Introduction

NDIS plans begin—and end—with your goals.

They’re not just a formality. The goals you set influence:

• What supports get funded
• What reports providers must write
• How your progress is measured
• What happens during your plan review

Yet most participants (and even some providers) are unsure how to set goals that are both meaningful and measurable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the why, what, and how of NDIS goal setting—with examples, evidence tips, and expert insights from the team at Assist Providers.

🎯 Why NDIS Goals Matter

Your NDIS goals form the foundation of your plan. According to the NDIS Act 2013 (Section 33) and Operational Guidelines, all funding must link back to:

• Your stated goals, and
• Your disability-related functional needs

That means vague or unrelated goals can result in:

🚫 Unfunded supports

🚫 Confusing reviews

🚫 Delayed plan approvals

Real-world example: A participant requested speech therapy for social anxiety but didn’t have any communication goals in their plan—so funding was denied.

✅ What Makes a Goal “Good” in the Eyes of the NDIA?

Good goals are:

• Participant-centred (based on what you want)
• Functional (linked to everyday life skills)
• Achievable (realistic in a 12–24-month timeframe)
• Measurable (so progress can be tracked)

NDIA planners often look for this structure:

🔹 “I want to [do something] so I can [achieve an outcome].”

✏️ Example: “I want to build my social skills so I can make friends and feel confident in group settings.”

🧠 Step-by-Step: How to Set Meaningful NDIS Goals

Step 1: Start With What Matters to You

Think about daily activities, challenges or dreams. Ask:

• What’s hard right now?
• What would make life easier?
• What do I want to learn, do, or be part of?

Examples:

• “I want to use public transport independently.”
• “I want to improve my fine motor skills to cook meals.”

Step 2: Break It Into Short and Long-Term Goals

Short-term: Goals you want to work on this year

Long-term: Your bigger life aspirations

Example:

Short-term: Learn to use a communication device

Long-term: Attend mainstream school with support

Step 3: Use Language the NDIA Understands

Frame your goals using terms like:

• Improve independence
• Increase capacity
• Build social/community participation
• Access mainstream services

This helps link your goals to fundable supports.

Step 4: Connect Your Goals to Supports

For every support you want funded, connect it to a goal.

🛠 Example:

Support wanted: Occupational Therapy

Linked goal: “I want to improve my independence in daily tasks like dressing and cooking.”

Step 5: Review and Refine

A good goal is specific but flexible. If it feels unclear or unrealistic, adjust the wording. You can also ask a:

• Support coordinator
• Therapist
• Trusted provider

…to review your draft goals before submitting.

📄 Sample NDIS Goal Bank (By Domain)

👩‍⚕️ Hypothetical Case: Sarah, 27, Psychosocial Disability

Sarah wanted to access social groups but felt too anxious. Her previous plan had no community access goals.

With help from her support coordinator, she reworded her goals to:

• “I want to increase my confidence in social settings so I can join a peer group.”
• “I want to manage my anxiety with support so I can attend community events.”

Outcome: Her plan was updated to include weekly psychology, transport, and group supports.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Copy-pasting generic goals

🚫 Writing goals with no clear function

🚫 Forgetting to update goals during reassessments

🚫 Not connecting supports to goals

🧰 How Assist Providers Can Help

We offer:

✅ NDIS Goal-Setting Templates

✅ Staff training on writing strong, fundable goals

✅ Participant and provider workshops

✅ Review-ready evidence checklists aligned to goals

We don’t just tick boxes—we help you plan for better outcomes.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Your NDIS goals are more than words on a form—they shape the supports you get, the funding you receive, and the progress you make.

Setting meaningful, measurable goals gives you a voice in your plan and the foundation for long-term change.

Start strong. Plan with purpose. Let your goals guide the way.