Below is some information on preparing for a needs assessment with the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC).
There are four core functions of all the NASCs:
- Eligibility
- Facilitated needs assessment
- Service coordination
- NASC annual budget
Eligibility
Check the criteria to see if you are eligible DSS Eligibility
Find a NASC in your region. NASC by Region
You can refer yourself, or any other person or organisation can make the referral for you.
The NASC reviews your eligibility and will make an assessment time with you.
Planning
When you give information at the time of assessment, this will be critical when it comes to service coordination and budget management.
- What are natural supports? (People in your life that assist you that are unpaid – Ie, Grandparent, Aunty, Uncle, and siblings, etc.
- Think about what is typical support for a person the same age without a disability?
Preparation for the Assessment
Create a schedule – take some time to think about your home life and the supports you do regularly.
Create a table for weekdays and weekends, break your day into time slots e.g. before 9am, morning, afternoon, evening and overnight. Note what happens in each period. This information can help inform what additional supports you could access.
The Enabling Good Lives Principles should underpin all conversations with Disability Support Services. Have a think about what a good life is to you and how supports could enable this.
