31/08/2026
NDIS TIP OF THE WEEK
This week, we’re talking about something that comes up every day in disability support: Choice & Control, Dignity of Risk, Duty of Care and Informed Decision-Making.
They might sound like formal terms, but the idea behind them is pretty simple.
People have the right to make decisions about their own lives, including decisions that others might not necessarily agree with.
Choice & Control
Having a disability doesn’t mean losing the right to choose. Where you go, what you eat, how you spend your time and what you want to work towards are your decisions.
Dignity of Risk
Sometimes trying something new comes with risk. Taking reasonable risks is a normal part of life and can be an important part of building confidence, skills and independence.
Duty of Care
Support workers and providers still have a responsibility to recognise risks and take reasonable steps to keep people safe. Duty of care isn’t about taking over someone’s decisions, it’s about providing support safely and appropriately.
Informed Decision-Making
Good support means making sure someone has the information they need to understand their options, including possible risks and consequences, so they can make their own informed choice.
The important part is finding the balance.
Supporting someone isn’t about making every decision for them or removing every possible risk. It’s about helping people understand their options, manage risks and have as much choice and control over their own lives as possible.
And really, isn’t that something we all value. What does having choice and control mean to you?