Human rights

The basic rights and freedoms everyone has. The NDIS is built on the rights of people with disability.

What it means

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to everyone, simply because they are a person. They include things like dignity, equality, freedom from discrimination, and the right to make choices about your own life. These rights are not privileges to be earned or removed; they belong to every person equally, including people with disability.

The NDIS and the wider disability sector are underpinned by the rights of people with disability. These rights are reflected in international agreements that Australia has committed to, which recognise people with disability as equal members of the community entitled to the same respect, choices and opportunities as anyone else. Rights-based support treats people as equal citizens, not as passive recipients of care.

In practice

In everyday support, a human-rights approach shows up in how people are treated and how decisions are made. It means respecting a person's dignity, privacy and choices, supporting them to be part of their community, and not making decisions for them that they can make themselves or with support.

It also means being free from discrimination, neglect, abuse and unnecessary restrictions, and being able to speak up or complain without fear. Providers should support people to understand and exercise their rights, use accessible communication, and involve people in decisions about their own lives. When rights are respected, support helps people live the life they choose, with the same freedoms and responsibilities as everyone else in the community.

A real example

For example, when a group home wanted to set a fixed bedtime for everyone, staff instead recognised Marcus's right to make choices about his own routine. They worked with him to plan his evenings around what suited him, respecting his dignity and independence rather than applying a blanket rule that treated everyone the same.

Human rights — FAQs

What are human rights?
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to everyone simply because they are a person, such as dignity, equality, freedom from discrimination, and the right to make choices about your own life. They are not earned or granted as favours; they belong to every person equally, including people with disability, and cannot be taken away because of someone's disability.
How do human rights relate to the NDIS?
The NDIS and the wider disability sector are underpinned by the rights of people with disability. This means supports should respect people's dignity, choices and equality, and treat them as equal citizens rather than passive recipients of care. A rights-based approach shapes how decisions are made and how people are treated, aiming to help people live the life they choose within their community.
Do people with disability have the same rights as everyone else?
Yes. People with disability have the same human rights as everyone else, including dignity, equality, freedom from discrimination, and the right to make choices about their own life. Disability does not reduce a person's rights. International agreements Australia has committed to recognise people with disability as equal members of the community, entitled to the same respect, choices and opportunities as anyone.
What does a rights-based approach to support look like?
It means respecting a person's dignity, privacy and choices, supporting them to take part in their community, and not deciding things for them that they can decide themselves or with support. It includes being free from discrimination, neglect, abuse and unnecessary restrictions, using accessible communication, and being able to complain without fear. The focus is on people living the life they choose as equal citizens.
What can I do if I feel my rights are not being respected?
You can speak up without fear of being treated unfairly. Start by raising the concern with your provider, and ask a family member, friend or advocate to support you if you wish. If it is not resolved, you can contact an independent advocacy service or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Supporting you to understand and exercise your rights is part of good, rights-based support.

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