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of the NDIA outsourcing the planner role for participants who have complex communication needs to specialist services who have experience supporting people with disabilities. Providing tools A practical set of tools could be provided for all planners. Basic communication aids could be developed representing the life domains of the planning process to assist the involvement of people with severe cognitive difficulty to engage in the process. In addition, a set of images expanding vocabulary options in each domain could allow for a deeper discussion, perhaps supported by the use of the Talking Mats TM approach (Murphy & Boa, 2012; Murphy & Cameron, 2008). A non-technological approach that allows picture cards to be manipulated and placed along a visual continuum to indicate preference (e.g., like a lot, a neutral, dislike) is more applicable for some participants than on-line resources such as picture my future (http:/ picturemyfuture.com) which may be useful for other individuals. Providing information There is a plethora of information about AAC on the web; however, planners and plan supporters would not be aware of the process of feature matching for aids or the support needed to implement communication aids effectively. As there is little researched evidence of the most effective ways to inform planners about AAC, a multi-pronged approach may be necessary. One method to convey information would be the development and maintenance of an easily navigated website with commonly referred to resources/ links. This could be developed through a co-design process engaging the NDIS, planners, SLPs, LACs and people with complex communication needs. It would provide planners, families, participants with useful communication tools and strategies that could be updated monthly. SLPs could build the capacity of individuals with communication disabilities to engage in aspects such as writing blogs and moderating forums that would provide opportunities for social and economic participation. Project funding for these activities may be available through the ILC, but funding sources for this type of activity would need to be finalised. Conclusion This paper has attempted to highlight some of the current issues that present barriers for adults with cognitive and communication difficulties when developing a plan through the NDIS. The authors recognise the speed with which the NDIS has progressed and while applauding NDIS’ willingness to implement changes, we would recommend a number of adaptations to the NDIS to ensure greater participation by people with complex communication needs. Currently, individualised goals seem to focus on acquiring tools, especially technological aids; however, for people with cognitive and communication difficulties time to trial different communication aids is vital. Supports must be funded to enable participants to develop new skills, provide time to develop trusting relationships with planners and provide welcoming and inclusive communities. The pre-planning stage for individuals with cognitive and communication difficulties will be critical to ensure that they have the opportunity to fully participate in the planning process and effectively communicate their goals, dreams and aspirations. The principles underpinning the NDIS focus on increasing an individual’s independence and

community participation; thus, it is reasonable and necessary that that the voice of all people including those with complex communication needs are heard and their choices respected throughout the planning process. References Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2012). Intellectual disability . Catalogue no. 4433.0.55.003. Retrieved from http://www. abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/ Latestproducts/4433.0.55.003Main%20Features202012?o pendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4433.0.55.00 3&issue=2012&num=&view Bigby, C. (2014). Is the National Disability Insurance Scheme taking account of people with intellectual disabilities? Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities , 1 , 93−97. doi:10.1080/232970 18.2014.974484 Bonyhady, B. (2015). Reducing the inequality of luck . Paper presented at the Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability, Melbourne, Australia. http://www.ndis.gov.au/ chair-speech-reducing-inequality Clement, T., & Bigby, C. (2010). Group homes for people with intellectual disabilities: Encouraging inclusion and participation . London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Collings, S., Dew, A., & Dowse, L. (2015, November 11th). Effective support planning for people with complex support needs . Paper presented at the Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability. Melbourne, Australia Collings, S., Dew, A., & Dowse, L. (2016). Support planning with people with intellectual disability and complex support needs in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability , 1−5. doi: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1151864 Communication Rights Australia. (2016). Independent Communication Support Worker (ICS). Retrieved 1 Mar 2016, from http://www.caus.com.au/www/content/default. aspx?cid=718&fid=653 Espiner, D., & Hartnett, F. M. (2012). “I felt I was in control of the meeting”: Facilitating planning with adults with an intellectual disability. British Journal of Learning Disabilities , 40 , 62−70. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3156.2011.00684.x Foster, M., Henman, P., Fleming, J., Tilse, C., & Harrington, R. (2012). The politics of entitlement and personalisation: Perspectives on a proposed National Disability long-term care and support scheme in Australia. Social Policy and Society , 11 (3), 331−343. doi: http:// dx.doi.org/10.1017/S147474641200005X Iacono, T., Lyon, K., Johnson, H. & West, D. (2013). Experiences of adults with complex communication needs using low tech systems: An Australian context. Disability & Rehabilitation; Assistive Technology , 8 , 292−301. Johnson, H., Douglas, J., Iacono, T., & Bigby, C. (2012). A model of processes that underpin positive relationships for adults with severe intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability , 37 , 324-336. Kaehne, A., & Beyer, S. (2014). Person-centred reviews as a mechanism for planning the post-school transition of young people with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research , 58 , 603−613. doi: 10.1111/ jir.12058 Mansell, J., & Beadle-Brown, J. (2004). Person centred planning or person-centred action? Policy and practice in intellectual disability services. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities , 17 , 1−9. Murphy, J., & Boa, S. (2012). Using the WHO-ICF with Talking Mats to enable adults with long-term

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