What does choice and control mean for NDIS Participants
Choice and Control is used quite often in the NDIS lingo.
Choice: Option, Alternative, Possibility
Control: Authority, Power, Charge
Choice and Control: taking charge on options you want!
Under the NDIS, ‘choice and control’ is a term used to give participants power over the pursuit of personal goals, and the planning, engagement and delivery of supports. This means, putting yourself first by having ‘choice and control’ over where, when and by whom the supports and services your need are provided.
It means people with disability are free on pursing options of their choice for the duration of the plan and do not feel intimidated by shoddy providers or their staff. If you feel your provider is not providing them the optimum level of service, you can report them to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
The NDIS Commission was established in July 2018 to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. The NDIS Commission is responsible for regulating NDIS providers and handles participant complaints against their providers.
Any provider providing services to the NDIS Participants (registered or unregistered) have duty of care towards NDIS Participants and are bound by NDIS Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct requires workers and providers who deliver NDIS supports to:
Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions
Respect the privacy of people with disability
Provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill
Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency
Promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that might have an impact on the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disability
Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse of people with disability
Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
Before signing up with a provider, use NDIS Provider Register to search whether a provider is currently registered or whose registration has been suspended or revoked. The NDIS Commission also maintains NDIS Provider Register contains information on the compliance and enforcement actions taken by the NDIS Commission, including banning orders, compliance notices, and suspensions of registration.
