All Ability Hour: AIIM Choices Shares NDIS Insights

Patty and Sparky hosted a jam-packed All Ability Hour on West Bremer Radio, featuring special guest Christine from AIIM Choices, who shared valuable insights into NDIS plan management and the latest updates impacting participants.

Christine explained AIIM Choices unique approach as a plan management service, which offers participants direct access to their own plan manager, bypassing the need for repeated story-telling every time they call. “We aim to provide a personalised experience,” Christine said, emphasising the benefits of working directly with a dedicated plan manager. This approach, she noted, gives participants more control and flexibility, especially when working with non-registered providers.

A key part of the conversation covered recent NDIS updates, including the introduction of stated supports in the new PACE plans. Christine clarified that stated supports restrict certain funds for specific services only, a change impacting how participants can use their budgets. “For example, if a plan includes ‘keeping a job’ as a stated support, that funding can only be used for employment-related activities,” Christine explained.

The discussion also addressed changes to activity fees, which participants are now responsible for covering out of pocket rather than using NDIS funding. Patty highlighted the impact of this change on low-income participants at risk of social isolation due to limited funds. Christine advised participants to reach out to their NDIS planners or local area coordinators for guidance and potential solutions.

In addition to AIM Choices’ services, Patty announced that Focal has a Supported Independent Living (SIL) opening for a male participant in Brassall, inviting interested parties to reach out for more details.