple, visual, and flexible. 

4. Plan Quiet Time 

Everyone needs space to reset—especially during stimulating holidays. Build in quiet time or calming activities to avoid overwhelm. 

5. Involve the Whole Family 

If you’re supporting a participant who lives with young siblings, plan shared activities that everyone can enjoy. This helps reduce tension and fosters a sense of togetherness. 

Change can be challenging, but it can also open the door to learning new coping skills and building resilience. The NDIS can even support holiday-period activities like community outings or short-term accommodation. 

Need help adjusting to change? We’re here to walk alongside you.