Introduction
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was created to give people with disabilities greater choice, control, and access to quality services. If you’re an NDIS participant, understanding your rights is essential to ensuring you receive the support you’re entitled to—safely, respectfully, and without compromise.
Whether you’re receiving care at home, in the community, or through a trusted NDIS provider Melbourne, knowing your rights can empower you to make confident decisions and advocate for the services you need.
This article breaks down the core rights of NDIS participants and explains how to exercise them effectively.
1. The Right to Be Treated with Respect and Dignity
Every NDIS participant has the right to be treated with fairness, kindness, and professionalism. Your identity, culture, background, beliefs, and preferences should always be acknowledged.
What this looks like in practice:
- Staff from your NDIS provider Melbourne use inclusive, respectful language.
- You are not judged or discriminated against for your disability, gender, ethnicity, or lifestyle.
- Your privacy is protected, and your personal space is respected.
2. The Right to Access Safe and Quality Services
You have the right to receive safe, reliable, and high-quality care and support. This means:
- Your providers follow NDIS practice standards.
- Your living or care environment is clean, safe, and accessible.
- Your support workers are properly trained and qualified.
- Services are reviewed regularly for improvement.
If your NDIS provider Melbourne fails to meet these standards, you can request a change or report concerns to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
3. The Right to Make Your Own Choices
As an NDIS participant, you are in charge of your life. This includes choosing:
- What services you receive
- Who delivers them
- When and how they’re delivered
Providers should work in partnership with you—not make decisions for you. If you want to change something, you have the right to speak up.
Your choices might include:
- Switching to a different support worker
- Changing your daily routine
- Adjusting your goals or care plan
4. The Right to Be Informed
You should be given clear, accurate information about your NDIS plan, budget, services, and provider policies.
This includes:
- Understanding how your funding is being used
- Receiving easy-to-read service agreements
- Being updated about any changes that affect your care
- Knowing your responsibilities and those of your provider
A good NDIS provider Melbourne will take the time to explain your options and help you make informed decisions.
5. The Right to Complain or Provide Feedback
If something isn’t working or you’re not happy with your care, you have the right to:
- Make a complaint without fear of punishment
- Provide feedback on your experience
- Ask for a change in your services or provider
- Contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if needed
Feedback helps improve services for everyone. You can raise your concerns directly with your provider or through an advocate if preferred.
6. The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Your personal information must be handled with care. Only people who need access to it (e.g., support workers or medical staff) should have it, and they must keep it private.
This includes:
- Health records
- Financial details
- NDIS plan information
- Living arrangements
If your NDIS provider Melbourne breaches your confidentiality, you have the right to escalate the matter.
7. The Right to Have a Say in Your Goals and Support Plan
You’re the expert on your life. Your support plan should reflect your personal goals—whether it’s living more independently, joining a community group, or finding employment.
Your NDIS plan must be developed in partnership with you. It should:
- Reflect your values and lifestyle
- Include achievable, meaningful goals
- Be reviewed and updated regularly based on your progress
8. The Right to Be Free from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
You are entitled to feel safe at all times. Abuse, neglect, harassment, or financial exploitation are never acceptable.
NDIS providers must:
- Train staff in safeguarding practices
- Monitor the safety of services and environments
- Report any incidents immediately
If you ever feel unsafe or mistreated, speak with someone you trust or report the situation through the NDIS complaints process.
9. The Right to Access Advocacy and Support
If you need help understanding your rights or raising a concern, you have the right to an advocate.
Advocacy services can:
- Help you understand NDIS rules
- Support you in meetings or complaints
- Ensure your voice is heard in planning and decision-making
Ask your NDIS provider Melbourne or support coordinator to connect you with a local advocacy group.
10. The Right to Be Included in the Community
You should be supported to participate in your local community just like anyone else. This includes:
- Attending social events and activities
- Accessing public spaces and facilities
- Joining clubs or hobby groups
- Seeking employment, volunteering, or education opportunities
NDIS funding often includes supports that promote community inclusion. Your provider should help you access and enjoy these opportunities.
How to Protect and Use Your Rights
✅ Keep Records
Keep copies of your NDIS plan, service agreements, reports, and any written communication.
✅ Ask Questions
If something is unclear, ask your provider to explain it in plain language.
✅ Speak Up Early
If a service isn’t working or a worker isn’t meeting expectations, address it as soon as possible.
✅ Get Support
Use an advocate, support coordinator, or a trusted friend or family member to help you communicate your concerns.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Not Respected
If you feel that your rights have been violated, here are the steps you can take:
- Talk to your provider – Most issues can be resolved with open communication.
- Make a formal complaint – Use your provider’s complaints process.
- Contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Call 1800 035 544 or visit www.ndiscommission.gov.au.
- Speak with an advocate – They can represent you and help guide you through the complaints process.
Citations
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” NDIS.gov.au
- Australian Government. “NDIS Code of Conduct and Participant Charter.” NDISCommission.gov.au
- Disability Advocacy Network Australia. “Getting Help and Speaking Up.” DANA.org.au