Working in the disability sector
Go to the Handbooks Page to download the Working in the disability sector handbook. (Free for NSW sole traders and NDP Sole Trader members.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.)
Summary
What do participants look for when choosing a service provider?
Like any business, to provide effective products or services, it is important to understand your audience. In the NDIS environment, this includes understanding:
- What participants want from the NDIS.
- What they will be looking for from the various providers in the market.
- The journey participants will be undertaking once they have an NDIS plan.
It is important to help an NDIS participant understand the products /services you provide.
- Do you provide the support they are looking for?
- Do you have a waiting list?
- Do you work in their area?
Participants will be looking for providers that can help them meet the objectives in their individualised plan, which was developed at the start of their NDIS journey. Participants will be considering factors like:
- Your values, experience and expertise as a service provider.
- The qualifications and experience of your staff. Can they choose who they work with?
- Your pricing, inclusions and how often these are reviewed.
- Your capacity to meet their individual / specific circumstances and needs.
- What happens when the participant is unable to attend a scheduled support?
- Your complaint and feedback processes.
Your role as a provider is to meet these various needs, and ensure that participants are able to exercise true ‘choice and control’ in their selection.
NDIS Glossary
There are a range terms and phrases that are important for you to know as you work with the NDIS. The NDIS Glossary provides an eas- to read list of terms (including their meanings) you might come across.
Zero Tolerance
Zero Tolerance is an initiative led by National Disability Services (NDS) in partnership with the disability sector. It assists disability service providers and workers to understand, implement and improve practices which safeguard the rights of people they support.
Read more about Zero Tolerance.
Human Rights in Disability Services
An Introduction to Human Rights in Disability ServicesThis is a free online training program for disability support workers in New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Comprising of five interactive online training modules, this training program introduces frontline support workers to human rights and their application in disability services.
Human rights education in the vocational education sector
The Human Rights Commission has developed a complete resource for the delivery of unit 'CHCDIS007 - Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability'.
Person centred approaches
Person-centred practices are used in teams and organisations to ensure the focus is on what matters to the people receiving support and their families, while paying attention to supporting staff as well. Person-centred approaches ensure that we see people as unique individuals with valuable gifts and contributions.
- Watch a video on ‘What is meant by person centred approaches, thinking and planning?’ Michael Smull talks with Helen Sanderson.
- A range of person-centred templates and tools can be found from Helen Sanderson and Associates – arguably the leaders in training in person-centred service delivery.
- Read an NDP fact sheet titled ‘What is a person centred approach?’ (available to NDP members only)
- View an NDPtv two-part series on person-centred active support and what it means in practice (available to NDP members only)
carecareers Disability Induction Program
Whether you’re new to the sector, or just want to learn more, the Disability Induction Program can provide an introduction to working in the disability sector.
Module one is free! Read more about the carecareers Induction Program.
