Choice and control

A core NDIS idea: you decide what supports you use, who provides them and how, as far as possible.

What it means

Choice and control is a central principle of the NDIS. It means that people with disability should be able to decide what supports they receive, who provides them and how those supports are delivered, as far as possible. It reflects the idea that participants are in charge of their own lives, rather than having decisions made for them.

This principle sits at the heart of how the scheme is meant to work. Instead of being offered a fixed set of services, you have a say in the supports that go into your plan and how you use your funding to pursue your goals. The scheme is intended to be built around what matters to you, not the other way around.

In practice

In everyday terms, choice and control shows up in decisions such as which providers you use, when and how your supports are delivered, and how you manage your funding. For instance, you may choose one provider over another, change providers if a service is not working for you, or decide how your plan is managed so it fits the level of control you want.

Choice and control does not mean you are left to work everything out alone. You can seek advice, involve family, friends or advocates, and draw on support coordination if it is part of your plan. It also works alongside the requirement that supports are reasonable and necessary. The aim is to give you as much say as possible in shaping supports that suit your life, while still providing help to make informed decisions.

A real example

For example, Marcus was not happy with the support worker arranged through his first provider, so he exercised his choice and control by moving to a different provider whose approach suited him better. He also decided he wanted more say over scheduling, so he arranged his supports for later in the day to fit around his part-time study. Having that control made his plan feel like it genuinely belonged to him.

Choice and control — FAQs

What does choice and control mean in the NDIS?
It means people with disability should be able to decide what supports they receive, who provides them and how they are delivered, as far as possible. It is a central principle of the scheme, reflecting the idea that participants are in charge of their own lives and that supports should be built around their goals rather than imposed on them.
How do I use choice and control day to day?
You use it when making decisions such as which providers you engage, when and how your supports are delivered, and how your funding is managed. You can also change providers if a service is not working for you. These everyday choices let you shape your supports so they fit your life, your routine and the goals you are working towards.
Does choice and control mean I decide everything alone?
No. Choice and control gives you as much say as possible, but you can still seek advice and support. Family, friends, advocates and support coordination can help you weigh up options and make informed decisions. It also works alongside the requirement that supports are reasonable and necessary, so the scheme supports your choices rather than leaving you to manage entirely on your own.
Can I change my providers if I want to?
Generally yes, and this is a practical example of choice and control. If a provider is not meeting your needs, you can usually look for another that suits you better. The way you go about it can depend on any agreements you have in place, so it helps to check your arrangements, but the ability to choose is a core part of the scheme.
How does the way my plan is managed affect my control?
How your plan is managed can affect how much day-to-day control you have over your funding and providers. Different management options offer different levels of involvement and flexibility. Choosing the option that matches how much control you want to take on is itself an exercise of choice and control, so it is worth understanding what each approach means for you.

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