7 NDIS-Ready Individual Support Plan Examples for 2025

Explore 7 real-life individual support plan examples. Get actionable tips to tailor plans for NDIS participants and boost positive outcomes in SA.

An Individual Support Plan (ISP) is more than just a document; it's the master key that unlocks a person's potential, turning their NDIS funding into a life of greater independence, community connection, and personal achievement. However, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Many families and participants in South Australia wonder what a truly effective plan looks like and how to adapt generic templates to unique, real-world needs.

This article demystifies the process by providing 7 detailed individual support plan examples. We will move beyond theory and dive into practical, replicable strategies inspired by various proven models, including Person-Centred, Wraparound, and Behavioural Support approaches.

Each example is broken down with a clear analysis of its core strengths, potential challenges, and actionable takeaways. To understand the broader concept of creating comprehensive blueprints, it's helpful to examine diverse types of planning frameworks, such as emergency action plan examples, which highlight the structured approach to preparedness. Similarly, our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to collaborate effectively with support coordinators and providers to co-create a plan that is not only compliant but genuinely transformative.

By exploring these diverse approaches, you'll be better prepared to advocate for a support system that truly reflects the participant's goals, passions, and vision for their life. This guide is your starting point for building a plan that works for you, whether you're seeking in-home disability support, community access, or exploring Supported Independent Living arrangements.

1. Person-Centered Planning (PCP) Support Plan

At its core, a Person-Centered Planning (PCP) support plan flips the traditional model on its head. Instead of focusing on a person's diagnosis or what services are available, it starts with the individual’s own aspirations, strengths, and preferences. This approach ensures that the support plan is built around the person, not the other way around, making it a powerful tool for self-determination and community inclusion.

This model is a cornerstone of modern disability support, particularly within frameworks like the NDIS in Australia. The goal is to move beyond a simple checklist of needs and create a dynamic roadmap that reflects what is truly important to the individual, as well as what is important for them. This distinction is crucial for creating a life that is not only safe and healthy but also fulfilling and meaningful.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

A successful PCP is co-designed, treating the individual as the lead expert in their own life. It involves a "circle of support" which can include family, friends, support workers, and allied health professionals, all working collaboratively. For instance, organisations like The Arc in the US use this method to help individuals with developmental disabilities map out goals related to employment, independent living, and social connections, documenting these visually to keep them front-and-centre.

The following infographic summarises the core features, key benefits, and common challenges associated with implementing a Person-Centered Planning model.

Infographic showing key data about Person-Centered Planning (PCP) Support Plan

This visual highlights that while the benefits are significant, successfully implementing PCP requires overcoming challenges like balancing individual desires with practical risks and resource limitations.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

Incorporating this approach into an individual support plan example involves practical, person-first steps. It’s about asking different questions, listening intently, and translating dreams into actionable goals.

  • Start with "Good Life" Questions: Begin planning sessions by exploring what a "good day" and "bad day" look like for the person. Ask about their dreams, hobbies, and what makes them happy, rather than leading with questions about their disability.
  • Visual Goal Setting: For non-verbal individuals or visual thinkers, use tools like vision boards, photo collages, or mind maps. Documenting goals visually makes them more tangible and keeps the support team aligned and motivated.
  • Use a "One-Page Profile": Create a simple, one-page summary that captures essential information about the person. This should include what people like and admire about them, what’s important to them, and how to best support them. It’s a powerful tool for ensuring consistent, personalised support across all team members. To find out more about how this client-focused approach is transforming services, you can learn more about the shift towards person-centred in-home care on vanacare.com.au.

2. Wraparound Support Plan

A Wraparound Support Plan is a highly structured, collaborative process designed for individuals, often children and youth, with complex needs that span multiple life domains. It operates on the principle of "no-reject, no-eject," creating an intensive, individualised network of formal and informal supports that 'wraps around' the person and their family. The core idea is to shift from a fragmented, agency-by-agency response to a single, unified plan driven by the family's vision.

Wraparound Support Plan

Popularised by researchers like Bruns, Walker, and VanDenBerg, the Wraparound model is evidence-based and focuses on leveraging strengths to meet needs. It brings together schools, mental health services, child welfare agencies, and community resources into one cohesive team. This approach has seen success globally, from child welfare systems in Vermont to supporting children with emotional challenges in Milwaukee County and aiding family preservation in Indigenous communities in New Zealand.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

The power of a Wraparound plan lies in its team-based, outcomes-focused approach. A dedicated facilitator or care coordinator is central to the process, ensuring all parties are communicating and working towards the same goals identified by the family. This prevents families from having to navigate multiple, often conflicting, service systems on their own, which can be exhausting and counterproductive.

The plan is not static; it is a living document that evolves as the family's needs and circumstances change. This dynamic process is guided by ten core principles, including being family-voiced, team-based, strengths-based, and outcome-focused. This ensures the plan remains relevant and effective, making it a powerful individual support plan example for complex situations.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

For families in Australia facing complex NDIS planning, the principles of Wraparound offer a valuable framework for coordinating multiple supports and achieving holistic outcomes.

  • Build a Unified Team: Proactively identify all the key people involved in the participant's life (e.g., support coordinator, therapists, teachers, family members) and request a joint planning meeting. The goal is to create a single, shared plan rather than multiple siloed ones.
  • Conduct a Strengths and Needs Assessment: Before defining goals, map out the individual's strengths, talents, and resources. Then, list the underlying needs, not just the challenging behaviours. For example, a need might be "to feel safe at school" rather than "to stop having meltdowns."
  • Establish Clear Communication Protocols: Create a shared communication system, like a dedicated group chat or a shared digital document, where all team members can provide updates. Agree on how often the team will meet (e.g., monthly) to review progress and adjust the plan. If you are navigating this process, you can find out more about how to choose the right disability support in Adelaide from Vana Care.

3. Behavioral Support Plan (PBS/PBIS)

A Behavioral Support Plan (BSP), often grounded in the principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), is a proactive and evidence-based approach for supporting individuals with challenging behaviours. Rather than focusing on punishment, a BSP seeks to understand the underlying function or reason for a behaviour. It then uses this understanding to teach and reinforce new, positive replacement skills.

Behavioral Support Plan (PBS/PBIS)

This method shifts the focus from merely reacting to behaviours to creating supportive environments where challenging behaviours are less likely to occur. The goal is to improve quality of life by increasing a person's ability to communicate their needs effectively and participate more fully in their community, which makes it a vital component in many NDIS plans.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

A successful BSP is data-driven and collaborative, involving everyone in the individual's support network. The process begins with a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) to hypothesise why the behaviour is happening (e.g., to gain attention, escape a task, or for sensory input). From there, strategies are developed that are specific to that function. For instance, the PBIS framework, popularised by Rob Horner and George Sugai, is now implemented in over 26,000 schools, demonstrating its effectiveness on a large scale.

This video from the Association for Positive Behavior Support provides an excellent overview of the core principles and values underpinning the PBS framework.

The model's success hinges on consistent implementation by the entire support team and regular data collection to ensure the strategies are working and to make adjustments as needed.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

Incorporating a BSP into an individual support plan example requires a structured, analytical, and empathetic approach. It’s about being a detective to understand behaviour, not a judge.

  • Conduct a Functional Assessment First: Before implementing any strategy, you must understand the why. Work with a behaviour support practitioner to conduct a thorough FBA. This assessment is the foundation of an effective and ethical plan.
  • Focus on Environmental Changes: Often, the easiest and most effective first step is to modify the environment. This could mean reducing sensory overload, providing a clear and predictable schedule, or ensuring communication aids are always accessible.
  • Define and Teach Replacement Skills: Clearly identify a positive behaviour that serves the same function as the challenging one. If a person shouts to escape a noisy room, teach them to use a communication card or say "I need a break." This empowers the individual with better tools. The PBS approach aligns well with a strength-based perspective; you can explore how a strength-based approach can enhance support on vanacare.com.au.
  • Create a Unified Team Plan: Ensure every person supporting the individual, from family members to support workers, understands the plan and how to implement it consistently. Use simple language and clear, step-by-step instructions for responding to behaviours and reinforcing positive skills.

4. Recovery-Oriented Support Plan

A Recovery-Oriented Support Plan shifts the focus from managing symptoms to fostering hope, empowerment, and self-management. This model is built on the belief that personal recovery from mental health challenges is not only possible but is a unique and individual journey. It moves beyond a purely clinical perspective, prioritising the person's own definition of a meaningful and satisfying life.

Popularised by pioneers like Patricia Deegan and championed by organisations such as SAMHSA, this approach sees the individual as the director of their own recovery. The plan is a living document that helps people reclaim their lives by building resilience, developing coping strategies, and connecting with their community. It’s about building a life beyond the illness, not just containing it.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

The power of a recovery-oriented plan lies in its collaborative and strengths-based nature. It’s not about what a professional thinks is best; it’s about what the individual identifies as their own goals and aspirations. This model is often successfully implemented in peer support programs, like those run by NAMI, where individuals with lived experience guide and inspire others.

For example, first-episode psychosis programs in Australia often use this framework to help young people navigate their first experiences with mental illness. The focus is on maintaining social connections, continuing education or employment, and building a strong sense of identity outside of their diagnosis. This proactive approach helps prevent the secondary impacts of long-term mental illness, such as social isolation and unemployment.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

Implementing this philosophy into an individual support plan example for mental health requires a fundamental shift in mindset from "treatment" to "empowerment." It’s about creating a partnership where the support team works to facilitate the person’s vision for their life.

  • Define Recovery Personally: Start by asking, "What does 'recovery' look like for you?" Avoid clinical jargon. The answer might be getting a driver's licence, rejoining a sports team, or cooking a meal for family. These personal goals become the plan's foundation.
  • Integrate Peer Support: Actively involve peer support workers who have their own lived experience of mental health recovery. Their insights and empathy are invaluable in building trust and demonstrating that recovery is achievable. They can offer practical strategies that a clinician might not.
  • Celebrate Small Victories: Recovery is rarely linear. Acknowledge and celebrate small steps forward, whether it's making a phone call that was previously too daunting or attending a social event. This builds momentum and reinforces a sense of hope and capability. To better understand how the NDIS facilitates this kind of tailored support, you can explore more about NDIS mental health support on vanacare.com.au.

5. Individualized Education Program (IEP)

While often associated with the US education system, the principles of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) offer a powerful framework that can be adapted and integrated into Australian support contexts, particularly for NDIS participants of school age. An IEP is a formal document designed to ensure a student with a disability receives specialised instruction and related services to meet their unique learning needs. Its primary goal is to set reasonable educational goals and outline the supports required to achieve them.

This model is fundamentally collaborative, bringing together parents, teachers, special education staff, and sometimes the student themselves to create a shared roadmap for academic and functional progress. The IEP translates a student's needs into a concrete action plan, ensuring their education is tailored to help them succeed not only in the classroom but also in preparing for further education, employment, and independent living.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

A successful IEP is built on data, clear goals, and consistent communication. It moves beyond simply accommodating a disability and focuses on creating an individualised learning journey. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the US, this approach has been refined over decades to support millions of students, from early intervention for preschoolers to transition planning for high school leavers.

The process involves assessing the student's present levels of performance, setting measurable annual goals, and detailing the specific special education services, modifications, and accommodations that will be provided. For students with unique learning needs, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is critical, and seeking a specialized SEND consultancy can provide expert guidance to ensure the plan is robust and effectively implemented, helping to navigate the complexities of educational support systems.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

For NDIS participants and their families, the strategies behind an IEP can be directly applied to education-related goals within their NDIS plan. This approach provides a structured way to advocate for and document the supports needed for a child to thrive in an educational setting.

  • Focus on SMART Goals: Ensure all educational goals in the support plan are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). For example, instead of "improve reading," a SMART goal would be, "By the end of Term 2, the student will be able to read a grade-level text of 150 words with 90% accuracy."
  • Create a "Transition Plan" Component: For participants aged 14 and older, explicitly include goals related to post-school life. This could involve developing vocational skills, exploring work experience opportunities, or learning independent living skills like budgeting and using public transport. This aligns the NDIS plan with long-term aspirations.
  • Document Communication and Progress: Keep a dedicated communication log to track all interactions with the school, including meeting notes, emails, and phone calls. Regularly review progress towards IEP goals and use this data to inform NDIS plan reviews, demonstrating the effectiveness of funded supports and identifying any new needs. This documentation is a vital part of a comprehensive individual support plan example.

6. Trauma-Informed Care Support Plan

A Trauma-Informed Care Support Plan is not just a document; it's a foundational approach that recognises the pervasive impact of trauma and actively seeks to avoid re-traumatisation. This framework is built on the principles of safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. It shifts the guiding question from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?", creating a more compassionate and effective support environment.

This model, championed by organisations like SAMHSA and popularised by experts such as Bessel van der Kolk, understands that past trauma can profoundly affect a person's behaviour, coping mechanisms, and ability to form trusting relationships. Therefore, every aspect of support, from communication style to the physical environment, is designed to promote healing and resilience. It is an essential framework for many NDIS participants, as experiencing disability can itself be a source of trauma.

Infographic detailing the principles of a Trauma-Informed Care Support Plan, including safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

Implementing a trauma-informed approach means embedding its principles into the very culture of a support provider. It requires ongoing training for all staff, from support workers to administrative personnel, to understand trauma's effects. For instance, Housing First programs, which provide housing for the chronically homeless, use this model to create stable, safe environments where individuals can begin to address underlying issues without the constant stress of housing insecurity.

This plan focuses on building a sense of control and empowerment for the individual. It involves transparent communication and offering choices wherever possible, allowing the person to reclaim agency over their own life. The goal is to create a support system that feels predictable and safe, which is crucial for someone whose world has often felt chaotic and dangerous.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

Adopting this approach is a powerful way to enhance any individual support plan example, especially for those with complex needs. It ensures support is delivered with empathy and understanding.

  • Create Safe and Calming Environments: Pay attention to the physical space. Use soft lighting, reduce loud noises, and ensure clear, uncluttered pathways. For someone with sensory sensitivities or a history of trauma, a predictable and calm environment can significantly reduce anxiety.
  • Use Trauma-Informed Language: Train your support team to use person-first, non-judgmental language. Avoid labels and focus on strengths. Instead of describing a behaviour as "attention-seeking," reframe it as "connection-seeking" to better understand the underlying need.
  • Prioritise Choice and Control: Involve the individual in every decision, no matter how small. This could be as simple as asking, "Would you prefer to have your shower before or after breakfast?" or "Which route should we take to the community centre today?". Offering choices helps rebuild a sense of autonomy that trauma often takes away.

7. Supported Decision-Making Plan

A Supported Decision-Making (SDM) plan offers a powerful alternative to guardianship, preserving an individual’s right to make their own life choices. Instead of removing a person's legal capacity to make decisions, this model provides them with trusted supporters who help them understand, process, and communicate their choices. This approach is founded on the principle that everyone has the right to self-determination, regardless of their disability.

This model is particularly vital for individuals with intellectual or cognitive disabilities, ensuring their autonomy is respected in critical life areas like healthcare, finances, and living arrangements. It formalises a support network that assists with complex information, empowering the person to be the ultimate authority in their own life. This is a key component of modern disability rights and aligns perfectly with the choice and control principles of the NDIS.

Strategic Breakdown and Analysis

A successful SDM plan is built on trust and a deep understanding of the individual's values and preferences. It formally designates supporters, such as family members, friends, or professionals, who agree to help the person navigate decisions. This isn't about making decisions for them, but with them. For instance, pilot programs in Texas have shown remarkable success with adults with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to make informed choices about where they live and work, moving them away from more restrictive guardianship models.

The model requires a clear agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of each supporter. This ensures that support is provided ethically and effectively, always prioritising the individual's will and preference. Initiatives like the Jenny Hatch Justice Project have championed this approach, highlighting its importance in preventing unnecessary loss of rights.

Actionable Takeaways for Your NDIS Plan

Incorporating this framework into an individual support plan example focuses on building capacity and formalising a support network. It’s about creating a structured process that enables genuine choice.

  • Start with Low-Risk Decisions: Begin the process by applying supported decision-making to smaller, everyday choices, such as daily activities or social outings. This helps build the individual's confidence and allows the support team to refine their approach in a low-stakes environment.
  • Document Preferences and Values: Clearly document the person’s communication style, what is important to them, and their long-term goals. This document acts as a guide for supporters to ensure their assistance is always aligned with the individual's core values.
  • Train Supporters on Their Role: It is crucial that everyone involved understands their role is to support, not to decide. Provide training on active listening, explaining complex information simply, and recognising when to step back. This helps maintain clear boundaries and prevents supporters from overstepping. To explore this concept further, you can find out more about how a Supported Decision-Making framework can be applied within the NDIS on vanacare.com.au.

Individual Support Plan Types Comparison

Support Plan Implementation Complexity 🔄 Resource Requirements ⚡ Expected Outcomes 📊 Ideal Use Cases 💡 Key Advantages ⭐
Person-Centered Planning (PCP) Moderate to High – needs trained facilitators, time-intensive upfront Moderate – requires facilitators and visual tools Improved autonomy, meaningful goals, higher satisfaction Individuals with disabilities seeking self-determination and inclusion Promotes autonomy, strength-focused, sustainable outcomes
Wraparound Support Plan High – complex multi-agency coordination needed High – coordination, communication, training Reduced fragmentation, better family functioning, cost-effective Families with complex needs requiring coordinated care Multi-agency collaboration, crisis response, cultural responsiveness
Behavioral Support Plan (PBS/PBIS) Moderate to High – requires specialized training and data collection Moderate to High – staff training, environmental changes Reduction in challenging behaviors, skill development Individuals with challenging behaviors across school or residential settings Evidence-based, skill teaching, positive behavior focus
Recovery-Oriented Support Plan Moderate – cultural change and staff training required Moderate – training, peer supports Improved mental health, reduced hospitalization, social connection Mental health recovery and empowerment Hope-driven, stigma reduction, peer integration
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Moderate – legally mandated, bureaucratic processes Moderate – requires educators, parents, evaluations Legal educational rights, tailored goals, inclusion Students with disabilities in educational settings Legally enforceable, parent involvement, clear accountability
Trauma-Informed Care Support Plan High – significant organizational culture change required High – training, environment adaptation Reduced retraumatization, improved engagement & outcomes Agencies serving trauma survivors across systems Addresses root causes, promotes safety & resilience
Supported Decision-Making Plan Low to Moderate – requires documentation and supportive network Low to Moderate – relies on committed supporters Preserved autonomy, enhanced decision-making capacity Individuals needing decision support without guardianship Preserves rights, less restrictive, builds capacity

Bringing Your Plan to Life: The Partnership Approach

Throughout this guide, we have explored a diverse range of individual support plan examples, from the holistic principles of Person-Centred Planning to the specific strategies within a Behavioural Support Plan. Each template and case study offers a unique lens through which to view support, yet they all share a powerful, unifying thread: a commitment to placing you, the individual, at the very centre of the process. This is the fundamental takeaway that transforms a plan from a bureaucratic document into a dynamic tool for empowerment.

An effective Individual Support Plan (ISP) is never a static, one-size-fits-all template. It is a living, breathing roadmap that must be co-designed, regularly revisited, and adapted as you achieve milestones and your aspirations evolve. The journey from identifying a need to realising a goal is paved with collaboration, communication, and genuine partnership.

Synthesising the Core Strategies

Reflecting on the examples provided, several key principles emerge as non-negotiable for success. Mastering these concepts will ensure your NDIS funding is leveraged to its fullest potential, fostering genuine progress and enhancing your quality of life.

  • Person-Centred is the Gold Standard: As seen in the PCP and Wraparound examples, the most impactful plans begin with your voice, your vision, and your definition of a good life. The process should always start with "what are your goals?" not "what services do we offer?"
  • Strengths are the Foundation: The Recovery-Oriented and Trauma-Informed plans highlighted the critical importance of building on what is working. A plan that only focuses on deficits can be disempowering. A great plan identifies your existing strengths, skills, and support networks and strategically builds upon them.
  • Collaboration is Key: The Supported Decision-Making plan, in particular, demonstrates that support is a team sport. Your plan should clearly outline who is in your support circle, their specific roles, and how you will work together. This collaborative approach ensures everyone is aligned and working towards your goals.
  • Proactive, Not Reactive: A robust Behavioural Support Plan is a perfect illustration of proactive support. Instead of just reacting to challenges, it identifies triggers and implements preventative strategies. This forward-thinking mindset should be applied across all areas of your support plan.

From Theory to Reality: Your Actionable Next Steps

Understanding these individual support plan examples is the first vital step. The next is to translate this knowledge into tangible action. This is where the partnership with your chosen support provider becomes paramount. They should not just deliver services; they must act as a facilitator, a collaborator, and an advocate in bringing your plan to life.

Here are your immediate next steps:

  1. Review Your Current Plan: Using the insights from this article, critically assess your existing ISP. Does it truly reflect your current goals and preferences? Is it strengths-based? Does it feel like your plan?
  2. Prepare for Your Next Review: Before your next NDIS plan review or meeting with your support coordinator, jot down your thoughts. Consider which elements from the examples resonated most with you. Do you need a more trauma-informed approach? Would a Wraparound model better coordinate your supports?
  3. Interview Potential Providers: When seeking a support provider in Adelaide or regional South Australia, don't be afraid to ask direct questions about their planning process. Ask them to show you how they co-design plans with participants. Do they listen more than they talk?

The ultimate value in mastering these concepts lies in the shift from being a passive recipient of care to an active director of your life. A well-crafted ISP, built on partnership and respect, is the framework that supports you in building skills, accessing your community, achieving independence in a Supported Independent Living environment, and pursuing the life you choose. It is the bridge between your NDIS funding and real-world outcomes: greater confidence, stronger connections, and a profound sense of belonging.


Ready to partner with a provider that puts you at the heart of your plan? At Vana Care, we specialise in co-designing personalised support plans that translate your NDIS goals into meaningful, real-world achievements. Let's work together to build a support structure that truly reflects who you are and where you want to go.

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