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# Prepare for an NDIS Planning Conversation: Using LLMs to Get Started Your NDIS planning conversation is one of the most important discussions you'll have as a participant. It shapes your entire plan, determines your funding, and sets the foundation for achieving your goals. With [over 717,000 participants](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10718-ndis-quarterly-report-march-2025-published?utm_source=openai) now receiving NDIS supports, many are discovering that preparation is the key to a successful planning meeting. Today, Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude are revolutionising how participants prepare for these crucial conversations, offering new ways to organise thoughts, articulate goals, and understand complex NDIS concepts. ## Understanding the NDIS Planning Conversation The NDIS planning conversation is a collaborative discussion between you and an NDIA planner where you'll explore your goals, current supports, and future needs. This conversation directly influences the supports included in your plan and the funding you'll receive. [Preparing for your planning meeting](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/preparing-your-planning-meeting) involves gathering personal details, existing supports, daily living management needs, safety requirements, personal goals, and plan management preferences. Understanding your eligibility is crucial before entering this conversation. To be eligible for the NDIS, you must be [under 65 at the time of your first plan](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible?utm_source=openai), be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your daily life. The disability must be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial in nature, requiring ongoing disability-specific supports. The planning conversation follows a structured approach where your planner will verify your identity, review your evidence, discuss your current situation, explore your goals, and determine what supports are [reasonable and necessary](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports?utm_source=openai). These supports must relate to your disability, represent value for money, be effective, and consider your informal supports. The conversation concludes with next steps and information about accessing your plan. For participants with complex needs, the NDIA has introduced a [Complex Support Needs Pathway](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/1002-improved-ndis-planning-people-complex-support-needs?utm_source=openai) featuring pre-access engagement, specialised planners, skilled support coordinators, and ongoing monitoring. This ensures that participants with multi-dimensional needs receive appropriate support throughout their NDIS journey. ## Leveraging LLMs for Effective Planning Large Language Models are transforming how NDIS participants prepare for their planning conversations. These AI tools excel at processing complex information, summarising lengthy documents, and helping you articulate your thoughts clearly. When preparing for your NDIS planning conversation, LLMs can help you digest medical reports, therapy assessments, and other evidence documents that support your application. One of the most valuable applications is using LLMs to summarise your medical and therapeutic reports. Many participants struggle to understand technical language in their assessments or identify the key points that demonstrate their support needs. By uploading your reports to an LLM, you can ask it to highlight the main findings, explain medical terminology in plain language, and identify how each report supports your NDIS eligibility. This understanding helps you speak confidently about your disability and support needs during the planning conversation. LLMs are particularly effective at helping you articulate your goals using the NDIS framework. The NDIA records goals using a [strengths-based approach in the participant's own words](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/setting-goals/how-do-we-record-your-goals?utm_source=openai), with no limit on the number of goals but requiring at least one. You can work with an LLM to refine your goals, ensuring they're specific, achievable, and clearly linked to how NDIS supports will help you achieve them. For example, instead of saying "I want to be more independent," an LLM can help you develop this into: "I want to learn cooking skills through occupational therapy sessions so I can prepare three healthy meals per week independently, reducing my reliance on meal delivery services." This specificity helps planners understand exactly what supports you need and why they're reasonable and necessary. LLMs can also help you understand the [15 support purpose categories](https://ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/am-i-ready/supports-and-services-funded-ndis?utm_source=openai) aligned to NDIS pricing arrangements. By explaining these categories in simple terms and providing examples relevant to your situation, LLMs help you identify which supports might be appropriate for your needs and how to discuss them during your planning conversation. ## Creating a Personalised Planning Strategy Developing a comprehensive planning strategy involves organising all necessary documents and preparing for different conversation scenarios. The [planning meeting checklist](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/planning-meeting-checklist?utm_source=openai) includes bringing NDIA letters, bank details if self-managing, myGov credentials, goal workbooks, and all relevant reports and assessments. LLMs can help you create a personalised checklist based on your specific circumstances and goals. One powerful strategy is using LLMs to conduct mock planning conversations. You can provide the AI with your background information, goals, and support needs, then ask it to role-play as an NDIS planner. This practice helps you become comfortable discussing your disability, articulating your goals, and explaining why specific supports are necessary. The LLM can ask challenging questions that planners might pose, helping you prepare thoughtful responses. For participants attending phone meetings, LLMs can help you prepare by suggesting [phone meeting tips](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/preparing-your-planning-meeting) such as choosing a quiet location, testing reception, having reports ready, requesting one speaker at a time, asking for clarifications, and confirming next steps. They can also help you create a structured agenda to ensure you cover all important points during the conversation. Consider how [Navigating Your First NDIS Planning Meeting: A Friendly](/posts/what-to-expect-in-your-first-ndis-planning-meeting-23ef91a4) guide can complement your LLM preparation. The combination of human insights and AI assistance creates a comprehensive preparation strategy. Additionally, if you're from a diverse background, [Cultural Considerations in NDIS Planning for](/posts/cultural-considerations-in-ndis-planning-for-indigenous-australians-d803fe12) Indigenous Australians provides valuable context that LLMs can help you integrate into your planning approach. LLMs can also assist with understanding specific funding areas. For instance, [transport funding](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/plan-budget-and-rules/transport-funding?utm_source=openai) has three annual levels: $1,784 for participants not working, $2,676 for those in part-time work or day programs, and $3,456 for those working or studying 15+ hours per week. An LLM can help you determine which level applies to your situation and how to discuss your transport needs during planning. ## Challenges in NDIS Planning and AI Solutions Many participants face common challenges during NDIS planning conversations, including difficulty articulating their needs, understanding complex terminology, managing anxiety, and ensuring all relevant information is covered. LLMs offer practical solutions to these challenges, making the planning process more accessible and less overwhelming. Communication barriers are particularly significant for participants who struggle to express themselves verbally or have cognitive processing differences. LLMs can help by breaking down complex concepts into simpler language, providing alternative ways to express the same idea, and creating visual aids or written summaries that support verbal communication. For participants with psychosocial disabilities, LLMs can help prepare responses to potentially triggering questions and develop coping strategies for managing anxiety during the conversation. Understanding NDIS terminology and processes can be overwhelming, especially for new participants. The scheme involves complex concepts like reasonable and necessary supports, capacity building, and core supports. LLMs excel at explaining these concepts using analogies, examples, and plain language. They can also help you understand recent changes, such as the [NDIS Amendment Act 2024](https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/General_Issues_-_Annual_Report/Annual_Report_No_2/Chapter_2_-_Updates_to_the_NDIS_and_the_work_of_other_bodies?utm_source=openai) and upcoming [support lists](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis?utm_source=openai) that will affect what supports can be claimed from October 2025. Evidence gathering and organisation present another significant challenge. [Good evidence](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-support-your-request/providing-evidence-your-disability?utm_source=openai) must be recent, from appropriate health professionals, confirm your primary disability, and demonstrate impacts across life domains. LLMs can help you review your evidence, identify gaps, and suggest additional documentation that might strengthen your application. They can also help you understand how to use the Supporting Evidence Form or Evidence of Psychosocial Disability Form effectively. For participants requiring emergency preparedness considerations, [Empowering NDIS Participants: A Guide to](/posts/ndis-person-centred-emergency-preparedness-guide) person-centred emergency preparedness can be integrated into your planning conversation with LLM assistance. Similarly, those considering housing options can use LLMs to understand [Transforming Lives: Innovative Housing Solutions within](/posts/transforming-lives-innovative-housing-solutions-within-ndis-specialist-disabilit-13531dfb) NDIS specialist disability accommodation. The diversity of NDIS participants adds another layer of complexity. Currently, [9.7% of new participants identify as First Nations, 7% as culturally and linguistically diverse, and 2% live in remote or very remote areas](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10608-ndis-data-highlights-further-improvement-scheme-sustainability-and-participant-outcomes?utm_source=openai). LLMs can help address cultural considerations, language barriers, and geographic challenges by providing culturally appropriate examples and explaining how remote participants can access supports. ## Future of NDIS Planning with AI: A Look Ahead The integration of AI into NDIS planning represents a significant shift toward more personalised, accessible, and efficient support systems. As the scheme continues to evolve, with [personalised budgets](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/6487-personalised-budgets-paper-outlines-proposal-ndis-plans-become-more-flexible?utm_source=openai) proposed to offer flexible versus fixed budgets and overall budget previews before meetings, LLMs will play an increasingly important role in helping participants understand and navigate these changes. The upcoming changes to NDIS planning, including the [Thriving Kids program](https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/tighten-the-criteria-autism-accounted-for-70-per-cent-of-new-ndis-participants-in-2024/news-story/739256aeefde04fb189c58b879501fdc?utm_source=openai) transferring children with mild to moderate autism out of NDIS from July 2026, will require participants to understand complex transition processes. LLMs can help families navigate these changes by explaining options, timelines, and alternative support pathways. The establishment of the [NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10100-delivering-our-commitment-better-ndis?utm_source=openai) with $45.5 million over four years to advise on therapeutic supports indicates a move toward more evidence-based decision making. LLMs can help participants understand emerging evidence about effective interventions and how to incorporate this information into their planning conversations. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect more sophisticated applications that provide real-time support during planning conversations, automated document analysis, and predictive modelling to suggest optimal support combinations. However, the human element remains crucial – LLMs are tools to enhance, not replace, the collaborative relationship between participants and planners. ## Conclusion Preparing for your NDIS planning conversation using LLMs represents a powerful approach to achieving better outcomes and greater confidence in the planning process. These AI tools help you organise information, articulate goals, understand complex concepts, and practice for the conversation ahead. With [80% of participants aged 15+ reporting greater choice and control after two or more years](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10718-ndis-quarterly-report-march-2025-published?utm_source=openai) in the scheme, effective planning is clearly making a difference in people's lives. Remember that LLMs are most effective when combined with human support and professional guidance. Consider working with a [support coordinator](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination/what-your-support-coordinator-should-do?utm_source=openai) who can help you build plan literacy, set up supports, and prepare evidence for plan reassessment. The combination of AI preparation tools and human expertise creates the strongest foundation for a successful NDIS planning conversation. Take the time to explore how LLMs can support your unique planning needs, and don't hesitate to seek additional guidance from NDIS professionals and support networks. For personalised assistance with your NDIS journey, consider connecting with [Sandi AI](https://sandi.app) for ongoing support and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. ## References 1. [NDIS Quarterly Report March 2025](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10718-ndis-quarterly-report-march-2025-published?utm_source=openai) 2. [NDIS Data Highlights](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10608-ndis-data-highlights-further-improvement-scheme-sustainability-and-participant-outcomes?utm_source=openai) 3. [NDIS Eligibility Requirements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible?utm_source=openai) 4. [Preparing for Your Planning Meeting](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/preparing-your-planning-meeting) 5. [Reasonable and Necessary Supports](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports?utm_source=openai) 6. [Complex Support Needs Pathway](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/1002-improved-ndis-planning-people-complex-support-needs?utm_source=openai) 7. [Recording Your Goals](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/setting-goals/how-do-we-record-your-goals?utm_source=openai) 8. [NDIS Support Categories](https://ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/am-i-ready/supports-and-services-funded-ndis?utm_source=openai) 9. [Planning Meeting Checklist](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/planning-meeting-checklist?utm_source=openai) 10. [Transport Funding](https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/plan-budget-and-rules/transport-funding?utm_source=openai) 11. [NDIS Amendment Act 2024](https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/General_Issues_-_Annual_Report/Annual_Report_No_2/Chapter_2_-_Updates_to_the_NDIS_and_the_work_of_other_bodies?utm_source=openai) 12. [NDIS Support Lists](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis?utm_source=openai) 13. [Providing Evidence for Your Disability](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-support-your-request/providing-evidence-your-disability?utm_source=openai) 14. [Personalised Budgets Paper](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/6487-personalised-budgets-paper-outlines-proposal-ndis-plans-become-more-flexible?utm_source=openai) 15. [Thriving Kids Program](https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/tighten-the-criteria-autism-accounted-for-70-per-cent-of-new-ndis-participants-in-2024/news-story/739256aeefde04fb189c58b879501fdc?utm_source=openai) 16. [NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10100-delivering-our-commitment-better-ndis?utm_source=openai)

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Prepare for an NDIS Planning Conversation: Using LLMs to Get Started

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Prepare for an NDIS Planning Conversation: Using LLMs to Get Started