Choice and control in where you live
How choice and control apply to your NDIS housing — your right to have a say in where and how you live, and the idea of dignity of risk
What does choice and control mean for housing?
What is dignity of risk?
How do I exercise choice and control?
How to tell the NDIA where and how you want to live
What supported decision-making looks like in practice
What to do when your choices are not being respected
Choice and control when you have a guardian or nominee
Frequently asked questions
What does choice and control mean for NDIS housing?
It means you're the decision-maker about where and how you live — with a genuine say in the type of home, location, who you live with, and who provides your support, rather than being placed somewhere. It includes being given real options and the information to choose between them.
What is dignity of risk in housing?
Dignity of risk is your right to make your own choices — including ones that involve some risk — like anyone else, rather than being over-protected. In housing it means you can choose to live more independently or in a particular way, with support to manage risks rather than have your choices removed.
Can I choose who supports me and where I live?
Yes. Choice and control includes choosing your support providers separately from your housing, and having a real say in where and how you live. If a provider ties your home to using their support, that undermines your choice and is a red flag.
How do I exercise choice and control over my housing?
Be clear about your goals and preferences, ask for real options and information to compare them, choose your support providers separately from your housing, use supported decision-making, and speak up — involving an advocate — if your choices aren't being respected.
What if decisions about my housing are made without me?
That runs against the NDIS principle of choice and control. Raise it — decisions should be made with you, not for you. A disability advocate can help you assert your right to have a genuine say in where and how you live.
How do I tell the NDIA where I want to live?
State your home-and-living preferences clearly and back them with your goals and evidence from your OT and support team, since the NDIA can only consider what it knows. Home and living is a distinct part of your plan, so prepare a clear case for your planning meeting or home-and-living request. A support coordinator or…
What is supported decision-making in housing?
It means getting help to make your own housing decision — information, options and someone talking it through with you — rather than having the decision made for you. A worker might help you visit and compare homes, or an advocate might make sure your voice is heard in a meeting. The choice stays yours; the support is…
Does having a guardian or nominee remove my choice and control?
No. A guardian or NDIS nominee is meant to support and represent your will and preferences, not override them, and they are a last resort who should involve you as much as possible. If you feel someone is deciding against your wishes, an independent advocate can help, and the arrangement can be reviewed.