When people hear “independence”, some think of living alone, using public transport, or learning to cook for themselves.
For others, it’s the thought of getting a job. Earning a first paycheck. Building a future.
Independence looks different for everyone. But at its core, it’s about being empowered to do things for yourself. And because of this, building capacity is at the heart of the NDIS.
Too often, people with disability face assumptions that overshadow their capability. The Australian Human Rights Commission has identified these negative assumptions about the capability of people with disability as a significant barrier to inclusion. When expectations are low, opportunities to learn, build skills and demonstrate capability can be limited, making it harder for people to reach their full potential and pursue the life they want to live.
By contrast, when people are empowered to develop skills and enhance their independence, they gain greater autonomy, confidence and opportunities to pursue a meaningful life – including meaningful employment for those who choose it.
The NDIS funds supports (where appropriate) to help people build skills and independence.
Your NDIS goals guide the planning process by identifying the outcomes you want to achieve. This ensures funded supports are aligned with those goals and gives therapists, support workers and other providers a clear focus as they work together towards them.
For this reason, strong NDIS goals that support greater independence are important. Well-considered goals provide clear direction for your support team and create opportunities to continue learning, growing and building the skills needed to achieve your goals.
What makes a good NDIS goal?
A good NDIS goal, first and foremost, should be meaningful to you. It should be personal, realistic, and aimed at creating the life you want to live. It should reflect what’s important to you, build on your strengths and be clear and easy to communicate to your support team.
A good NDIS goal doesn’t necessarily need lots of detail, but it does need to be specific and give a clear sense of what you’re working towards. For example:
Less effective: “Be more independent.”
Better: “I want to confidently catch public transport to my workplace.”
Ultimately, a good NDIS goal supports you to build greater choice and control in your everyday life. As your skills and confidence grow, it’s important to review and update your goals so they continue to reflect what’s important to you.
Setting goals for work
Your employment goals don’t need to be big or complicated. Small, achievable goals can build your skills, confidence and independence over time. Here are some examples to inspire your own employment goals.
- I want to develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve my employment goals.
- I want to gain experience in a real workplace environment.
- I want to improve my communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- I want to explore career pathways that match my interests and strengths.
- I want to work towards gaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
- I would like to build the skills, confidence and daily routines needed to succeed in employment.
- I would like support to explore employment opportunities that match my strengths, interests and abilities.
- I would like to develop my communication and social skills to build positive workplace relationships and maintain employment.
Remember, there are no “perfect” NDIS goals. The best goals are the ones that mean something to you and support your ongoing growth and quality of life.
Questions to ask yourself before your planning meeting
It’s important to take time to think about your NDIS goals to ensure they reflect the future you want to create. If you’re unsure what to include in your NDIS goals, ask yourself these questions:
- What are my strengths, interests and skills?
- What type of work or activities would I find meaningful?
- What would I like my life to look like in the next 12 months?
- What skills would I like to develop or improve?
- What would help me feel more confident in the workplace?
- What type of job or career would I like to work towards?
- What experience, training or support would help me achieve my employment goals?
- What barriers or challenges would I like support to overcome?
Need help figuring out your goals?
You don’t have to work this out alone. It can be really helpful to talk through your ideas with a trusted family member or friend. You can also brainstorm with your NDIS contact, Support Coordinator, or Psychosocial Recovery Coach to help bring your goals into focus.
For tips on setting goals for work and other employment related supports, check out the NDIA’s Guide To Employment resource on their website.
Good to know: Your goals help shape your NDIS plan.
While your goals don’t directly determine your funding, they help guide the supports included in your NDIS plan. During your planning meeting, you can discuss how your funded supports will help you work towards your goals.
Flexibility with Your NDIS Goals
Your goals may change over time. It’s okay if you want to change your goals – the NDIA can change the goals in your plan without you having to get a new plan. Learn more about how to change your goals.
Building a more independent future
There is no single definition of independence, and the goals that matter most will look different for everyone. What’s important is that each person has the opportunity to keep learning, growing, and pursuing what’s meaningful to them.
Good NDIS goals are more than just a list of outcomes – they are a pathway to building greater choice and control. With the right support and opportunities, small steps can lead to meaningful progress over time.
At Jigsaw, we support people with disability to build the skills, confidence and experience needed to achieve their employment goals. Through real work, workplace training and ongoing support, we’re helping people prepare for meaningful careers and greater independence. To find out more about Jigsaw’s work-readiness program, get in touch with our team today.