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Tristram's NDIS journey
Join Tristram as he shares his personal NDIS journey in this witty and inspiring video series.
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Looking back at my first NDIS year
"Plan Partners have been instrumental in helping me, they've been incredibly supportive of my sporting dreams and aspirations. I can continue doing all these things that I love because I've got my NDIS plan in good shape." Tristram, Aussie Powerchair Team and Plan Partners' Customer
Episode 8 - Looking back at my first NDIS year
At the end of 2019, Tristram looks back at his first year with the NDIS, from preparing for his first meeting to bringing his NDIS plan to life - all the highs and the lows. And he gives a sneak preview of what next year will bring!
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Show Transcript
<p><strong>[00:00:00]</strong> Season’s greetings, everyone!</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:02]</strong> Not too much longer until Santa’s here — and welcome to the final episode of My NDIS Journey for 2019.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:08]</strong> Today, we’re looking back at the highs and lows of the year that was.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:12]</strong> So sit back, relax, and let’s reflect.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:25]</strong> Hi everyone, I’m Tristan Peters, and welcome to My NDIS Journey.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:30]</strong> It feels like so long ago that this all began.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:33]</strong> I remember the preparation process — going through those initial planning stages.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:38]</strong> To be honest, I probably wasn’t fully aware of what was in store until I was in it.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:45]</strong> One big question that kept coming up was: what is “reasonable and necessary”?</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:49]</strong> My answer? It’s not always clear.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:52]</strong> That’s why it’s so important to have everything documented — clear goals, strong evidence, reports, letters from doctors.</p>
<p><strong>[00:00:58]</strong> It’s about demonstrating why supports are reasonable and necessary for your life.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:03]</strong> We put in all that preparation work before the planning meeting — gathering evidence, writing goals — and that part felt solid.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:10]</strong> But things didn’t quite go to plan.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:21]</strong> I walked into my planning meeting prepared — documents printed, doctor’s letters ready, and support from my dad.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:39]</strong> Two weeks later, I received my plan.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:44]</strong> I opened it about an hour before close of business and was quite distressed by what I saw.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:51]</strong> It didn’t include the supports I needed to live the life I wanted.</p>
<p><strong>[00:01:57]</strong> It also didn’t reflect what I thought I had communicated during the planning meeting.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:04]</strong> So I decided to take action.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:09]</strong> That meant requesting a plan review.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:13]</strong> Anyone who’s been through it knows — it’s a rollercoaster.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:16]</strong> There are ups and downs, frustration and uncertainty.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:21]</strong> But with preparation, persistence, and the right evidence, things can turn around.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:31]</strong> And they did.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:32]</strong> My plan review was approved — and I received a new plan.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:35]</strong> I was absolutely stoked.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:37]</strong> The NDIA was responsive, walked me through the process, and considered the additional evidence I provided.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:45]</strong> The full review process took about two months from lodging the request to receiving the updated plan.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:56]</strong> Looking back, it’s been a year of highs and lows.</p>
<p><strong>[00:02:58]</strong> But when I stood up and fought for what I believed I was entitled to, things changed.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:03]</strong> For me, the NDIS has meant independence.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:05]</strong> It’s meant freedom.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:06]</strong> It’s meant living the life I want to live.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:09]</strong> If there’s one message I want to share, it’s this:</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:13]</strong> Your NDIS plan isn’t set in stone.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:15]</strong> If you’re not happy, you can review it.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:17]</strong> You can speak up.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:18]</strong> You can advocate for what you believe you’re entitled to.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:23]</strong> Thank you to everyone who followed My NDIS Journey throughout 2019.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:29]</strong> Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season — however you choose to spend it.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:36]</strong> Be sure to tune in for more adventures in 2020.</p>
<p><strong>[00:03:49]</strong> For more information on the NDIS and your journey, head to planpartners.com.au.</p>
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