When people hear “independence,” they often think of living alone, using public transport, or getting a job. But independence looks different for everyone.
For some, it might mean learning to cook for themselves. For others, it could mean contributing through meaningful work, developing workplace skills, or earning their own income.
Regardless of how it looks, building capacity is at the heart of the NDIS – and for good reason.
Too often, people with disability face assumptions about what they can or cannot achieve. The Australian Human Rights Commission has identified negative assumptions about the capability of people with disability as a significant barrier to inclusion. These assumptions can lead to limited learning opportunities.
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.
The NDIS funds supports (where appropriate) to help people build skills and independence, often through the Capacity Building budget.
A participant’s NDIS goals guide the planning process by identifying the outcomes they 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 becoming more independent over time.
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 weekly social group.”
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.
Examples of effective NDIS goals
Your NDIS goals don’t need to be big or complicated. Small, achievable goals can lead to meaningful progress over time.
Here are some examples to inspire your own goals.
Everyday living
- I want to prepare my own meals more independently.
- I want to confidently use public transport.
- I want to manage my daily routine with less support.
Social connection
- I want to build new friendships.
- I want to participate in more community activities.
- I want to feel more confident meeting new people.
Confidence and independence
- I want to make more decisions independently.
- I want to build my confidence by trying new things.
- I want to learn new skills that increase my independence.
Meaningful work
- I want to develop workplace skills through meaningful work.
- I want to build confidence working as part of a team.
- I want to prepare for future 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 would I like to be able to do more independently?
- What does a fulfilling week look like to me?
- What new skills would I like to learn?
- Is there something I’ve always wanted to try?
- What activities make me feel happy, confident or proud?
- How would I like to become more involved in my community?
- Are there any daily tasks I’d like to do with less support?
- Would I like to build new friendships or strengthen my social connections?
- Am I interested in developing workplace skills or exploring employment opportunities?
- What would I like my life to look like in 12 months’ time?
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.
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 Avenue, we’re proud to support adults with disability to keep building their skills, confidence and independence – one meaningful experience at a time. To find out more about our programs, get in touch with our team or book a tour today.