About this resource
First meetings set the tone. This guide helps providers prepare, get to know the participant as a person, explain how the service works in plain language, agree next steps and follow up as promised. It keeps the participant's preferences and choices at the centre.
Purpose
To help providers run first meetings that are welcoming, person-centred and well organised.
Who it is for
Primary profession: NDIS providers and support coordinators. Also relevant for disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Provider staff meeting a new participant for the first time.
Practice setting: Intake, onboarding and first meetings, in person or online.
Suggested uses
- Intake and onboarding
- Training new intake staff
- Planning first meetings with families
- Reviewing first meeting processes
Instructions for practitioners
- Ask about communication and access needs before the meeting.
- Spend time getting to know the person, not just completing forms.
- Explain information in plain language and check understanding.
- Follow up on what you promised within the agreed time.
Accessibility considerations
Offer meeting options (in person, phone, video), interpreters and support persons.
Scope and limitations
A practice guide. It is not an official NDIS document and does not set out compliance requirements.
Research basis
This resource is designed to align with the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct; using it does not by itself demonstrate compliance. Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk.
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Code of Conduct. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-code-conduct
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
