When you join the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you will often hear two important words choice and control. These principles are at the heart of the NDIS, empowering participants to make decisions about their supports, services and providers.
But what does “choice and control” actually mean in practice? And more importantly, how can you use these rights to shape your NDIS journey?
In this article, you will learn what choice and control mean under the NDIS, why they matter and how you can actively use them to live more independently and confidently.
Understanding Choice and Control under the NDIS
The NDIS defines choice and control as every participant’s right to make their own decisions about the supports they receive including when, how and by whom those supports are delivered.
In simple terms, choice gives you the power to decide what suits you best, while control lets you direct how those decisions are carried out.
Together, these principles ensure your NDIS plan reflects your individual goals, needs and lifestyle not a standard model. This person-centred approach ensures you remain at the centre of your own support network.
What “Choice” Means for NDIS Participants
Choice is all about freedom and flexibility. It means you have options and the power to select what works best for you.
Under the NDIS, choice allows you to:
- Set personal goals and decide what you want to achieve.
- Choose the providers and support workers you want to work with.
- Select services that match your needs, culture and preferences.
- Decide when and where you receive your supports.
For example, if independence is your goal, you can choose supports that help you build daily living skills. If community participation is important to you, you can select a provider who focuses on social inclusion and connection.
By making these decisions, you shape your NDIS journey around your life not the other way around.
What “Control” Means for NDIS Participants
Control means taking charge of your life and having the authority to make informed decisions about your care. It allows you to be the leader of your own NDIS plan.
Control gives you the ability to:
- Decide how your plan is managed self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed.
- Direct when and how you receive your supports.
- Choose where you live and who supports you.
- Request changes to your NDIS plan when your needs evolve.
When you exercise control, you set the direction of your NDIS experience. You become an active participant, not just a recipient of services.
Why Choice and Control Matter
Choice and control are not just buzzwords, they are about empowerment. They give you the confidence to make decisions, explore opportunities and achieve your goals with greater independence.
By exercising choice and control, you can:
- Build confidence in managing your supports.
- Strengthen your independence and decision-making skills.
- Access supports that truly match your goals and values.
- Create a partnership with providers based on trust and respect.
When you understand your rights under the NDIS, you gain the freedom to live life on your own terms supported by the services that fit your needs.
How to Practise Choice and Control in Your NDIS Plan
The NDIS is designed to give you flexibility. Here’s how you can actively apply choice and control in your plan.
Choose and Change Providers
You have the freedom to select your preferred providers and to change them if they are not the right fit. This flexibility ensures you receive support from people who respect your goals and understand your individual needs.
Before switching, check your service agreement for any notice periods or conditions.
Negotiate Service Agreements
Service agreements exist to protect you and your provider. However, you can negotiate the terms to better reflect your goals and preferences.
Ask questions, clarify pricing and request flexibility around how and when services are delivered. The agreement should work for you, not just for the provider.
Use Your NDIS Funding Flexibly
Your Core Supports budget provides flexibility to adjust funding across categories such as personal care, social participation and transport. As long as your purchases meet the reasonable and necessary criteria, you can tailor how your funds are used to better support your goals.
Discuss funding options with your support coordinator or plan manager to make the most of your budget.
Request Plan Changes
Your needs may change over time. Fortunately, you can request a plan variation for small updates or a plan reassessment for major changes.
If your living situation, employment or health changes, ask for a review to ensure your plan continues to align with your current goals and circumstances.
Choose How Your Plan Is Managed
You can decide how your plan is managed:
- Self-management: You handle your own payments and budgeting.
- Plan management: A professional plan manager oversees finances while you maintain provider choice.
- NDIA management: The NDIS pays registered providers directly.
Many participants prefer plan management because it combines freedom of choice with expert financial support, making it easier to stay in control.
Bringing Choice and Control Into Everyday Life
Applying choice and control does not have to be complicated. It is about making small, everyday decisions that reflect your goals and values.
You might:
- Choose a support worker who shares your interests or cultural background.
- Schedule services at times that suit your daily routine.
- Work with providers who support your independence and growth.
- Regularly review your goals and adjust supports as needed.
Each decision you make helps you build confidence, independence and a stronger sense of ownership over your plan.
Hope & Care Community Services: Empowering Your Rights
At Hope & Care Community Services, we believe independence begins with choice and grows through control.
As a registered NDIS provider in Queensland, we empower participants to make confident, informed decisions about their supports. We design flexible, person-centred plans that align with your goals, values and lifestyle.
Our experienced and compassionate team walks beside you offering guidance when you need it while ensuring you remain in control every step of the way. At HCCS, we do not just deliver services; we help you lead your NDIS journey with confidence. Because your choices matter and your control shapes the life you deserve.
Want to learn more? Read other articles :
- Fall Prevention for Older Adults How Physiotherapy & OT Can Help
- Goal Setting for Teenagers and Young Adults
- Foundational Supports: Building Blocks of NDIS Success
HCCS is a registered NDIS provider. Learn more about our services.
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