Know your rights
As a NDIS participant you have rights.
Knowing these rights and what they should look like in practice will help you advocate for yourself.
Firstly, you have rights when it comes to choosing which supports you want to purchase with your NDIS funds. You also have rights when it comes to how those supports are delivered, something that is enshrined within the NDIS Practice Standards. These standards were developed by the NDIS Commission and describe the rights and obligations of service providers.
We have provided a summary of these practice standards below:
Person-centred supports
You should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions about your supports. Your providers should empower you and give you choice and control over when, where and how you receive your supports. For example, a support service should strive to give you choice in who your support workers are and what you do on-shift together.
Individual values and beliefs
Your supports should reflect your individuality. Your providers should endeavour to get to know you and provide supports that are unique to you. For example, a support service should provide culturally appropriate supports, perhaps organising a support worker who shares your cultural background.
Privacy and dignity
You have control over your information and who has access to it. Your support providers should respect this by keeping your personal details private and confidential. For example, a support service should ask for permission to share any information with another support provider that you have in-place.
Independence and informed choice
Your supports should promote your autonomy, not hinder it. You should be supported in your decision-making, including decisions that involve some degree of risk. Your support provider should never stand in the way of you reviewing or reconsidering your support options at any time.
Free from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination
Your supports should never endanger you. At all times your support providers should make you feel safe and supported. In the event of an incident or allegation, the provider should always step in to support you and investigate anyone who may be involved.
Here is a full link to all of the practice standards: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/registered-ndis-providers/provider-obligations-and-requirements/ndis-practice-standards#paragraph-id-2711
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has a participant information pack to help you understand your rights https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/participants/participant-information-pack
If you have concerns about how your rights are being impacted on by your supports, we recommend having a chat with your support provider. We understand that this can be challenging. It can be helpful to have a trusted support person or support coordinator support you to have these conversations.
If you have followed up with your support provider and are unhappy with their response you can take the complaint further by contacting the:
National Disability Insurance Agency by calling 1800 800 110, visiting www.ndis.gov.au or visiting one of their offices in person.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission by calling 1800 035 544 (interpreters can be arranged) or visiting www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/complaints.
