An NDIS planning meeting is a chance to talk about the life you want to live – at home, in your community and in your everyday routines. If you are wondering who attends NDIS planning meetings, the short answer is: you do, wherever possible, and you can choose trusted people to support you. The meeting should centre on your voice, your goals and what will help you live with more choice and independence.

It can feel daunting to sit down and discuss funding, support needs and personal circumstances. Bringing the right people can make the conversation calmer, clearer and more useful. You do not need a large group in the room. You need people who understand your life, listen to you and can help explain what support looks like day to day.

Who attends NDIS planning meetings?

The people at an NDIS planning meeting vary according to your circumstances. Some participants attend with one family member or support person. Others have a nominee, guardian, support coordinator or allied health professional involved. You may attend in person, by phone or by video call, depending on the arrangements offered.

The most common people involved are the participant, an NDIS representative and the people the participant chooses to invite. Every person should have a clear role, and the meeting should not move ahead in a way that leaves the participant unheard or uncomfortable.

The NDIS participant

You are the most important person in the meeting. The discussion is about your goals, your strengths, the support you already have and the areas where additional assistance could make daily life safer, easier or more fulfilling.

You may want to talk about living more independently, getting out into the community, building skills, maintaining your home, managing personal care or staying connected with friends and family. There is no need to use formal language. Simple, honest examples are often the most helpful. For instance, explaining that you need support to prepare meals safely, attend appointments or feel confident catching public transport gives a clearer picture than saying you need “daily living support”.

If speaking in meetings is difficult, you can prepare notes, use communication aids, ask someone to speak with you, or share information before the meeting. Your preferences matter, including how you communicate and how much time you need to respond.

An NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator or NDIA representative

An NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or other NDIA representative will usually lead the planning conversation. Their role is to understand your situation, discuss your goals and gather the information needed to develop or review your NDIS plan.

They may ask about your home, work or study, health, relationships, interests and community participation. They will also ask what supports you receive from family, friends, mainstream services and paid providers. These questions are not a test. They help build a picture of what is working, where the gaps are and what support may be reasonable and necessary under the NDIS.

It is okay to ask questions if something is unclear. You can ask for an explanation in plain language, request a break or say that you would like time to consider an answer.

A family member, friend or informal carer

Many people bring a parent, partner, adult child, sibling, close friend or informal carer. A trusted person can provide reassurance, help remember important details and describe support needs they see regularly.

They might explain how much help you need with morning routines, meal preparation, household tasks, medication prompts, transport or staying safe at home. They can also remind the meeting of the things you enjoy and the goals that matter most to you.

Their role is to support your voice, not take over it. Before the meeting, it helps to agree on what you would like them to contribute. For example, you may want them to step in only when you ask, or you may prefer them to help explain complex care needs. There is no single right arrangement.

A nominee or guardian

Some participants have a plan nominee, child representative, guardian or other legally appointed decision-maker. Their involvement depends on the participant’s age, decision-making arrangements and individual circumstances.

A nominee may assist with making decisions or managing plan matters. A guardian may have authority in particular personal or lifestyle decisions, depending on their appointment. These roles can be complex, so it is helpful to bring relevant documentation and clarify who has authority to discuss or make decisions.

Even when another person has a formal role, the participant should be included as much as possible. Respectful planning starts with recognising the person’s wishes, preferences and right to be part of decisions about their own life.

A support coordinator or recovery coach

If you already have a support coordinator or recovery coach, you may choose to invite them. They can help explain how your current supports are working, identify service gaps and connect your goals with practical options.

For example, a support coordinator may describe difficulties finding suitable workers, coordinating appointments or using funding across different supports. A recovery coach may help articulate goals connected to mental health, connection and building a meaningful routine.

Their insight can be especially useful at a plan review, when you need to show why a support should continue, change or increase. Still, their contribution should reflect your direction. A good coordinator helps you understand choices and speak up with confidence.

Allied health professionals and other specialists

An occupational therapist, psychologist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, behaviour support practitioner, nurse or other professional may be involved if they have information relevant to your support needs. Often, a written report is enough. In some circumstances, you may ask a professional to attend or be available to provide further detail.

Professional evidence can help connect your disability-related needs with the supports you are requesting. An occupational therapist, for example, may explain why you need assistance with showering, meal preparation or safely accessing your home. A speech pathologist may outline communication needs, while a behaviour support practitioner may describe strategies that help reduce distress and support participation.

Keep the meeting focused. You do not need to invite every professional you have ever seen. The most useful evidence is current, relevant and connected to your goals and everyday support needs.

Your support provider, where appropriate

A provider can sometimes offer useful information about the practical support you receive, particularly when your needs are complex or your current arrangements are changing. They may describe the assistance that helps you maintain routines, build skills or participate in the community.

However, a provider does not need to attend every planning meeting. In many cases, a short service summary or progress update is more appropriate. This can outline the support delivered, goals worked towards, changes in your needs and any risks that need careful planning.

At Acme Living Care Australia, we understand that meaningful evidence is often found in everyday details: whether someone can safely manage a shower routine, prepare a meal, keep their home comfortable, get to an appointment or reconnect with their local community. These details can help make support needs clearer without losing sight of the person behind the plan.

Choosing who attends your NDIS planning meeting

Choose people who make you feel informed, respected and comfortable. Someone may be a loving family member but not the best person to attend if they tend to speak over you or make you anxious. Equally, you may prefer a small meeting with only one trusted support person rather than several professionals.

Think about what you need help with. You may want one person to provide emotional support, another to explain reports, and a third to help you take notes. If too many people are involved, it can become harder to have a clear conversation. It depends on your confidence, communication needs, the complexity of your supports and whether the meeting is an initial plan, plan reassessment or review.

You can tell the NDIS representative in advance who will attend. Ask whether documents should be sent before the meeting and whether your support person can join by phone or video if they cannot be there in person.

How to prepare together

A little preparation can make the meeting feel much less overwhelming. Start by writing down what a good week looks like for you, and what gets in the way. Be specific about the support you need, how often you need it and what could happen if it is not available.

You might discuss changes since your last plan, such as increased difficulty with personal care, a move to a new home, a change in informal supports, new therapy recommendations or a goal to take part in more community activities. Bring relevant reports, assessments, service agreements or notes from people who know your support needs well.

It can also help to prepare a few questions. You may want to ask how your goals will be recorded, what evidence is needed for particular supports, when you will receive a copy of your plan, or what to do if your circumstances change. Ask your chosen support people to listen for answers and write them down if that is helpful.

Most of all, remember that planning is about your life, not just a list of services. The right people will help you describe the support that lets you feel safe, respected and more in control of each day.