The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was designed with a simple yet powerful philosophy at its core: to empower individuals with disabilities to live more independent, fulfilling lives. One of the most critical elements of the NDIS is its commitment to choice and control—two principles that give participants greater authority over their support services and, ultimately, their lives.
This blog explores why choice and control are so essential in the NDIS and how these principles can lead to more meaningful outcomes for participants.
What Do Choice and Control Mean in the NDIS?
At its heart, choice refers to the ability of NDIS participants to select the services and providers that best meet their needs and preferences. Whether it’s choosing who provides their personal care, where they live, or what community activities they engage in, participants are encouraged to take an active role in these decisions.
Control complements this by allowing participants to manage their NDIS funding and direct how their support is delivered. Participants have the flexibility to tailor their NDIS plans according to their goals, giving them greater autonomy in making decisions that impact their everyday lives.
Why Is Choice and Control So Important?
- Empowerment and Independence One of the primary goals of the NDIS is to support people with disabilities in leading more independent lives. Choice and control are essential in achieving this. When participants have the freedom to choose their support services, they become more empowered to shape their lives according to their needs, preferences, and goals.Instead of having decisions made for them, participants have the power to take the lead, making them active decision-makers rather than passive recipients of care. This level of autonomy can significantly enhance their sense of agency and confidence.
- Tailored Support for Better Outcomes Every individual is unique, and so are their support needs. The NDIS recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone. By providing choice and control, the NDIS allows participants to personalize their supports to suit their specific circumstances.For instance, one participant may need more physical support to manage daily tasks, while another might focus on building life skills or accessing mental health services. When participants can direct their own funding and services, they’re more likely to receive the support that aligns with their goals, ultimately leading to better outcomes in both the short and long term.
- Flexibility and Adaptability Life is full of changes, and the needs of NDIS participants are no different. Whether it’s adjusting to new health challenges, moving homes, or setting new personal goals, participants’ needs will evolve over time. The principle of choice and control ensures that participants have the flexibility to adapt their plans as their circumstances change.Participants can adjust their services or switch providers if they feel their needs are no longer being met. This flexibility is key to ensuring that participants continue to receive the support they need as their lives and situations shift.
- Improving Quality and Accountability By giving participants the power to choose, the NDIS has also created an environment where service providers are held accountable for delivering high-quality care. When participants can choose who provides their support, it encourages providers to offer excellent services to remain competitive.Providers are motivated to listen to their clients, innovate, and improve their offerings. As a result, participants are more likely to receive higher-quality, person-centered care that meets their individual needs.
- Building Stronger Relationships Choice and control also foster stronger, more positive relationships between participants and their support workers. When participants can choose the people who support them, they are more likely to feel comfortable and form genuine, trust-based connections. This is especially important for participants receiving personal or intimate care, where feeling respected and understood is critical.These strong relationships enhance not only the quality of care but also the participant’s overall sense of well-being and satisfaction with their support network.
How Can Participants Maximize Their Choice and Control?
To fully benefit from the NDIS principles of choice and control, participants should:
- Be actively involved in their NDIS planning: Clearly define personal goals, preferences, and support needs during plan reviews.
- Explore service provider options: Research various providers, ask for recommendations, and meet with potential support teams before making a decision.
- Communicate openly with providers: Let providers know what’s working, what isn’t, and what changes might improve the quality of support.
Overcoming Challenges in Choice and Control
While choice and control are empowering, they can also feel daunting at times. Participants may encounter challenges, such as navigating the complexities of NDIS funding, understanding all available service options, or feeling overwhelmed by decision-making responsibilities. In these cases, participants can seek assistance from their Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator, or Plan Manager to guide them through the process. These professionals can help ensure participants make informed decisions and exercise their choice and control effectively.
Conclusion: Putting the Power in Participants’ Hands
Choice and control are at the core of the NDIS because they place the power back in the hands of the people who need it most. By enabling participants to make decisions about their supports, the NDIS creates a pathway for individuals with disabilities to live more autonomous, meaningful, and empowered lives.
Embracing choice and control means embracing the right to direct one’s own life and supports—a fundamental step toward achieving independence, dignity, and a sense of belonging in the broader community.