What to expect at your first meeting with an MSWA Support Coordinator

Your first meeting is about getting to know you, your goals, preferences, and what matters most in your everyday life. 

Getting to know you 

Your MSWA Support Coordinator will take time to understand: 

• Your goals (short-term and long-term).
• What supports you currently have in place.
• What is working well.
• Any challenges or concerns you may have. 

This is your opportunity to speak openly about what you want to achieve and where you need support. 

Protecting your rights, privacy and choice  

In your first meeting, we will review important documents and address any queries you may. These documents are in place to protect your rights, privacy, and choice. 

Reviewing your NDIS Plan 

Along with your Support Coordinator, we will go through your NDIS plan to: 

• Understand the funding available.
• Clarify what each support category can be used for.
• Identify any immediate priorities.
• Ensure funding is used in line with NDIS guidelines. 

Your Support Coordinator will explain how Support Coordination is billed, what activities are claimable under your plan such as, coordination, provider liaison, report writing where required, and plan implementation, and what falls outside of NDIS funding. 

This ensures transparency around fees, no unexpected charges and a clear understanding of how your funding will be used. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about billing, pricing, and how your funding is managed.  

Your Support Coordinator will explain things in clear language and answer any questions you may have about your funding or how it works. 

Identifying supports and services 

If your services are not yet in place, your Support Coordinator will: 

• Discuss suitable providers.
• Talk through options and choices.
• Support you to connect with services that align with your needs and preferences 

The focus is always on your choice and control. 

Supporting you to speak up 

Support Coordinators do not act as formal advocates, but we do play an important role in helping you build the skills and confidence to speak up for yourself. 

Your MSWA Support Coordinator can: 

• Help you prepare for meetings.
• Support you to understand your rights.
• Assist you to draft emails or questions.
• Attend meetings with you to support you in expressing your views. 

If a situation arises where there is a conflict, dispute or you require independent representation, we can support you to connect with a formal external advocate. This ensures you have independent support where needed. Our goal is to empower you to have your voice heard and to feel confident navigating your supports. 

Next steps and action plan 

Before the meeting finishes, your Support Coordinator will help you outline what actions will be taken, who is responsible for each step and when follow-up will occur. 

You should leave the meeting feeling clear and confident about what happens next. 

Your first meeting is not a test or assessment. It is a collaborative conversation focused on building a strong working relationship and ensuring your supports reflect your needs and goals. 

Your MSWA Support Coordinator will support you to:  

• Understand and make the most of your NDIS plan.
• Coordinate supports effectively.
• Build your confidence and capacity.
• Make informed decisions. 

Starting this journey is a positive step, and MSWA is here to support you along the way.