17/06/2026
One of the most powerful intake questions an NDIS provider can ask is:
"Tell me more about that."
Not:
"Would you like to start services?"
Not:
"Here's what we do."
Just:
"Tell me more about that."
A referral call is not a sales call.
It's a discovery conversation.
Many providers spend too much time explaining their services and not enough time listening to understand the participant's goals, preferences and support needs.
Good intake helps you understand:
• What the participant is hoping to achieve
• Their support network
• Funding arrangements
• Accessibility requirements
• Risks and preferences
• Whether your service is genuinely the right fit
The goal isn't to sign everyone.
The goal is to create safe, sustainable and person-centred matches.
One of my favourite questions is:
"What are you hoping to achieve?"
Then listen.
Really listen.
Then when they are finished, ask permission 'Thanks for sharing your needs and background information. It's really important and I think we'd be a great fit. Do you mind if I ask you about 20 questions and fill in my intake form to complete the intake / assessment now?'
What's one intake question you've found particularly valuable?